Bentley Azure – 1996
Brand: Bentley
Model: Azure
Year: 1996
Chassis: X53609
Engine: MT1T
Displacement: 6,761 cc – 286 kW
Odometer: 43,900 miles
Interior: Magnolia leather
Exterior: Metallic Light Blue
Soft Top: Blue
Description
The 1996 Bentley Azure is one of the most refined and iconic luxury convertibles produced by the historic British manufacturer. This particular example, chassis X53609, was built in June 1996 at the Rolls-Royce Motor Company factory in Crewe, the historic production center of Bentley and Rolls-Royce where each car was assembled according to strict handcrafted standards.
The Bentley Azure belongs to the first generation of the model (1995–2003) and was developed as the prestigious convertible version of the Bentley Continental R. The body design was created in collaboration with the renowned Italian design house Pininfarina, which contributed to its timeless and elegant styling.
This car was imported into Italy from Germany in 2006. In 2022 the last owner commissioned a major maintenance service costing €12,000, carried out by a well-known Bentley-Rolls Royce specialist. All the work was fully invoiced and documented, providing important certification of the car’s maintenance history. Since that service, the car has driven only 500 miles.
Technical specifications
The Bentley Azure is powered by the legendary 6.75-litre Bentley turbocharged V8 engine, one of the most iconic engines in British automotive history. This engine delivers 286 kW, providing exceptional torque and effortless performance.
Key technical features include:
- 6.75-litre turbocharged Bentley V8 engine
- Power: 286 kW
- 4-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive
- Chassis derived from the Bentley Continental R
- Fully electric fabric soft top
- Suspension tuned for maximum comfort and high-speed stability
Despite its size and luxury orientation, the Azure could exceed 240 km/h, offering impressive performance for a luxury convertible of its era.
Interior and equipment
The cabin is a pure expression of British craftsmanship. This example features Magnolia leather interior, paired with Metallic Light Blue exterior paint and a Blue soft top, an elegant and highly desirable color combination.
The interior includes:
- hand-selected leather upholstery
- mirror-polished wood veneers
- electrically adjustable luxury seats
- automatic climate control
- high-quality audio system
- handcrafted finishes produced in Crewe
History and rarity
The Bentley Azure was produced in very limited numbers, with approximately 1,400 units built between 1995 and 2003. Each car required an extensive production process largely completed by hand.
Today the Bentley Azure is considered one of the most exclusive and collectible modern Bentleys: a luxury grand-touring convertible combining classic elegance, strong performance and true production rarity.
This example, thanks to its documented history, certified maintenance and relatively low mileage, represents a particularly attractive opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts of prestigious British automobiles.
