When the Bentley Azure debuted in 1995, there was skepticism about its success. However, by the end of the millennium, many critics had come to love and embrace the car for its uniqueness. The 1999 Bentley Azure, like its predecessor, is a luxurious grand tourer convertible that offers impressive performance and top-notch comfort. It features a powerful 6.75-liter turbocharged V8 engine that produces 390 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque and rockets the car from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 5.6 seconds. The car's interior is filled with exquisite leather upholstery and wood trim, crafted with meticulous attention to detail. You can find used ones on the market ranging from around $30,000 to $90,000 depending on mileage, condition, and originality. Slowly read our 1999 Bentley Azure review if you're considering buying a classic luxury car for yourself.
The 1999 Bentley Azure is a product of British luxury car heritage and Italian design expertise. Introduced in 1995, the Azure is the convertible sibling of the Bentley Continental R. Unlike previous Bentleys that shared platforms with Rolls-Royce models, the Continental R, and subsequently, the Azure was designed for Bentley. Pininfarina of Italy transformed the Continental R coupe into a four-seat convertible with a fully automatic power-folding soft top. This transformation was no small feat, requiring additional reinforcements to maintain the car's rigidity without a fixed roof. The 1999 model year didn't see a significant change from the initial 1995 design. It still sported the muscular yet elegant design with the signature Bentley air vents on the front fenders. The interior remained swathed in rich leather and wood trim. Performance remained impressive, too, thanks to the 6.75-liter turbocharged V8 engine, which it inherited from its predecessors. While exact production figures for the 1999 model year aren't available, total Azure production from 1995 to 2002 is documented at just over 1000 vehicles.
The 1999 Bentley Azure features a 6.75-liter turbocharged V8 engine that produces a respectable 385 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. This power pushes the somewhat hefty car to a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds, which is impressive even by today's standards. The Azure delivers its power smoothly, making it a joy to drive on long stretches of highway. The Azure falls slightly behind in horsepower and engine compared to its contemporaries. The Azure does get enough torque (650 lb-ft of torque) that makes highway cruising a breeze, allowing you to effortlessly maintain speed without constantly downshifting. In this regard, the Azure outmuscles some competitors, like the Mercedes-Benz SL600, which offers a powerful V12 but with slightly less torque.
The 1999 Bentley Azure's interior whisks you away to a world of comfort. Bentley crafted the cabin using only the finest materials, with extensive swathes of sumptuous leather adorning the seats, door panels, center console, and even the steering wheel. You can choose from various rich leather colors, allowing you to personalize your driving environment. Complementing the leather is beautiful wood trim, hand-selected and polished to a gleaming finish. The craftsmanship throughout the cabin is meticulous, with precise and flawless stitching. Every detail, from the machined metal accents to the knurled knobs for climate control, exudes a sense of quality and solidity. The seats are designed for long-distance cruising, offering ample support and comfort. They're heated and power-adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. Even rear-seat passengers are treated to first-class accommodations, with plenty of legroom and headroom for comfortable journeys.
The 1999 Bentley Azure's exterior still looks awesome over two decades after it rolled off the production lines. The signature Bentley hallmark, the oval air vents on the front fenders, is prominently displayed, hinting at the car's powerful heritage. The body panels are crafted from high-quality steel, ensuring a solid and robust feel. The lines flow smoothly from the prominent grille to the muscular rear haunches, giving the Azure a dynamic stance. A power-folding soft top transforms the driving experience from a luxurious coupe to a wind-in-your-hair convertible in seconds. The soft top comes in various colors to complement the exterior paint and is available in different colors to suit your preferences. Chrome accents are used sparingly but effectively, adorning the window surrounds and door handles. These elements add a touch of brilliance and highlight the car's body correctly. Even the wheels look outstanding, featuring intricate multi-spoke designs that perfectly complement the overall aesthetic.
The 1999 Bentley Azure doesn't boast the infotainment systems found in modern cars, but for its time, it did offer essential amenities to enhance your ride. A power-folding soft top allows for open-air motoring at the touch of a button, and a premium sound system delivers crisp audio for cruising. Automatic climate control maintains your desired cabin temperature; heated seats ensure year-round comfort. Electronic safety features like anti-lock brakes (ABS) and traction control are present, but driver assistance systems like lane departure warnings are absent.
The cost of the 1999 Bentley Azure depends on several factors, such as mileage, condition, and specific options the car boasts. In today's market, expect the price of a used 1999 Bentley Azure to range anywhere from $30,000 to $90,000 for this prestigious drop-top classic luxury car.
In conclusion, the 1999 Bentley Azure remains an interesting car for those seeking a unique Bentley without the high price tags while maintaining elegance, performance, and open-air motoring features. If you're considering buying or selling your exotic car or a pre-owned Bentley Azure, look no further than Exotic Car Trader. Their user-friendly platform simplifies the process of buying and selling cars online. They also have a large inventory of cars for sale. So, to recap, the 1999 Bentley Azure boasts a powerful V8 engine, a luxurious handcrafted interior, and a convertible top that transforms the driving experience.
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