6.75-liter, 400-hp turbocharged V-8 engine, four-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 120.5-inches

The Azure is a direct successor to the Bentley Continental Convertible, which in itself replaced the Corniche. Like its predecessors, it is Bentley’s flagship model and transcends the gentlemanly luxury so typical of Bentley motor cars, acquiring a celebrity status all its own. Working in conjunction with Pininfarina, Bentley succeeded in developing a graceful convertible, uncluttered and elegant in design, with the foundation of a Continental R and the tried and true 6.75-liter V-8 engine, now Garrett-turbocharged to produce approximately 400 horsepower and a remarkable 645 pound-feet of torque. Such numbers propelled the 6,000-pound behemoth to sixty miles per hour in approximately six seconds.

As with any other Bentley, or Rolls-Royce for that matter, it is of course the luxurious, handcrafted appointments that truly set these automobiles apart from their six-figure continental competitors. Light, high-grade leather upholstery was tremendously popular with the Azure, offset nicely by walnut trim, a standard Alpine stereo system, and every imaginable power accessory and comfort feature one would expect to find in a $340,000 convertible. With a wide color palette and long list of optional and standard equipment, the possibilities appeared to be endless – a stately fusion of modern technology and bespoke assembly. As would be expected, production numbers remained very low – just 1,308 cars between 1995 and 2003, of which merely 709 examples made their way Stateside.

Built new by Crewe’s craftsmen in the United Kingdom, this particular Azure is a southern California car, and has always been dealer serviced and is well optioned. With just under 35,000 actual miles, it is in spectacular overall condition and exudes a showroom new appearance in most every respect. In fact, it recently had a service and over $6,000 was spent to bring this lovely Bentley up to tip-top shape.

Finished in Maroon it is very tastefully accented with chrome, a classic Bentley radiator with vertical slats, and chrome wheels, all of which are entirely flawless, as-new, and free of scratches, dents, and any other imperfections. The interior is bathed in tan leather, burgundy piping, walnut trim, darker carpets, and every standard feature from the sound system to climate control. Expectedly, the driver’s seat is showing greater signs of use, which are comparatively minor, however. The engine compartment and undercarriage are exceptionally clean as well, and reflective of such minimal mileage.