Like most Bentley motorcars sporting the coveted “T” designation, the Azure T is an even rarer and higher performance version of an already exclusive and potent ultra-luxury vehicle. The four-seat convertible’s 6.75-liter V-8 features twin turbochargers that help boost output to a claimed 500 horsepower and 738 pounds-feet of torque—11 percent and 14 percent more than the standard Azure’s engine output, respectively. Bentley claims 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 179 mph—staggering performance that is even more impressive considering the car’s 5,699 curb weight.

The six-speed ZF automatic transmission with locking torque converter has three modes: drive, sport and manual. Meanwhile, a double-wishbone front and rear suspension features coil springs with computer-controlled, adaptive electro-hydraulic dampers and automatic ride-height control with auto-load compensation.

With a design influenced by the 1955 Bentley Park Ward S1 Drophead Coupé, the Azure’s exterior also bears elements inspired by other classics, such as the horse-shoe-shaped character lines of the trunk lid, which echo the 1946 Bentley Mk 6. Perhaps the exterior’s most defining feature, however, is the triple-layer insulated fabric top, encompassing seven bows. It lowers in less than 30 seconds at the press of a button and stows within its own compartment so as not to impinge on trunk space.

Unique to the Azure T are five-spoke, 20-inch, two-piece wheels shod with Pirelli P Zero tires. Other design cues specific to the Azure T include body colored headlamp bezels, dark tinted upper and lower grilles, ‘Le Mans’ front fender vents, a billet aluminum fuel filler cap, twin polished oval exhaust tail pipes, body colored door mirror mountings, and black finished intake manifold. Like the Bentley Arnage and Brooklands of the same period, the Azure also features a retractable “Flying B” hood ornament.

Distinguishing features on the interior include diamond quilting on the seats and door panels, treadplates featuring the Azure name, “spun aluminum” dashboard fascia, drilled alloy brake and accelerator pedals, instrument faces in black, embroidered marque emblems on the seats, knurled chrome and leather gearshift lever, leather trimmed boot rail, and knurled organ stops, door mirror adjusters, interior and exterior door handles, light switch and seat lumbar controls. The eight-speaker audio system features iPod/USB interface, SD card slot, and a six-disc CD changer mounted in the trunk.

This particular Azure T was imported from the United Kingdom into New Brunswick, Georgia, in December of 2009. It is finished in black over black and shows just over 10,100 miles on the odometer at time of cataloging. It is accompanied by an owner’s manual in a matching leather case.

With only 75 units produced globally, as confirmed by Bentley Motors corporate affairs, this Azure T is truly one of the most coveted open-top Bentleys of the 21st century.