2003 BENTLEY AZURE MULLINER

This Bentley Azure Mulliner is a brisk and beautifully appointed open-top grand tourer, which is presented in excellent condition and with low mileage. Power comes from the 6.75-litre turbocharged V8, producing around 385hp and 553lb-ft of torque, coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission. The odometer shows just 36,535 miles.

First registered on 28 May 2003, and supplied by Bentley dealer Michael Powles Ltd, this car has four previous keepers on the V5C. It was acquired by the vendor around 18 months ago, who is only offering the car for sale as he is moving to mainland Europe and requires a left-hand drive vehicle.

It left the factory finished in elegant Storm Silver paintwork, with an interior in full black leather, and accented by burr walnut veneers. A discreet Mulliner specification car, the first owner opted for the mesh front grilles and wing vent grilles, a single twin exhaust, and ‘Mulliner’ branded door tread plates.

Today, its bodywork remains in superb condition, with straight and smooth panels, and no evidence of any prior damage. The paint finish is believed to be original, and the vendor reports only a few small stone chips around the lower front bumper. All of the chrome body trims are in excellent order, and the car was specified with a black soft top hood. The material is in great shape, with no damage or noticeable discolouration, and the mechanism works as it should. The car rides on the 18-inch five-arm alloy wheels, which have a few grazes around the rims, but all have their original Bentley centre caps.

The interior of this Azure Mulliner is as sumptuous and cosseting as you would expect. Black leather adorns most surfaces, with black carpeting across the floors and burr walnut veneers adding warmth and sophistication to the cabin. The leather itself is in excellent condition, showing only minor creasing to the driver’s seat, commensurate with the low mileage. The dashboard and door panels present very well, and the interior brightwork is also in generally superb order. Factory-fitted equipment includes electrically adjustable and heated front seats, with memory settings for both sides, air-conditioning, a CD radio head unit, and push-button start. The vendor reports no electrical issues, and there are no warning lights displayed.

Its last routine maintenance was carried out in June 2020 at 36,237 miles by Bentley specialist Chris Moroney. This included refurbishment of the rear brakes as well as some new seat cables. In June 2019 at 33,962 miles, the same specialist also carried out a full 12,000-mile service, with fresh coolant, new mineral oils, replacement spark plugs, new front brake pads, and new brake accumulators. The air-conditioning pump compressor was also renewed and refilled, with the total bill coming to around £3,200. A full summary of the service history is included below, and the vendor states that all invoices from 2005 onwards are available.

The car will be having an MOT test during the auction, so that it is handed over with a new 12-month certificate for the next owner. The previous test on file was carried out on 15 May 2019 at 33,671 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no defects noted. The online MOT history shows an impressive record, with clean, advisory-free MOTs covering the last eight years. Its wheels are fitted with Pirelli P Zero tyres, which were fitted in 2019, and which have only covered around 2,000 miles, so they remain in superb condition.

Accompanying the car is the complete original book pack, including the stamped maintenance record, owner’s manual, and dealer directory. Behind the panel in the boot is the jacking kit, warning triangle, and tools, and two keys and remote fobs are also present.

This Bentley Azure Mulliner is a very rare example of the marque’s elegant convertible model, and makes for an exceptionally refined touring car - whether for longer road trips or just occasional sunny weekends. The car has evidently been very well maintained, and kept carefully stored when not in use, so that it now presents superbly throughout. For someone who has always wanted one of these full-size convertibles in their collection, this will no doubt prove to be a wonderful modern classic to own and enjoy.

Summary of service history:

• 29/05/2003 - 83 miles (Pre-delivery)
• 13/10/2003 - 1,845 miles
• 28/05/2004 - 6,406 miles
• 08/11/2004 - 9,123 miles
• 31/08/2005 - 11,945 miles
• 12/06/2006 - 12,435 miles
• 26/01/2007 - 13,567 miles
• 29/11/2007 - 14,627 miles
• 05/01/2009 - 17,657 miles
• 21/12/2010 - 24,647 miles
• 14/12/2011 - 27,518 miles
• 19/12/2013 - 30,195 miles
• 23/12/2015 - 32,237 miles
• 19/06/2019 - 33,962 miles
• 28/06/2020 - 36,237 miles

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently covered by a finance agreement, but the remaining balance will be cleared before ownership is transferred to the buyer.

Please note: the cherished plate shown on the vehicle is not included in the sale. It will be switched back to an age-related registration plate in the event of a successful auction.