Highlights

One of only 243 RHD Azure convertibles built
Sought-after Midnight Blue over Magnolia hide with blue roof
Low documented mileage of 48,179 miles
High specification car with desirable factory options
MOT valid to April 2026 with no advisories

The Appeal

For eight years from 1995, if you had the equivalent of close to half a million pounds to spare, you could buy this car, the Azure, its name appropriately conjuring sun-dabbled seas and sleek ocean-going yachts.

Perhaps not surprisingly, just 243 RHD Azures were built over that time, of which just 52 were revised 1997 model-year cars like this one. They got the improved 385bhp - up from 260bhp - version of the Continental R-derived turbocharged 6.75L V8 engine.

Beautifully finished in the desirable combination of Midnight Blue over Magnolia leather, it is a magnificent example of Crewe and Pininfarina’s luxury convertible. It is a really well-preserved car, the interior being particularly appealing. The vendor describes it as "one of the best preserved interiors on the market", and looking at the photos, it’s hard not to agree. This car benefits from a long list of factory options that you can check in the photos, notably including rouched leather and an Elm Wood wheel and gear knob. The rest of the specification, which we’ve included in the photos, runs to four pages.

The mileage is a shade over 48,000 miles from new. We are told that Bentley have regularly maintained it. The MOT history backs up the sparing use and sense of a well-kept car. There are no advisories on any test back to when digital records began in 2005. The current MOT runs to April 2026, again with no advisories.

Today, although values are buoyant, you don’t need to pay anywhere near £500,000 for an Azure. This low-mileage RHD car has the provenance, condition and specification to appeal to collectors.

History and Paperwork

First registered 21st March 1997
Supplied new by Olympic, Exeter
Part of a private collection with very little use since 2015
Included comprehensive JCT Bentley print-out documenting the full service history; this is shown in the photos covering 1999 to 2005
Factory build sheet specification included with the car and shown in photos
Build sheet covers four pages and shows costed options and standard features
No MOT advisories on any test since 2005
MOT history supports low mileage
MOT valid to 7th April 2026 with no advisories
47,878 miles showing on MOT and 48,179 miles showing in photos
Previously featured in a Bollywood movie
Factory handbooks
One set of keys
V5C
Various old tax discs as shown

The Condition

Midnight Blue coachwork presents well with few indications of age
Minor stone chips to the front bumper, which may not be visible in photos
Special factory order chrome grille surround with colour-coded inserts, as per factory spec sheet
Bodywork is straight and well-kept with no reported damage or accidents
Matching blue convertible hood with no creases or folds, and operates smoothly
Continental R alloy wheels in very good order, as shown
Matching factory-specification Avon TurboSteel tyres
No structural advisories on MOT
Luxury Magnolia leather interior piped in blue, showing few indications of use
Interior features optional rouched leather
Optional elm wooden steering wheel and gear lever in smart condition
Special-order burr maple door cappings
Blue carpets to match bodywork with matching lambswool rugs
Retains its original period stereo with CD changer
Factory tool kit

The Mechanics

1997 model year engine specification delivering increased 385bhp
6.75-litre turbocharged V8 engine derived from Continental R
Four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive top ratio
The vendor reports the oil is like new
Vendor says car has clearly been regularly and comprehensively maintained
We’re told the car doesn't currently need a service, but it is due based on time
No advisories on current MOT

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

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