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• Auction House:
  Mossgreen-Webb's
• Sale Name:
  The Roy Savage Collection of Classic Cars
• Sale Date:
  04 Dec 2016 ~ 2.30pm (NZ time)
• Lot #:
  117
• Lot Description:
  1996 BENTLEY AZURE DROPHEAD COUPE
  VIN: SCBZK15C8TCH53794; Engine no: 86446L410MT1T
• Notes:
  The W.O. Bentley story began in October 1919 in an upstairs workshop in the New Street Mews, London. Without exhaust or silencer, the first engine was tested but not before an irate matron complained to the deference to a dying patient and the experiment was terminated. But, the engine had run, an experiment had succeeded and a legend was born. The engine was then lowered through a hole in the floor to the service station below. And so, the fabulous WO Bentley began to fascinate upwardly mobile sporting drivers, gentrified society and well-heeled aristocrats with a need for speed. In 1924, after Bentley's 3 Litre class Victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, W. O. Bentley's reputation was secure. However, his company had been experiencing financial difficulties and Woolf Barnato, one of the so-called Bentley Boys, assisted financially which essentially gave him control over the company. The new models introduced under Barnato's chairmanship repeated the success of the Bentley 3 Litre Sport and won Le Mans in 1927, 1928, 1929 and 1930. The Stock Market Crash of 1929 that was followed by the Great Depression dramatically reduced the demand for these luxury sports cars. So, in 1931, a takeover was made by Napier & Son, however, Napier was outbid by the British Central Equitable Trust as ultimately by Rolls-Royce was behind the British Central Equitable Trust. Rolls-Royce formed a new company, while the production was moved to its facilities in Derby. The Bentley factory in Cricklewood closed and W. O. Bentley, who was at the time still designing Bentleys left in 1935 and he joined Lagonda. Over the ensuing decades, Bentley and its parent company changed ownership on two occasions and Rolls-Royce was nationalised by the British government. The Rolls Royce car division was made an independent business separating it from its aviation arm and Rolls-Royce Motors Limited was acquired by Vickers plc, in 1980. Meanwhile, Bentley sales had fallen worryingly low. But under Vickers, Bentley restored its former reputation as a builder of luxury sports car and sales started to rise as a result of tighter fiscal policy. Of particular note, Bentley produced the R-Type Continental from 1952 to 1955. These were derivatives of the original R-Type and the second series of Bentley's post war luxury line. These chassis were independently produced and sold to custom coach-builders as one of the world's most expensive cars. Over the next 10 years, the Bentley Continental was promoted for its high performance and superlative touring quality and spearheaded its maker's prosperity for the post-war era. This Azure model is built on the Continental platform and debuted in March 1995 at the Geneva Motor Show although originally launched in 1991. There were a mere nine examples built in the first year. But, by 1996, 251 Azures were completed. With the design expertise of Pininfarina, it took two years to turn the Continental R into a full four-seater convertible. With components mostly sourced from the UK, the shell and soft-top were made at the Pininfarina factory in Italy but the final assembly line was back at Crewe. As a roll-bar was never considered, extensive reinforcing of the chassis was required and at 210in (5,340 mm) in length and 5,750 pounds (2,610 kg) in weight, the Azure was awe-inspiring in sheer size and stature, conveying the legendary Bentley presence and stealth and at the same time providing comfortable seating for four adult passengers. This consummate, thoroughbred grand tourer is the epitome of sophistication and elegance. To compliment the car's good looks, massive horsepower is produced by the 6.75-litre V8 engine, featuring a single, intercooled Garrett turbocharger. This engine produces in the region of 385 hp (287 kW; 390 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 750 Nm (553 lb ft) of torque at 2,000 rpm with the assistance of the new engine management from Zytek. Power to the rear wheels is via a modified, General Motors sourced, four-speed automatic transmission. With 0-60mph in 6.3 seconds (0-100 km/h in 6.5 s) and a top speed of 241 km/h (150 mph). the Azure is very fast for its size and weight. In 1995, the Azure was priced some 10% more than the Continental R but of course it featured the fully automated seven-bow roof that closes effortlessly to reveal a convertible. The distinctive laser-cut stainless steel grille, twin headlamps and the timeless Bentley high waist-line bodywork proudly wears the black-winged 'B' emblem signifying its heritage and Bentley bloodline. This car was ordered by a customer in Malaysia and delivered to Malayan Motors Singapore on 22nd June, 1996. There was a financial down-turn in Asia at the time and many orders for prestige cars of this nature were either cancelled or had to be re assigned. Roy Savage, who is a keen Bentley and Rolls-Royce enthusiast, had this car delivered to Giltrap Prestige of Auckland. It comes with its full service books. With a mere 23,000kms. odometer reading this spectacular Bentley presents beautifully in its factory livery of Peacock Blue with cream leather interior and is a rare opportunity to acquire one of Roy Savage's most particularly enjoyed luxury motor cars. This vehicle will be sold licenced with WoF
• Estimate:
  NZ$110,000 - 130,000
• Realised Price:
  *****
  

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• Category:
  Automobiles & Accessories

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.