2002 Bentley Azure

The Bentley Azure was the successor to the Continental Convertible. Like its predecessors, it was Bentley’s flagship model, transcending the gentlemanly luxury so typical of Bentley motor cars to acquire celebrity status in its own right. The Azure was the result of a collaboration between Bentley and Pininfarina over a two-year period, leading to a four-seater convertible based on the Continental R platform being released to the public in March 1995 at the Geneva Motor Show.

The shell and soft top were built at Pininfarina’s Cambiano factory before the Azure completed assembly at Bentley’s Crewe facility. The Bentley Azure was produced from 1995 to 2003 and this example is believed to be one of 71 built for the 2002 model year. Underneath the bonnet, this Azure is powered by the Rolls Royce/Bentley 6.75-liter V-8 powerplant which fitted with an intercooled Garett turbocharger, generates 385 horsepower.

Despite a curb weight of over 5,400 pounds, the Azure was capable of achieving 0–60 mph in just 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 160 mph, both respectable figures in period. This chassis’ color scheme highlights the beautiful Pininfarina coachwork that transformed a Continental R shell into this beautiful two-door convertible, giving the Azure a refined presence on the road, all while being able to comfortably seat four passengers.

The Ron Sturgeon Collection