1997 BENTLEY AZURE

Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire 65000 - 75000 Registration No: P542 SYK Chassis No: SCBZK15C5VCH61113 MOT: Exempt � Warranted under 11,000 miles from new � Three owners from new, two from the same family � Ordered new by a Malaysian gentleman but kept in London during his ownership � Finished in Arctic White paintwork with Black interior hide, Black Piano fascia, and a Black mohair hood � Well maintained, having been under RR&B Garages care since 2018, regardless of cost The first-generation Bentley Azure Convertible was conceived while the company was still under Vickers management and produced from 1995 to 2003. Debuted at the 1995 Geneva Salon, it was based on the platform of the highly successful Continental R, and combined the glamour of the company's early coachbuilt Drophead Coupes with modern-day technology and performance - a heady cocktail for those lucky enough to afford it. The car's presence was immense, born of the combination of automotive elegance and sheer size - the Azure was 210 inches long. Sculptured seats ensured the optimum cosseting for up to four adults. This was the height of luxury. At the heart of the Azure, as of so many post-war Bentleys and Rolls-Royces, was the Group's mighty 6.75-litre OHV V-8 engine complete with Garrett AirResearch turbocharger and Zytek EMS3 digital engine management. The unit drove through a General Motors-sourced four-speed automatic transmission. With some 400bhp on tap and in excess of 600lbft of torque, the 0-60mph dash could be dispensed with in around six seconds, despite the car's generous all-up weight of 5,750 pounds. Speeds of up to 150mph were possible when allowed, doubtless without a ripple on a glass of champagne. Suspension was independent front and rear with adaptive ride control. Final assembly of the model took place at the Rolls-Royce factory in Crewe. Chassis �61113� was ordered new by a Malaysian gentleman who was a resident of London at the time, and who kept the Azure in London throughout his ensuing twenty-year ownership. Commissioned from new in striking Arctic White paintwork with a contrasting Black mohair hood and tonneau cover, with the interior trim specified in Black hide with Black Piano fascia, and Black lambswool rugs, the Bentley was specified with convex door mirrors; power wash headlamps; painted radiator shell vanes; Sundym windscreen; adjustable front headrest; and kilometre speedometer for the Malaysian first owner. Covering a mere 9,000 km during the first owner�s custodianship, with most of it likely covered around London, the Azure was then purchased by the vendor�s father in 2018. Well maintained throughout its life, this continued while in the current family ownership, with the Bentley entrusted under the care of well-regarded marque specialists RR&B Garages, with their maintenance completed regardless of cost and amounting to above �23,500 in expenditure. In 2019, the Azure was provided with a documented speedometer change by RR&B with conversion to mph with the correct total figure registered on the new odometer, in the same year the Bentley received a hydraulic service, underside improvements, air induction renovation, and coachwork refresh to the cost of over �8,100 in total. Moreover benefitting from attention to the power steering in 2021, as well as renewal of the springs and dampers (costing c.�4,000) and renovation of the hood in 2022 (costing c.�2,500). With documented service history from HR Owen previous to the current family ownership, �P542 SYK� has received a further five services with RR&B Garages, despite only covering a further c.4,000 miles. Rated as �excellent� throughout by the vendor, the book pack with stamped service booklet, and a history file containing invoices for work carried out and a current V5C document, as well as due to be provided with a fresh MOT certificate. With just three owners from new, two of which being from the same family, under 11,000 miles, maintained regardless of cost, and presenting in fantastic condition throughout, this Azure is surely a best of breed example, and is one to consider for an astute enthusiast or the serious collector!