The 1998 Bentley Azure is a luxurious convertible offering a top-notch driving experience. Under the hood sits a 6.75-liter turbocharged V8 engine producing 385 horsepower and a substantial 553 lb-ft of torque. Power is channeled to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. While a hefty car, the Azure manages a 0-62 mph time of 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 150 mph. Pricing for a 1998 Bentley Azure varies depending on condition and options, but expect it to be between $35000 and $75,000. Here's our in-depth 1998 Bentley Azure review, which covers everything from its history and performance to its interior and exterior.
The 1998 Bentley Azure is a descendant of a long line of Bentley convertibles and has Bentley's sporting and luxury heritage. The Azure was first introduced in 1995 and was based on the Continental R platform. Its design was crafted by the renowned Italian design house Pininfarina. While the Continental R focused on a driver-oriented experience, the Azure prioritizes comfort for all four passengers with its spacious interior, giving them access to an open-air driving experience. The Azure remained Bentley's flagship model throughout its production run, with only 1,403 cars built between 1995 and 2002, making it a rare and exclusive sight on the road.
The 1998 Bentley Azure strikes a balance between powerful performance and luxurious comfort. It owes its agile performance to its 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, churning out a respectable 385 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. This power ensures the 1998 Bentley Azure goes from 0-60 mph sprint in a brisk 6.5 seconds with a top speed of 150 mph. Within its category of ultra-luxury convertibles in 1998, the Azure fell short of the sheer neck-snapping acceleration of some competitors. For instance, the contemporary Ferrari 456M boasts a V12 engine pushing over 470 horsepower. The Azure occupies a unique position compared to other Bentley offerings of the era. While the Continental R shares the same platform and offers similar performance figures, the 1998 Bentley Azure offers sharper handling and a more connected driving experience. On the other hand, the larger Bentley Brooklands, while equally luxurious, feels far more sluggish due to its even greater weight.
The 1998 Bentley Azure's interior is home to sumptuous leather upholstery in various colors to suit individual tastes. It features supportive seats with intricate stitching and ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. Burl walnut wood veneers grace the dashboard, center console, and door panels. The attention to detail in the interior is evident in the meticulous detailing, with flawlessly finished wood seamlessly integrated with the leather. Chrome accents throughout the cabin add a touch of elegance, while the carpeting in a rich, contrasting color completes the luxurious feel. The instrument cluster is clear and easy to read, with classic gauges finished to complement the overall design. Power-adjustable seats with memory settings ensure a perfect driving position for every occupant, while a premium sound system provides an immersive audio experience.
The 1998 Bentley Azure has a remarkable exterior that is hard to miss, even from a distance. The long, flowing lines of the bodywork create a graceful silhouette that turns heads wherever it goes. A hallmark of the Azure is the power-retractable convertible top. Crafted from high-quality fabric, it silently folds away to transform the car into a luxurious open-air cruiser in seconds. When raised, the top provides a clean, taut look that complements the car's overall design. The front grille dominates the front fascia. Chrome mesh and a prominent Bentley badge instantly communicate the car's pedigree. Flanking the grille are sleek halogen headlights that provide excellent nighttime visibility. Chrome accents continue around the windows and fog lights, adding a touch of sophistication. Completing the picture are polished alloy wheels in a classic multi-spoke design. Offered in various sizes, they perfectly balance the car, and the tires grip the road firmly. The 1998 Bentley Azure is elegant on its exterior, and the subtle modern touches add to its overall appeal.
A look at the tech spec sheet of the 1998 Bentley Azure shows it's equipped with features such as power-adjustable seats with memory settings to ensure a perfect driving position for each occupant, a premium sound system that delivers immersive audio, and an automatic climate control that maintains a desired cabin temperature. The power-retractable convertible top offers a touch of open-air exhilaration at the press of a button. Safety features include anti-lock brakes (ABS) and traction control, providing a baseline level of driver assistance. However, compared to modern cars, the technological offerings of the 1998 Bentley Azure are relatively modest - probably because of the features available for cars in its time.
The price of a used 1998 Bentley Azure varies depending on its condition, mileage, and options. As a luxury car with limited production numbers, expect it to be costly. Prices can range anywhere from around $35,000 for a car in well-worn condition to upwards of $75,000 for a pristine example with low mileage.
The 1998 Bentley Azure offers a unique proposition within the ultra-luxury convertible segment, with offerings like the handcrafted interior that envelops occupants in luxury and an engine that delivers power effortlessly to the wheels. Finding or selling a used Bentley Azure can be a daunting task. If you want to buy or sell a pre-owned exotic car, look no further than Exotic Car Trader. Their user-friendly platform simplifies the process, allowing you to browse many cars or list your own for sale. With transparent pricing and verified buyers and sellers, they provide a secure and streamlined experience for your exotic car buying or selling needs. So, whether you're a seasoned collector or have a penchant for the finer things in life, the 1998 Bentley Azure deserves serious consideration.
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