LOT 124
2003 Bentley Azure Mulliner 'Final Series Performance' VIN. SCBZK25E83CX01232
Sold for US$72,800 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 124
From the Ernie Boch Jr. Collection
One of just 62 Final Series Performance models built
2003 Bentley Azure Mulliner 'Final Series Performance'
One of just 62 Final Series Performance models built
2003 Bentley Azure Mulliner 'Final Series Performance'
The Audrain Concours Auction|4 October 2024, 17:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame
2003 Bentley Azure Mulliner 'Final Series Performance'
VIN. SCBZK25E83CX01232
VIN. SCBZK25E83CX01232
6,750cc OHV Turbocharged V8 Engine
Zytec EMS3 Engine Management
420bhp at 4,000rpm
4-Speed Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension, Electronic Ride Control
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*A beautiful and desirable send-off of the classic Azure
*Exceedingly rare, as one of just 62 produced
*Powered by the mighty turbocharged 6.75-liter V8 engine
*Highly optioned and beautifully presented in green with tan leather
*Superb condition, with just 26,900 miles from new
*In the current collection since 2016
THE BENTLEY AZURE
When Bentley introduced the Continental R in 1991, it marked the first time since 1965 that Bentley had a model that did not share a body with Rolls-Royce. The achingly beautiful four-seat coupe was a success for Bentley, despite being one of the most expensive new cars offered at the time. A natural follow up to the coupe was a four-seat convertible, which arrived in time for the 1995 Geneva Auto Show. Based on the potent Bentley Continental R, the drophead Azure version was developed in partnership with the famed Italian styling house Pininfarina. The results were nothing short of spectacular, with the Continental R making a graceful and natural transition into an open convertible, looking equally elegant with the top up or down.
Body shells were assembled in Italy by Pininfarina, fitted with the automatic soft-top, painted and shipped to the UK for final finishing at the Bentley factory at Crewe, and the option sheet was only as long as the client's imagination. None of this came cheap, of course, with a price of nearly $350,000 in 1995!
Hailed by its maker as 'the world's best convertible', the Azure lived up to that grand title, proving an immense success, especially in the USA where its combination of unmatched luxury, effortless performance and elegant style was particularly appealing. When production ceased in 2003 a total of only 1,321 Azures of all types had been built. While a comparatively small number by modern production standards, it was nonetheless a success for Bentley.
THE CAR OFFERED
In 2003, Bentley introduced a fitting sendoff for the spectacular Azure, produced by their exclusive Mulliner department. The Azure Mulliner Final Series Performance combined the best bits from the widebody Continental R Mulliner and high-performance Continental T in the open Azure body. The mighty 6.75-liter turbocharged V8 is in 'T' specifications, belting out 420bhp and a massive 650lb-ft of torque. The beautiful lines of the Azure are enhanced with the flared arches, fender vents, and special bright-finish wheels among myriad other detail differences.
The beautiful green example offered here is one of 62 produced, of which just 47 were left-hand drive. Showing just 26,900 miles at the time of cataloguing, the gorgeous British Racing Green paintwork is accented with a green fabric top and lovely tan leather cabin, with upper surfaces and carpets in green. Factory-fitted matching umbrellas are included. The accompanying CARFAX report documents steady ownership from new in Florida, through California and the Northeast, coming into the care of its current custodian in 2016. Minor damage is noted on the CARFAX in 2008, though it is indicated the cars was still drivable. An accompanying TrueFrame report from 2015 verifies the repairs were done properly, having been professionally inspected both structurally and cosmetically and assigned a Certificate of Integrity.
Rare, powerful, and presented in a colorway that could hardly be more British, this marvelous Azure is ready to cruise the streets, seamlessly blending supercar performance with unparalleled luxury.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistAuction Viewings
- 3 October 2024, 09:00 - 18:00 EDT
- 4 October 2024, 09:00 - 16:00 EDT
Bid now on these items
United Kingdom
1899 Phébus 2¼hp Motor Tricycle
£50,000 - £60,000
United KingdomOffered without reserve
1910 Brasier 12/18HP 12C Tourer
£40,000 - £60,000
United Kingdom
1913 Hotchkiss Model AD 20/30 Tourer
£50,000 - £60,000
United Kingdom
1902 Beaufort 8hp Two-Seater Phaeton
£50,000 - £70,000
United KingdomOffered without reserve
c.1901 Gladiator Four-Seat Rear-Entrance Tonneau
£50,000 - £70,000