For Sale: 2001 Bentley Azure in Saint Louis, Missouri

Debuted at the 1995 Geneva Motor Show, Bentley's new Azure featured seductive styling by Pininfarina in collaboration with Bentley's design team. In addition to upholding Bentley's long-established tradition for luxury and refinement, the Azure was a true "iron fist in a velvet glove" as the world's most powerful four-seat convertible at launch. Based on the Continental R and its turbocharged and liquid-intercooled 6.75-liter V-8 engine, the Azure featured a 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission and delivered 420 factory-rated horsepower with 645 pounds-feet of peak torque. Performance was - and remains - impressive, including acceleration from rest to 60 mph under six seconds, en route to a top speed of 150 mph, notwithstanding the Azure's weight nearing 6,000 pounds. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronic traction control, and an electronically controlled suspension matched the Azure's prodigious forward thrust. Other standard features are too numerous to list fully, including a Burr Walnut instrument panel, Wilton wool carpeting and lambswool rugs, a rapid-operating fully automatic top, and electronically controlled front seats with memory function plus heat and lumbar support. Other standard features and amenities included Bentley's automatic headlamp system, an AM/FM cassette stereo with CD changer, automatic head restrain height adjustment, and a handsome and sporty matrix-style chrome grille. As expected, Azure production was limited, amounting to just 1,321 cars between 1995 and 2003, a heady period that included development of the Speed 8 prototype racer, which returned Bentley to victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2003. Sporting handsome Black Garnet paint over Tangier leather upholstery and a matching convertible top, this rare 2001 Bentley Azure convertible carried a $359,900 MSRP new. An additional $7,425 in options and accessories included power folding door mirrors, audible reverse aid, Bentley umbrellas, Wildberry seat piping, a garage door opener and special steering wheel. As offered, this Azure is beautifully presented with under 18,000 miles of use from new, progressively documented by a clean Carfax report. Clearly benefiting from caring ownership, the Azure was purchased new on November 13, 2000, by its first owner, a Delray Beach resident from Bentley dealer Braman Motorcars of West Palm Beach, Florida. In November 2008 at 14,727 miles, the Azure was acquired by the second owner and relocated to Palos Heights, Illinois, near Chicago. Virtually flawless throughout, this 2001 Bentley Azure looks great throughout with a commanding, yet athletic presence. It benefits from comprehensive recent service to the convertible top hydraulic system and the broadcloth headliner remains undamaged and as new. The Azure's special Mulliner interior remains impressive and reveals only slight and typical wear visible to the driver's side leather seat bolsters and central armrest. The Walnut interior trim, dash, and special wood-and-leather rim steering wheel remain beautiful, inviting and virtually flawless. The 420-horsepower turbocharged and intercooled 6.75-liter V-8 powerplant, engine compartment, and trunk are all equally clean and correct, retaining proper factory labels and components. In addition to the aforementioned clean Carfax report, this stunning 2001 Bentley Azure includes a copy of the original window sticker plus the original owner identification card, pre-delivery record and receipts, plus the original factory-issued owner's handbook. Beautifully presented in great colors, this 2001 Bentley Azure is surely one of the finest examples available today. While rare and immensely collectible, it is also one of the most satisfying and strong performing of all modern Bentley models to drive and enjoy. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details please view this listing directly on our website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6948-2001-bentley-azure-conv/