Bentley Azure | Spotted
There are suave summer soft tops, then there are suave summer soft tops
There’s no convertible quite like a Bentley convertible. As Britain bakes, the thought of being roof down in a big Bentley with pals is hugely appealing. Because they aren’t Porsches or Aston Martins or Maseratis, the Bentley drop-tops don’t have to be concerned with being the very last word in handling prowess. The latest batch have been brilliant, for sure, better than anyone probably wants or needs them to be, but the experience remains more about power, performance and sense of occasion. Nothing makes roofless driving quite such a decadent pleasure as Bentley.
It was interesting to note that the latest generation of Continental GTC was launched alongside the coupe, the first time this has happened. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the sales split was equal in fact, if all markets were considered, given how the drop-top adds to the appeal rather than detracts from it. Again, as a larger, taller car than some 2+2s, taking the roof from a Continental GT doesn’t compromise any low-slung design; it works damn near as well without a roof as with. Which isn’t always the case with some alternatives.
With a new car on the horizon, then, and the sun very much with its hat on, an old school Bentley soft top seemed pretty hard to resist. And that doesn’t mean a first generation Conti GT. It means something with the 6.75-litre V8 in it, and there can’t be much better around than this Azure. What better thing for summer sojourns to wherever you fancy. Having enjoyed sparing use since first registration in March 2007 - just 6,000 elegant miles - this one needs a new owner.
Azure had been used as a Bentley badge in the 1990s (the first generation running until 2003), though it’s this second generation that remains most desirable, on the newer Arnage architecture and with a six-speed automatic gearbox. Power for the legendary engine was rated at 456hp, thanks to the assistance of two turbos, which ought to provide more than adequate performance. Indeed Bentley claimed 168mph for this 5.4-metre roadgoing palace when new, which must have been something to witness.
A later Azure T boosted the Bentley to more than 500hp, as well as introducing some styling and equipment upgrades, but there remains plenty to like about the original specification. Particularly in this colour combination: many are silver, black, or white, so anything different is immediately refreshing. And doesn’t Blue Sequin Metallic look absolutely superb? With Beluga leather, Burr Oak Veneer, silver wheels and aluminum pedals, it’s a fantastic colourway to these eyes. The stereo behind the slab of wood inevitably dates it, and you’ll have to make do with another set of initials engraved into the dash, but what a specimen. You just know it’ll smell incredible.
Examples of the earlier Azures can be found for a little more than £50k, and what a way to waft they would surely be. Later cars kick off around £85,000 for higher mileage, multiple owner examples, ranging all the way to almost £150k for late Azure Ts. Most are around the £115k mark, which is a pretty remarkable return for cars all now about a decade and a half old. That wouldn’t happen with every Bentley. This is one of the more expensive Azures at £130k, owing to that low mileage. Whether these things will be safe investments (or even lucrative ones) isn’t exactly clear; probably it’s always going to be hard to both enjoy and profit on a car that does 13mpg anyway. Better to just lap up the luxury, make the most of a fabulous automotive experience, and hope for a bit more sunshine - there can’t be many better places to see a blue sky from.
SPECIFICATION | BENTLEY AZURE
Engine: 6,750cc, twin-turbo V8
Transmission: 6-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 456@4,100rpm
Torque (lb ft): 645@1,800rpm (!)
MPG: 13.7 (!)
CO2: 495g/km
Recorded mileage: 6,000
Year registered: 2007
Price new: from £225,900
Yours for: £129,995
Its cramped, it feels ancient and to be honest just a bit baggy, like an old Lincoln. Interior styling was a bit "Saddam Hussien's toilet" as well...
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