9K-Mile 1996 Bentley Azure

Description

Before World War II, the Bentley Mark V was called the “Silent Sports Car,” refined and loved by owners, among them land speed record holder Sir Malcolm Campbell. The Bentley Azure, the direct successor to the long-running, handcrafted Rolls-Royce Corniche, carried on that tradition.   The first-generation Azure was introduced in 1995 and produced through 2003, with the luxurious, handcrafted appointments that set it apart from its six-figure competitors. Famed coachbuilder Pininfarina worked with Bentley to create a graceful convertible with uncluttered styling and elegant proportions. Bentley was still a part of Rolls-Royce in 1996, and its famous 6.75-liter V8 engine was aided by a Garrett intercooled turbocharger and could propel the 6,000-pound convertible to 60 mph in around six seconds, with a graceful maximum speed of 155 mph.   

Showing just 9,115 miles at the time of cataloging, this 1996 Bentley Azure Convertible is finished in that decidedly traditional scheme of Bentley Racing Green over a Soft Tan Connolly Leather interior and matching soft top. Minimal use has resulted in some cosmetic and mechanical blemishes, yet overall this remarkable Azure is simply the “Silent Sports Car” in a most modern form.  

Highlights 

• Offered with 9,115 miles at the time of cataloging 

• Powered by a 6.75-liter turbocharged and intercooled V8 engine coupled to a four-speed “4L80-E” automatic transmission 

• Impressive power figures of 385 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 553 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm 

• Vehicle design and initial assembly by Pininfarina in Italy with final assembly carried out at Crewe, England 

• Finished in classic Bentley Racing Green over a Soft Tan Connolly Leather interior 

• Fitted with an interior matching fully-powered soft top with single button operation designed and manufactured by Pininfarina 

• The chassis number (SCBZK14C5TCX53685) decodes as: 

  • SCB – Bentley 

  • Z – All other models 

  • K – Azure, Corniche 

  • 14 – Turbocharged, non-catalyst equipped 

  • C – Restraint System Code 

  • 5 – Check digit 

  • T – 1996 model year 

  • C – Crewe, England, final assembly plant 

  • X53685 – Sequential production number for Azure cars (From 1995) starting at 53601 

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report  

Features 

• November 2023 service totaling over $13,000 

• Accommodation for four adults 

• New style sports seating, front and rear unique to the Azure 

• Four-position front seat memory, lumbar adjustments, and two-stage heating 

• Tilt-adjustable steering column 

• 4x30 watt audio system with six-disc CD autochanger 

• Remote control of in-car entertainment system for rear seat passengers 

• Wilton wool carpeting and lambswool rugs 

• Burr walnut interior trim 

• Dual-level air conditioning 

• Automatic Ride Control 

• Adaptive Shift Control 

• Center console mounted gear shift with sport/standard gearchange selector 

• Electronic traction assistance system (ETAS) 

• 17 inch aluminum alloy wheels 

• Four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) 

• Laser-cut Stainless steel matrix grille 

Known Imperfections 

• Convertible top is threadbare in sections and coming apart due to age 

• Paint has been touched-up

• Instrument panel has excessive leather shrinkage  

• “Sport” button on shifter does not respond  

• Transmission occasionally will not shift into third 

• Front suspension noise 

• Brake hose leaking on the right front 

• Brake Accumulator Control Valves are both leaking 

• Needs new tires 

• Power top does not operate 

• Rodent damage next to driver’s side fan foam covering 

• Rodent damage to harness wires in the left rear corner of the engine bay 

• Rodent damage to hood insulation pad 

• Radio is inoperable 

• Fuel door is inoperable 

Ownership History 

The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places this 1996 Bentley Azure Convertible in Texas from new and in Florida since 2024. The car was purchased new in March 1996 in Houston. In November 2003, service work included a fresh fuel pump and filter, new alternator, and six new convertible top cylinders, along with fuel injector cleaning and a new battery.  

Additional Notes 

A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle.    

Contact: Tim Rollinger   Phone: 912.596.2099   Email: trollinger@hagerty.com