Gateway Classic Cars of Tampa is excited to offer this triple black
first generation 1997 Bentley Azure. This V8 convertible Bentley is
ready to cruise the streets and turn heads while doing it. This car
has tons of life left with under 27k actual documented miles. The
Azure debuted in March 1995 at the Geneva Motor Show on the
platform of the Continental R model, which had been originally
launched in 1991. Production only crept to a start, with a mere
nine examples finished in the first year - in 1996, after full
production had started, no less than 251 Azures were finished.[1]
Pininfarinaassisted in the two-year process of turning the
Continental R into a full four-seater convertible, and also built
the shell and soft-top at their factory in Italy, largely from
parts sourced in the UK. Final assembly was then carried out at
Crewe. A roll-bar was never considered, which necessitated
extensive reinforcing of the chassis.[2] At 210 in (5,340 mm) in
length and 5,750 pounds (2,610 kg) in weight, the Azure often
surprised onlookers with its size and bulk, intended to both convey
a sense of "presence" and allow for comfortable seating of four
adult passengers. Power came from the company's stalwart 6.75-litre
V8, featuring a single, intercooled Garrett turbocharger and
producing in the region of 360 hp - Rolls-Royce and Bentley did not
yet give official power numbers at the time of the Azure's
introduction.[3] By the time production began in earnest, new
engine management from Zytekmeant a slight power increase to 385 hp
(287 kW; 390 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 750 N�m (553 lb�ft) of torque at
2,000 rpm; power was routed to the rear wheels via a modified,
General Motors sourced, four-speed automatic transmission. With a
zero to sixty miles per hour time of 6.3 seconds (0-100 km/h in 6.5
s) and a top speed of 241 km/h (150 mph),[4] the Azure was very
fast for a car of its size, weight and poor aerodynamic profile.
Owing to the limited space and workforce at Bentley's Crewe
factory, the Azure's thick, powered convertible top was designed
and manufactured by Pininfarina, which significantly added to the
vehicle's cost. New in 1995, the Azure was priced at $347,645 -
$36,355 more than the Continental R on which it was based. From
1999 until the end of production, the Azure was also available in
"Mulliner" trim, which added special bespoke trim and additional
equipment and allowed the buyer the option for further
customization during the build-process; pricing varied by car, as
equipment could be significantly different from one to the next
depending on customer requests. This 1997 Bentley Azure convertible
is listed for sale in our Tampa Showroom and can be viewed in
greater detail including 100+ HD pictures and an HD video at
www.GatewayClassicCars.com. For additional information, please call
our knowledgeable staff at (813)645-6200 or email us at
[email protected]. If you would like to see it in
person, come to our Tampa Showroom, located at 351 30th Street NE
Ruskin, FL 33570. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST
See more at:
http://www.gatewayclassiccars.com/TPA/1286/1997-Bentley-Azure
