400 bhp, 6,750 cubic-inch turbo-charged OHV V-8 engine, Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, four-speed automatic overdrive transmission, computer-controlled independent front suspension with coil springs and wishbones, independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms and coil springs, and hydraulic front and rear disc brakes. Wheelbase: 120.5″

• Immaculate top-of-the-line Bentley convertible; costs €259,000 when new

• Specially ordered by Italian Harley-Davidson importer Carlo Talamo

• Original Mason’s Black lacquer with Connolly St. James red leather interior

• 400 bhp turbo V-8 delivers 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds; top speed of 150 mph

Designed by Pininfarina and built by Rolls-Royce in Crewe, England, it was not surprising that every one of the total 1,308 Azure units was pre-sold before being built.

The Azure is powered by a 6,750 cc, 400-horsepower, V-8 with a Garrett turbocharger. Despite its substantial 5,745 lb. weight, it can storm from 0-60 in 6.1 seconds and is electronically governed to 150 mph at only 4,500 rpm. The 1996 Azure amounted to approximately €259,000.

This two-door open touring car is a driver’s car. It is reported to have been built to special order for famed Italian motorcyclist, designer and advertising executive, Carlo Talamo of Milan, Italy. When the Harley-Davidson brand was failing in Italy, Talamo turned it into a commercial phenomenon.

Finished in its original Mason’s Black lacquer exterior and striking Connolly St. James red leather interior, this unusually low-mileage (only 37,000 km from new) Azure also includes the original manuals and tool set. The swooping yet understated body style, luxurious interior and state-of-the-art powertrain was designed for maximum motoring performance, comfort and style.

Dual climate control systems for comfort, and dual air bags and a computerised automatic ride control system for safety, can be set in any of three modes: Boulevard, Normal or Sports. The suspension setting is automatically determined by the vehicle speed, road conditions and driving habits. For example, if the driver should suddenly swerve whilst the car is in “Boulevard” mode, the suspension will shift to the firmer “Sports” mode within a millisecond.

As Peter Ward, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Motors Cars when the Azure was introduced, stated, “We have shown how we continue to develop new models that exceed the highest expectations of our customers and set new standards at the peak of the performance and luxury market”.