Before Bentley fell into BMW's and Volkswagen's hands, they produced some of the best cars of the 1990s, and the reason why they never sold so well remains a mystery. The 1996 Bentley Azure is one of those cars, and it typically offered all that you'd expect in a car. The Azure undoubtedly set the scene for the Continental, first made as a convertible in 2006 as the GTC (GT Convertible). Torn between a classic Bentley convertible and the contemporary one? Perhaps our 1996 Bentley Azure review can help you make the right decision.
Bentley and Rolls-Royce are the most well-known British luxury car manufacturers, and, unknown to many, their independent paths have a shared history. This goes back to 1931 when Rolls-Royce acquired Bentley; hence, both automakers shared car platforms, engineering components, and even production lines to some extent, leading to a visual similarity between Bentley and Rolls-Royce cars. The badge engineering of Bentley cars continued until 2004, and one of the cars that heavily shows this is the 1996 Bentley Azure, which was based on the Bentley Continental R, essentially a rebadged Rolls Royce Corniche. Throughout its production, Bentley built 1,087 first-generation Bentley Azure examples, 251 of which were 1996 model years, all built at the Crewe plant in England.
As with the Continental R, the 1996 Bentley Azure was made with a 6.75-liter turbocharged V8, which, during production, made an estimated 360 horsepower and 553 lb.ft. Bentley also carried over the 4-speed transmission from General Motors, but for a grand tourer, a manual transmission perhaps would have increased sales. However, the automatic transmission likely wasn't a dealbreaker for buyers seeking a stylish package with a touch of sporting spirit. With a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 152 mph, the 5,754-pound 1996 Bentley Azure proved surprisingly quick, and we bet it was even more delightful to drive, especially with the roof down.
Before a 1996 Bentley Azure was completed at Bentley's plant in Crewe, it had to undergo extensive work at Pininfarina's plant in Cambiano, Italy. The Italian coachbuilder would then convert it to a four-seater convertible and not just one that would be used to store luggage in the rear seats. Like the front row, the second row was adorned in leather and had enough seating space for two adults. Despite Pininfarina's involvement, the 1996 Azure retained Bentley's unmistakable classic cabin layout with a meticulous distribution of polished wood veneer throughout the cabin, stretching from the dashboard to the doors and center console. Handles, buttons, and vents are accentuated by chrome accents, which add a classic touch that, in most classic cars, gives the interior a timeless appeal.
Pininfarina's collaboration with Bentley on the Azure was brief, with the 1996 model year being the last Pininfarina worked on. During the two years of collaboration, Pininfarina wasn't just responsible for the cabin conversion and building the Bentley Azure's sleek body and soft top with parts sourced from the UK. But you wouldn't tell that Pininfarina had a part to play in the Azure's design since it mostly resembles the Bentley Continental R and other Bentley and Rolls-Royce models at the time. However, one distinctive feature of the 1996 Bentley Azure is the split headlight design, which would grace other models, such as the Arnage in the early 2000s.
When the Bentley Azure went into production, it was hailed as the first genuinely comfortable luxury four-seater convertible, and it was not just because of sufficient seating space. Notably, the 1996 Azure was produced with front seats sourced from the BMW 8-Series convertible with heating and memory functions and electric adjustability, enabling access to the rear seats and customizable seat position preferences. Taking advantage of electrification, the Pininfarina-made soft top in the 1996 Bentley Azure could be operated in around 30 seconds, which might seem slow but it was very fast and convenient for 1996.
For around $50,000, you could have a 1996 Bentley Azure as a summer cruiser, and you bet it will stand out even amongst today's dropheads. It's a head-turner on any road, offering an irresistible experience for anyone who sets their eyes on it. Considering joining the Bentley Azure club? Exotic Car Trader hosts a wide variety of Bentley listings, including Bentley Azure units. Take a peek at what we have, and if you need any assistance buying or sourcing one, get in touch, and we'll handle everything for you.
Whether cruising along the coast with the top down or gracefully sweeping city streets, the 1996 Bentley Azure captivates admirers with its timeless charm and unwavering prestige. Any classic car gearhead wouldn't resist the urge to own one when an opportunity presents itself, as it's not only good-looking but also one of the best all-around classic Bentleys you can buy. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! The 1996 Bentley Azure is a fascinating fusion of British engineering prowess and Italian design flair. Its lineage reflects this perfectly, with roots intertwined with Rolls-Royce and a touch of Pininfarina craftsmanship.
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