LOT 155

2007 Bentley Azure Chassis no. SCBDC47L37CX12482

Sold for CHF75,000 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

Previous Lot

Next Lot

Lot 155

2007 Bentley Azure

The Bonmont Sale|30 June 2024, 14:00 CEST|Chéserex, Switzerland

2007 Bentley Azure
Chassis no. SCBDC47L37CX12482

• United States model
• Built to special order
• Less than 20,500 km since new
• Imported into Switzerland in 2019
• Swiss registration document

Bentley Motors' owners since 1998, Volkswagen kept the existing Continental R-based Azure convertible in production until 2003 but delayed introducing its successor for a further three years. Production of the new Azure thus began for the 2006 model year. This time the Azure was based on the more modern Arnage platform. The latter had been built in two forms: Green Label (with BMW power) and Red Label with the long-running Rolls-Royce/Bentley 6.75-litre pushrod V8.
A legacy of the Rolls-Royce/Bentley takeover battle with BMW, Volkswagen's use of a rival manufacturer's engines could only be a temporary measure, and so future models would use the 'old' Bentley V8, suitably up-rated with twin turbochargers for the new Azure convertible. As well as the twin turbochargers, replacing the single unit used previously, this venerable engine was extensively reworked, Bentley claiming that more than half the parts were new. In this form it produced 450bhp and 645lb/ft of torque, while a new ZF six-speed automatic transmission fed power to the rear wheels. Bentley claimed a 0-60mph (0-97km/h) acceleration time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 168mph (270 km/h), slightly faster than the previous model and still excellent for a vehicle of its size and weight. "In a word, wonderful," was how Autocar magazine greeted the new Azure, which was also reckoned "notably better for the new gearbox. Overall, it's amazing how much difference a decent auto 'box can make."

Built for the United States market, this magnificent Bentley Azure is the result of a special order. Finished in white with white/blue interior and blue soft-top, it boasts chrome wheels. Acquired and imported in Switzerland in 2019 by its current owner, it was used to transport guest artists from the famous Montreux Jazz Festival to the chalets of its founder, Claude Nobs. It will be presented with Swiss registration documents.

Footnotes

2007 Bentley Azure
Châssis n° SCBDC47L37CX12482

• Modèle USA
• Fabriquée sur commande
• Moins 20 500 km depuis l'origine
• Importée en Suisse en 2019
• Document d'immatriculation suisse

Propriétaire de Bentley depuis 1998, Volkswagen a maintenu en production jusqu'en 2003 la décapotable Azure dérivée de la Continental-R, mais a attendu trois ans pour lancer sa remplaçante. La production de la nouvelle Azure a ainsi débuté en 2006, cette fois sur la base plus moderne de l'Arnage. Cette dernière était proposée en deux versions : la Green Label à moteur BMW et la Red Label équipée du traditionnel V8 6,75 litres Rolls-Royce/Bentley à poussoirs.
En raison de la bataille pour l'acquisition de Rolls-Royce/Bentley entre Volkswagen et BMW, Volkswagen ne pouvait utiliser les moteurs de son concurrent que temporairement, et les futurs modèles devaient réutiliser le "vieux" V8 Bentley, soigneusement remis à niveau avec deux turbocompresseurs pour la nouvelle décapotable Azure. En plus des deux turbos remplaçant le turbo unique précédent, le vénérable moteur a été considérablement retravaillé, Bentley affirmant que plus de la moitié des pièces étaient nouvelles. Dans cette configuration, il produisait 450 chevaux et 880 Nm de couple, couplé à une nouvelle boîte automatique ZF à six rapports. Bentley revendiquait une accélération de 0 à 97 km/h en 5,6 secondes et une vitesse de pointe de 270 km/h, légèrement supérieure à celle du précédent modèle précédent, ce qui est toujours remarquable pour une voiture de cette taille et de ce poids. "En un mot, merveilleuse," fut l'accueil qu'Autocar réserva à la nouvelle Azure, en précisant que "la nouvelle boîte [était] notoirement meilleure. C'est incroyable comme une bonne boîte auto peut changer la donne."

Construite pour le marché américain, cette magnifique Bentley Azure est le résultat d'une commande spéciale. La voiture est blanche avec un intérieur blanc et bleu, une capote bleue et des roues chromées. Acquise et importée en Suisse en 2019 par son actuel propriétaire, elle a été utilisée pour transporter des artistes invités du célèbre Montreux Jazz Festival aux chalets de son fondateur, Claude Nobs. Elle sera présentée avec document d'immatriculation suisse.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact client services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Motor Cars
15% of the hammer price
The Buyer's Premium applies to each lot purchased and is subject to VAT at the standard rate
Motorcycles & Child's Cars
15% of the hammer price
The Buyer's Premium applies to each lot purchased and is subject to VAT at the standard rate (20%).
Automobilia
28% on first 40,000CHF of the hammer price
27 % of the hammer price of amounts in excess for 40,000CHF up to and including 800.000CHF
21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of 800,000CHF
up to and including 4,500,000CHF
and 14% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of 4,500,000CHF.
The Buyer's Premium applies to each lot purchased and is subject to VAT at the standard rate.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import Licence or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such Licence or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancellation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licenses please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.