Verdict
B
GT · UK · 1995-2002 + 2006-2010
Bentley Azure
Bentley Azure — spec data and generation history.
Years
1995-2002 + 2006-2010
Generations
2
Segment
GT
Bentley's flagship convertible — two distinct generations, both Crewe hand-built. Mk1 (1995-2002) was a Continental R-derived four-seat drophead with 6.75 V8 (385/420 bhp), Pininfarina-engineered roof. Mk2 (2006-2009) used the Arnage's body-on-frame platform and pillarless engineering, 6.75 TT V8 (450 bhp); the 'Azure T' (2009-2010, 500 bhp) was the run-out. Both are rare — Mk1 ~1,400 built, Mk2 ~875 built. Genuine open-air British luxury at its zenith.
What changed
Era-to-era deltas
Azure Mk1 1995-2002 → Azure Mk2 2006-2010
BHP +30 bhp
Torque +225 Nm
0–62 mph −1.4 s
Top speed +15 mph
Engine TT V8 added
Generations
Click any generation for the full deep dive
1995-2002
Mk1
→
6.75 V8 — 420 bhp, 0-62 in 5.7s.
Verdict
B
BHP
420
0–60
5.7 s
Top
158 mph
MPG
12.0 mpg
Used
£35,000-£90,000
- + Continental R-derived
- + Pininfarina roof engineering
- − 6.75 head gaskets
- − GM 4AT outdated
2006-2010
Mk2
→
6.75 TT V8 T — 500 bhp, 0-62 in 4.9s.
Verdict
B
BHP
500
0–60
4.9 s
Top
180 mph
MPG
14.0 mpg
Used
£60,000-£140,000
- + Arnage chassis underneath
- + 6.75 TT V8 properly fast
- − Air suspension
- − Roof electrical faults
Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
1995-2002 · Mk1
- 6.75 V8 head gaskets
- GM 4-speed auto dated
- Pininfarina roof seal leaks
2006-2010 · Mk2
- Air suspension leaks
- Roof mechanism electrical faults
- Walnut veneer cracking
Rivals
Rolls-Royce Corniche · Bentley Continental GTC · Mercedes SL · Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe