Giorgio Armani was in for a busy few months as 1996 began. Twenty-one years after co-founding his eponymous global fashion house, the Italian designer presided over a buyout of the Simint jeans and sportswear manufacturer, supplied the unforgettable cream suits for the Liverpool FC players ahead of their FA Cup final appearance, and opened two new stores on Madison Avenue in New York City to list but three significant ventures. Given the hectic calendar, little wonder that he chose to be cocooned in isolated, quiet luxury when travelling between meetings.

Accordingly, in March that year, Mr Armani took delivery of the Bentley Brooklands offered here. The updated saloon—named after the British racing circuit where the marque achieved so much success during the 1920s—was introduced as a replacement for both the Eight and Mulsanne S. Produced for the 1993 to 1997 model years, just 1,343 examples were built. This car, chassis number 57472, is one of only 153 configured in left-hand-drive form for 1996.

Per Bentley factory records (available to view on file), the deep Royal Blue exterior colour was accented by a Parchment fine coachline. Meanwhile, the interior combined Parchment hide with Burr Walnut trim and Portland Stone carpets. The Brooklands was delivered new to Italy via the famed Sa.Mo.Car concern in Rome. Fittingly, given the initials of its high-profile first owner, the Bentley was registered on the Italian targa “AG138SE”. Significantly, the Bentley has worn this registration throughout its continuous Italian ownership history. Mr Armani sold the Brooklands back to Sa.Mo.Car at the end of September 1996 before it was bought by a new keeper on the outskirts of the capital city.

As listed on the accompanying estratto cronologico document, the Bentley has remained in Italy throughout its life. Since acquired by the vendor, this historically significant Brooklands presents in its beautiful Royal Blue factory hue and awaits its next stylish custodian.