1995 Bentley Azure

• Debuting at the 1995 Geneva Salon, the Azure was based on the platform of the highly successful Continental R.
• At around £220,000 in1996, the Bentley Azure was the "World's most expensive Convertible"
• Pininfarina constructed the bodyshells and designed and manufactured its convertible roof - an item of true artistry
• This stunning, one owner from new, example has covered a mere 14,719 miles.
• A 1996 Model Year car supplied by Jack Barclay
• Finished in Aurora Basecoat over Magnolia leather piped in Spruce Green. Olive Green soft top in good condition
• 27 service stamps, all by main dealer Jack Barclay
• There is no finer way for four people to arrive anywhere

NB. The illustrated registration number does not form part of the sale.

Introduced in 1995, the Bentley Azure was based on the platform of the Continental 'R' Coupe which had been launched originally in 1991. By definition, a fully strengthened luxury convertible to seat four adults very comfortably, accommodate their luggage and hide an engine sufficiently powerful to propel the entire ensemble towards the horizon in a linear fashion is never going to be a small car and the Azure often surprised with its substantial presence.

Power came from the company's stalwart 6.75-litre V8, fed by a single inter-cooled turbocharger producing in the region of 380bhp which, when mated to a General Motors-sourced, four-speed automatic gearbox enabled this superbly designed Bentley to silently waft up to 60mph in an impressive 6.1 seconds. Owing to the limited space at Bentley's Crewe factory, the Azure was assembled and finished by Pininfarina, significantly adding to the vehicle's production costs. The selling price varied, naturally, with the specification, the options list was deliciously indulgent, but the base price was around £200,000 when new.

Offered here is a fine Bentley Azure that's accompanied by one of the most comprehensive service records that we have ever seen, the 27 dealer stamps even necessitating a second service book. Ordered new from Jack Barclay, it returned every year with the exception of 2010 to be serviced which is testament to the thoroughness of its one and only owner. Ordered in Aurora Basecoat over Magnolia leather and Spruce Green, the green theme was even extended to the badges. It's supplied with all the service books, manuals and a bespoke car cover.

The most expensive convertible in the world, at the time, is now offered at a more realistic level and in terms of comfort and style, there is no finer way for four people to arrive anywhere.