'To build a fast car, a good car, the best in class' is a slogan we've all heard from Bentley Motors for quite a while. From the Bentley Speed 6 to the Turbo R, Bentley creations have hit the sweet spot between performance, luxury, and exquisite craftsmanship; the Bentley Azure Mulliner is no exception. It sports a mighty 6.75-liter turbo V8 motor, delivering 420 horsepower to the rear wheels and propelling the car to 60 mph in an effortless 6.4 seconds. Still, the 2001 Bentley Azure Mulliner promises an open-top experience up to 150 mph. More importantly, labeled the 'Mulliner' trim, the Azure benefits from Bentley's extensive suite of bespoke equipment and customizable options, driving the overall price of the land yacht north of $400,000! However, used specimens cost as much as $70,000, considering their condition, age, and rarity.
First unveiled at the 1995 Geneva Motor Show, the Bentley Azure was a luxury, two-door, four-seater convertible by Bentley meant to wrap its occupants in sheer luxury. Designing the Azure was left in the hands of the Italian coachmaker Pininfarina, the genius behind major automotive legends like the Ferrari 250 and the Testarossa. So, unsurprisingly, it commanded a strong road presence with its yacht-sized length and soft-top luxury. However, despite the upstart in single-digit sales figures, Azure soon rose to Hollywood stardom, studding celebrities like Mark Wahlberg and Simon Cowell. From 1999, though, the Azure could be specced with the 'Mulliner' trim, which added tons of individualized specifications and equipment for luxury and spirited performance. Production for the Mulliner (Wide Body) continued up till 2002, spanning a total of 154 units from Bentley’s factory in Britain.
The 2001 Bentley Azure Mulliner sports a beefy 6.75-liter turbocharged V8 engine, borrowed from its sibling, the Continental R. Also borrowed – from General Motors – is the 4-speed automatic transmission, routing roughly 400 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque to the rear wheels only. Still, a respectable 0 – 60 mph figure (6.5 seconds) and a modest top speed (150 mph ~ 241 km/h) do not scream 'sheer speed,' and rightfully so. Instead, it promises a lofty drive coupling with a humble acceleration speed that speaks volumes of elegance. However, weighing just shy of 2.7 tons, the Azure Mulliner is definitely not for the track but more for a relaxing cruise down backroads.
Inside, the Bentley Azure Mulliner prides itself on fostering a highly bespoke customization for a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Fine leather upholstery meets the eyes wherever it goes, basking the seats, dash, center console, and door panels for refined luxury. Even apparent are the gauges, encompassing the center console and overlooking the four-point, leather-clad steering wheel, reinforcing the Azure Mulliner's timeless and classic character. However, shiny, exquisite wood trim accents artfully nestled throughout the cabin offer a touch of class and sophistication in an era of plastic-dominated cabins. More importantly, premium chrome garnishing calls for immaculate attention to detail and tactile gratification. That said, an 8-speaker premium sound system is present to blast your favorite Frank Sinatra classics and records. Together with an electronically controlled open-top, these details elevate the driving experience to that of a true sybarite.
Essentially a Bentley Continental R with a soft top, the Azure Mulliner's skin resulted from Pininfarina's coachbuilding mastery. So, it adopts a typical Bentley front end, proudly showcasing the signature Bentley grille flanked by classic round headlights, something straight out of a royal limousine. Measuring more than five meters in length, the Azure Mulliner is no less than a small-sized yacht, sitting on a set of premium, elegant aluminum alloys, a befitting depiction of the graceful and characterful lines that caress the Azure’s side profile. However, there’s no mistaking the fabric soft-top that folds back electronically in a matter of seconds – 25 seconds.
While high-tech is something modern luxury cruisers come loaded with, the much more mature 2001 Bentley Azure Mulliner doesn't shy away from using tech for an uplifted and luxurious performance. So, it benefits from Bentley's automatic self-leveling suspension for smoothing out bumpy roads, necessary for a cloudy, almost floaty ride. Also, it equips cruise control, allowing the Limo to glide along the asphalt gracefully. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, a Limited Slip Differential (LSD) works tirelessly to ensure optimal grip and confident handling, which is essential for a limo this heavy. The inside treats with heated power seats that offer memory settings for an individualized experience.
Back in 1995, the Bentley Azure debuted with a starting price of $275,000, subject to optional extras. Meanwhile, with their bespoke specifications, the Mulliner trims pushed the price tag beyond $400,000. Still, prices may fluctuate based on factors like mileage, condition, and rarity. Fast forward to 2024, the Azure Mulliner is averaging around $60,000 in used markets, like this 2001 Bentley Azure Mulliner that brought up a strong $70,000! Want to experience the epitome of luxury and exclusivity from Bentley? Head straight to the Bentley listings at Exotic Car Trader to see for yourself.
Undoubtedly, the 2001 Bentley Azure Mulliner is an automotive art on 18-inch alloys. By fostering bespoke modifications, this Bentley sees no end in terms of individualization – and, more importantly, price. Exotic Car Trader offers an online platform for effortless browsing of an endless collection of exotic cars eagerly waiting for their new home. We promote an in-depth car-buying process, while also handling escrow funds, for a streamlined and trouble-free car-buying experience. Meanwhile, our laid-out and straightforward car-selling process eliminates haggling with private buyers through various market-best verification checks and fraud-detection tools in place. This one-of-a-kind Bentley effortlessly surrounds its occupants with refined luxury, all cooped up in a characterful and graceful exterior that silently screams 'speed.'
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