Bentley, a name synonymous with fine craftsmanship, offers the 2002 Bentley Azure Mulliner as the pinnacle of open-air, luxury motoring from Britain’s finest, blending exhilarating performance and unparalleled comfort to create a soothing driving experience like none other. With a powerful 6.75-liter turbocharged V8 motor, the Azure pushes out a healthy 420 horsepower, enough to accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in an effortless 6.4 seconds, drowning out speed bumps up to speeds of 150 mph. Labeled the 'Mulliner' trim, the Azure benefits from Bentley's extensive, attractive list of personalization offers, ranging from leather materials to shiny wood trims throughout the cabin. Therefore, a price of almost $370,000 comes as no surprise. However, a limited production run makes the 2002 Bentley Azure Mulliner a coveted classic among enthusiasts, commanding a strong $70,000 in today’s used markets.
The 1995 Geneva Motor Show revealed the Bentley Azure as Bentley’s next grand tourer, a luxurious and powerful convertible aimed at the elite class. Underneath the skin, it was essentially a Continental R, carrying forward significant components, including the engine and frame, except – of course – the roof, which was kept 'topless.' Designing the Azure was left in the artful hands of the Italian coachmaker Pininfarina, the ones responsible for sculpting automotive legends like the Ferrari Dino and Daytona. Eventually, from 1999 onwards, the Azure could be specced with Bentley's most bespoke 'Mulliner' trim specification. In fact, Bentley and Mulliner go way back, 1923, to be precise. For decades, Mulliner-made Bentley vehicles have offered personalization to an endless degree for a touch of class, allowing customers to choose from a wide selection of options, like leather, veneers, stitching, and other details. Coincidently, the Mulliner trims benefited from the upgraded, much more powerful Continental T engine and tons of other bespoke, highly personalized options for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Underneath the mile-long bonnet lays a beefy 6.75-liter turbo V8 motor pumping 420 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque via a 4-speed automatic transmission. The power is sent to the rear wheels only through a Limited Slip Differential (LSD). Still, a 0 to 60 mph feat is just 6.4 seconds away, a task the Azure Mulliner does effortlessly. Flat-out, the Azure Mulliner would achieve a modest top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h), which doesn’t particularly shout ‘crazy fast.' Also, with a weight of just over 2.6 tons, the Azure Mulliner is definitely not for fast corners. Instead, it promises a velvety, quite smooth ride, a sensation worth experiencing with an open-top.
The inside represents the hallmark of Bentley quality and craftsmanship, embodying fine leathers that grace every surface. The hand-stitched leather showcases intricate patterns and contrasting colors tailored to individual tastes. Meanwhile, glossy wood veneers extend from the dash to the door panels, creating a delightful contrast to the high-quality leather inlays. Still, typical Bentley analog dials and gauges harness the cockpit, closely followed by a subtle yet effective touch of technology in the form of features like power, heated front seats, an electrically retractable soft-top, dual-zone climate control, and an 8-speaker premium sound system for an immersive audio experience, best relished with an open-air serenity.
Step outside the 2002 Bentley Azure Mulliner, and there's no mistaking the Bentley's sheer length, crafted with proportions to match a millionaire's yacht. This limo, however, flaunts an electronically controlled soft-top for open-air exhilaration in the winding British countryside. Still, a Bentley-esque front end is evident through the twin round-shaped headlights, closely followed by a gleaming, chrome mesh grille dominating the center. A closer look would reveal pronounced lines flowing from the signature headlights to the sweeping-long hood, hinting at a powerful engine beneath. Towards the side, though, the muscularity is kept understated through 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels – featuring a five-spoke design – tucked neatly under slightly flared wheel arches. Also, the absence of the B-pillar adds to the subtle appeal of the Azure Mulliner, creating a sleek, uninterrupted silhouette. Meanwhile, wide tail lights flank the back, located right above a set of quad exhaust pipes, hinting at the limo's performance prowess.
The 2002 Azure Mulliner prides itself on adopting technology in a subtle yet applicable way. Self-leveling suspension, standard across the Azure lineup, exemplifies Bentley's forward-thinking approach. The feature ensures a smooth ride on uneven terrains, prioritizing passenger comfort above all else. In terms of safety, airbags cocoon the occupants, working alongside ABS to allow peace of mind. Still, a traction control system works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the limo's brute force in check. Meanwhile, the presence of cruise control transforms the yacht-sized Bentley into a serene highway cruiser.
Determining the exact price of a 2002 Bentley Azure Mulliner can be difficult owing to the car's bespoke nature. That said, the Azure Mulliner kicked off at an MSRP of $369,990, excluding options and destination charges. Fast forward to 2024, the Azure Mulliner is still averaging a strong $70,000, subject to mileage, condition, and prior ownership. Meanwhile, rarer, more exquisite versions of the Azure Mulliner, called the Azure Mulliner 'Wide Body,' are sold in excess of $120,000. Pleased enough to buy one? You may visit the Bentley listings at Exotic Car Trader. If you’re in luck, you may drive home your very own one-of-a-kind Bentley.
While the limited production run for the 2002 Bentley Azure Mulliner ceased long ago, it remains a highly prized possession among enthusiasts. Exotic Car Trader provides an online platform to satisfy your car-buying and selling experience. It highlights an easy, quite straightforward buying process, essential for a trouble-free user experience. Moreover, it prides itself on adopting market-best practices and fraud-detection tools to create a hassle-free car-selling experience. Visit Exotic Car Trader now to surf an extensive portfolio of exotic cars listed for sale. The 2002 Bentley Azure Mulliner is graceful inside out and transcends the typical Bentley hallmark. From its timeless, elegantly crafted outside to its meticulously crafted, exquisitely bespoke inside, the Azure Mulliner is a befitting embodiment of a Bentley.
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