1998 Bentley Azure
Exceptional example and only 33,000 miles from new

Registration No: R483 KPF
Chassis No: SCBZK15C7WCH61681
MOT: September 2026

• 1 of just 45 RHD examples made during the 1998 model year
• Part of a collection of low mileage, exemplary Rolls-Royce and Bentley motorcars which were treasured by their late owner
• Offered with original owner's handbook, service book and maintenance notes
• Simply stunning in Peacock Blue Metallic with Magnolia leather
• Cost the equivalent of circa £460,000 in today's money when new!

There was a real confidence to Bentley and its products in the 1990s which is why it drew suit from both BMW and Volkswagen. Conceived as the most impressive and expensive convertible in the world, the Azure broke cover at the March 1995 Geneva Motor Show. Costing the equivalent of c.£460,000 in today’s money, part of the reason for its exorbitant price tag was that Pininfarina had not only styled the lavish four-seater but were also responsible for constructing its body shell and soft-top. Final assembly happened back at Crewe but having two sets of artisans working in different countries was never going to be cheap. Based on the same platform as its two-door Continental R sibling, the Azure did without any form of pop-up rollover hoop. Instead, its designers reinforced the windscreen, floor pan and sills to the tune of 190kg. Powered by a turbocharged version of Bentley’s belligerently ‘old school’ pushrod OHV 6.75 litre V8 allied to four-speed automatic transmission, the convertible was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds and 150mph. Equipped with all round independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, the Azure rode and handled far better than its generous dimensions suggested. Exquisitely trimmed with the finest leather, wood veneers and carpets available, it turned every journey into an occasion. Exuding a sense of majesty missing from its successors, the droptop Bentley was progressively evolved receiving a power boost to 385bhp/553lbft in 1997 and a facelift the following year. Visually distinguished by a matrix grille, restyled bumpers, new alloy wheels and revised upholstery featuring curved panels and partial ruching, the ‘new look’ Azure was even costlier. Just 243 of the 1,087 first generation Azures were to right-hand drive specification with a mere forty-five of these being completed during the 1998 model year.

A stunning example that is a real credit to its former keepers and which has formed part of a private, Isle of Man-based Rolls-Royce and Bentley motorcars since 2017, chassis CH61681 is finished in the delightful combination of Peacock Blue Metallic with Magnolia leather upholstery. The latter is elegantly contrasted by Blue piping, Blue carpets and a Blue dashtop not to mention the Blue ‘Winged B’ insignia woven into all four headrests. Predominantly main dealer serviced at 835, 1,576, 1,637, 2,066, 2,282, 9,936, 13,909, 16,148, 18,436, 20,595, 23,635, 25,405, 29,965 and 30,810 miles, the Bentley is warranted to have covered 33,000 or so miles from new but presents far better than some nominally lower mileage cars. A note on file from David Wilks, the principal of marque specialist Silver Chalice Services Ltd and the man responsible for the Azure’s care over the past eight years, recounts that he travelled to the Isle of Man every twelve months to inspect the car, carry out any work deemed necessary and clean its underside. Thus, in addition to servicing work Mr Wilks replaced the number one and number two accumulator spheres, fettled the brakes and cured an electric window fault. Still a wonderfully imposing motorcar, this gorgeous Azure is ready to grace another collection and comes with owner’s manual, stamped service book, Mr Wilks’ notes and its twin boot-mounted umbrellas etc.

PLEASE NOTE: The vendor has employed the services of Peter Anderson - www.importedvehicleregistration.co.uk – to oversee the transfer of this lot’s registration from the Isle of Man to the UK. There was no import duty / VAT to pay because the Isle of Man is a crown dependency. The new UK V5C Registration Document will be forwarded to the successful purchaser.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737