Vehicle Description
After nearly two decades of quietly marching along in the shadow of
its parent marque Rolls-Royce, Bentley Motors finally got the
freedom to create an exclusive and unique new model that returned
the company to its sporting roots. Following on the success of the
Mulsanne Turbo and Turbo R, designers set out to create a
high-performance, yet opulent four-seat grand touring coupe in the
spirit of the R-Type Mulliner Fastback of the 1950s. The gorgeous
Continental R debuted in 1991, sharing its underpinnings with the
Turbo R, including the 330 horsepower 6.75-liter turbocharged V8.
The sleek, elegant two-door coupe, penned in-house by John
Heffernan and Ken Greenley was the first Bentley since the 1960s
not to share a body with Rolls-Royce. Upon its debut, it was met
with praise and awe by journalists and the public alike, with more
than 1,200 units sold in the car's eleven-year production run.
Despite being the most expensive four-seat car in the world,
customers soon demanded more exclusivity, and Bentley responded by
offering a bespoke customization program under the Mulliner name.
They soon added a new model; an open-air version named Azure, which
joined the line in 1996. The design lent itself well to going
roofless, and name conjured images of carefree, wind-in-the-hair
motoring along the salubrious coastline of the French Riviera.
Bentley called upon Pininfarina to design and construct the
power-operated convertible top, trusting the Italian firm not to
spoil the beautiful lines and proportions. The luxury of a folding
soft-top added more than £22,000 over the price of a coupe, thereby
ensuring exclusivity. Just as with the Continental R before it, the
Mulliner option for the Azure arrived in 1999, allowing those with
the means to create a unique combination of colors, fittings, and
high-performance options. With the MSRP easily surpassing $400,000,
the Azure Mulliner was one of the most expensive grand touring cars
on the planet, and Bentley produced just 155 examples between 1999
and 2003. The name returned in 2006, based on the new Arnage
platform. This 2003 Bentley Azure is from the final year of
production of the first generation series, desirably equipped with
Mulliner equipment and the full high-performance drivetrain. This
top-spec version features the muscular wide-body fender flares,
18-inch chrome wheels, and mighty 400 horsepower 6.75-liter V8
shared with the short-wheelbase Continental T. This car was sold
new via Braman Bentley in Miami, Florida, and is one of only
fourteen left-drive Azures constructed in 2003. Finished in white
over a tan leather interior, this car has covered just 16,700 miles
from new, backed by the accompanying clean Carfax report. Also, the
report shows this car has had four owners and was dealer serviced
for much of its early life. This car features the distinct Mulliner
bodywork including flared wheel arches, extended sills, unique
bumpers and vents cut into the front wings. Stainless steel mesh
inserts in the grille, side vents and bumpers pair with the big
18-inch chrome wheels to give a decidedly aggressive look. The
paintwork presents in excellent condition all around, with straight
and crisp panels and consistent shut lines. A couple of minor
touch-ups are found on close inspection; however, the overall
presentation is outstanding. The doors open and close with
vault-like solidity, giving the impression this big Bentley is
carved from a solid billet. Once aboard, swaths of natural tan
leather upholstery, wool carpets, and wood trim greet the
occupants. The leather upholstery presents in fine condition
overall, with appropriate levels of creasing and light wear that is
consistent with the mileage. Some weathering is apparent on the
front seats, no doubt resultant of the car's life in warm southern
climates. Beautiful woodwork covers the instrument fascia, center
console, and door caps - featuring two-tone veneers and inlaid
Bentley logos. Overall, the wood is in excellent order, with some
light weathering and nicks visible, mainly on the driver's door
top. Of course, the windows and top are electrically operated. With
more than 400 horsepower and 645 ft-lbs of torque on tap from the
6.75-liter V8 engine, performance is astonishing, particularly
considering the Azure's substantial 5,700-pound curb weight. All of
that power goes through a GM-sourced four-speed automatic gearbox,
specially strengthened for duty in the big Bentley. Zero to sixty
comes in six seconds flat, and the top speed is electronically
limited to 155 miles per hour. With fewer than 17,000 miles from
new, the engine is clean and tidy, and receipts show new hydraulic
suspension spheres purchased in 2018, and the previous owner
reports the top hydraulics were rebuilt by an independent
specialist. The sale includes the original owner's handbook and
jack. After more than 15 years, the Azure Mulliner still has an
undeniable presence. Few cars before or since can match its burly
good looks and astonishing performance. The marvelous example is
sure to provide many more miles of effortless, high-speed motoring,
even if you don't live in the South of France. Offers Welcome and
Trades Considered