1996 Bentley Azure

This car is offered from outside of the European Union. It has been imported under temporary admission customs bond and is therefore subject to Dutch import tax (9%) on top of the winning bid price. Cars less than 30 years old will pay 10% Dutch import tax plus 21% VAT on the hammer.

The winning bidder will receive a receipt for the final hammer value, as their proof of purchase.

This vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and the documented history available is limited to that displayed in our photography section.

We have not tried to drive the car, and cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality.

It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

As CARS Europe BV is the guarantor of all customs duties and taxes for vehicles within Dutch customs bond, the car cannot be released to the buyer or transporter immediately after the sale. For all enquiries relating to Customs, please contact CARS Europe BV.

Purchases will only be released once cleared funds are received. All vehicles must be collected after the payment of funds.

All storage charges must be paid in full prior to the vehicle’s collection or onward transportation. Storage charges payment must be arranged with the storage company. Collection is strictly by appointment only.

Please send a booking email to the storage centre to ensure vehicle(s) are ready at time of collection. Photographic ID will be required at time of collection. If a third party is collecting for you, then written authorisation is required in advance from you and photographic ID of the third party is required at the time of collection.

Collection either by buyer or third party is only possible for vehicles within customs bond if applicable import taxes paid are paid to import into country of bonded storage location.

As soon as The Market by Bonhams receives your payment, the accounts department will send a release note to the manager of the storage facility where your car(s) is stored.

CARS Europe BV will contact you just after the sale to confirm onward transport requirements. Direct contact at CARS for enquiries is as follows; Joanna Herlihy, +31 (0) 252 682 526, +44 7483 433912, [email protected].

STORAGE CHARGES - €30 + local VAT per motor car per day commencing from the sixth day following the auction end.

CUSTOMS CHARGES - €500 per motor car (plus applicable permanent import taxes from bond).

VIN: SCBZK16C1TCX53728MOD

The odometer reads 23,391 kms.

In common with many vehicles from the vendor’s collection, this 1996 Bentley Azure comes with no history or service records.

With the proviso that we have only started the car briefly (which it did first time!) we have not tried to drive it more than a few metres and can therefore only comment on its cosmetic condition, we think it is a very good, low kilometres example of a fine model from one of the world’s great sporting marques.

We believe it entered the vendor’s collection in 2012.

This car’s dark blue finish has plenty of shine and lustre and the bodywork is free of any dents, dinks, creases, folds or ripples of any significance.

The panel gaps and shut-lines are crisp, even and consistent.

The hood appears to be free of any holes or tears, but is certainly in need of professional cleaning.

The wheels, chrome, badging and all external fixtures and fittings appear to be in very good order.

There are some scuffs and paint chips on the rear bumper, a scratch on the boot lid and some scuffs and streaks along the passenger-side sill.

There are also a few paint chips and scuffs on the edges of the doors.

The luxurious interior of the car is also really very good and reflects the car’s low kilometres far more than its 26 years of service.

If you like the colour purple, you’re going to be very happy.

There’s a lot of it – on the leather upholstery, the carpets, mats, the door cards and the dashboard surround.

It’s all very regal, and all in very decent condition bar a few scuffs and marks on the door cards caused, no doubt, by the ingress and egress of feet.

It is certainly looks highly original and authentic, as far as we can see.

The car’s various wooden veneer inserts and panels have survived the passage of time well.

We can’t vouch for the full functionality of instruments, dials, buttons, knobs, switches or levers because we haven’t driven the car.

Everything in the engine bay seems to be in its right and proper place.

The undersides of the car appear to have plenty of structural integrity.

This car doesn’t come with any history or service records beyond what is shown in the photography section.

It must be registered in the country of your choice and you will need to contact the appropriate vehicle licensing agency for instructions on how to do this.

None of the paperwork shown in the gallery in any way constitutes any kind of licensing or registration certification.

Yes, there are one or two cosmetic issues to address, if you wish to, but - provided, of course, that the engine, electrics and mechanicals are as good as the rest of the car - we think you might struggle to find an example of this age that’s in much better condition or has fewer kilometres on the clock.

We’re confident to offer this marvellous car for auction with an estimate of €30,000 - €40,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located in a bonded warehouse in Amsterdam, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.