1995 Bentley Azure Convertible
Coachwork by SCBZK15C5TCX53703

So far, the Bentley resurgence had relied on models whose basic architecture was shared with other Rolls-Royce products; but also on display at Geneva in '85 was Project 90, a mocked-up coupé intended to gauge public response to the idea of a high-performance car unique to Bentley. When the real thing - the Bentley Continental R - was unveiled six years later, the waiting crowd burst into spontaneous applause. In 1995 Bentley Motors announced a soft-top version of the Continental R, a full four years after the coupé's introduction. Once again, Geneva was chosen to launch what would turn out to be the first Bentley model in several decades to use an entirely new name - 'Azure' - which, like 'Corniche' and 'Camargue', evoked exotic destinations in the South of France. The famous Italian styling house of Pininfarina – a firm with unrivalled experience in the design of soft-top Gran Turismos – had been chosen to develop the Azure on the four-seater Continental R platform, and there was no questioning that the result was most successful. Bodyshells were assembled in Italy by Pininfarina, fitted with the automatic soft-top, painted and shipped back for finishing at Crewe. Mechanically similar to the Continental R but with an engine further up-rated to 385bhp, the Azure cost £215,000 in the UK at time of launch. Hailed by its maker as, 'the world's best convertible', the Azure lived up to that grand title, proving an immense success especially in North America where its combination of unmatched luxury, effortless performance and soft-top style was found highly attractive. When production ceased in 2003 a total of only 1,321 Azures of all types had been built.

This gorgeous Azure is finished in red metallic with beige leather interior. Delivered new in Switzerland and first registered on 8th December 1995, the Bentley was purchased by the current vendor in 2005. Subsequently the car was involved in an accident and was completely restored in 2007. The related invoice for CHF113,746 from Eigenman Carrosserie of Urdorf, Switzerland is on file together with another for CHF67,590 from Bentley Zurich. Currently displaying a total of 51,500 kilometres on the odometer, the car is presented in excellent condition and comes with service books and a Swiss Carte Grise.

Please note the following: VAT will be payable on the hammer price and buyer's premium at the standard rate if the car remains in Switzerland.