*vendor supplied photos*

Highlights

Restored in 2021
Large history file
Smart, original interior
Tax / MOT exempt

The Appeal

The Rolls-Royce Corniche changed very little throughout its thirty-one years in production, proving that when you arrive at a good formula, it’s best to stick with it. That means this 1979 example was built right in the middle of the Corniche lineage, making it a 5000 series car, thus retaining much of the early cars’ character, but also many of the later cars’ accessories such as bi-level air conditioning and rack and pinion steering.

Interestingly, this Corniche was sold by renowned dealer Jack Barclay, just five miles up the road from where the body had been built at H.J. Mulliner Park Ward.

Having undergone restoration in 2021, this Corniche is in fine condition both mechanically and cosmetically, finished off in the classic Rolls-Royce combination of Georgian Silver with a red interior.

The History and Paperwork

Restored by Norfolk Premier Coachworks
Factory build sheets present
Main dealer, latterly specialist service history
Original owner’s manuals
Collection of MOTs, Invoices and tax discs

The vendor tells us that this car is accompanied by an especially large history file which gives details of all the previous owners and numerous number plate changes. It now wears an age-correct plate once more although many of its former private registrations suggest that this car had some very affluent owners in the past.

Amongst the paperwork, there are also a number of old MOT certificates, tax discs, and the factory build sheets detailing the exact specification of this Rolls-Royce. The vendor informs us that there is evidence of main dealer service history, followed by many services from Rolls-Royce specialists.

It is also worth noting that there is an invoice for an odometer change in August 2014 with a new odometer which read 87,000 miles instead of 107,000 miles as recoded on the last MOT from March 2014.

Most notably, the car underwent comprehensive restoration - costing in excess of £80,000 - in 2021 which was carried out by Norfolk Premier Coachworks.

The original owner’s manuals remain with the car.

The Interior

Largely original
Nice level of patina
Very luxurious

While the car’s bodywork underwent significant work during the restoration, the interior remains mostly original, which we think was the right decision.

Therefore, the seats display a smattering of patina but are in very good overall condition. However, the leather headlining has been changed and as such is well affixed and unblemished.

The woodwork on the dashboard and door tops has been re-veneered and re-varnished to an extremely high standard bringing the original woodwork to a better than new quality.

No radio is currently in place although there is evidence in the boot of a CD multichanger having been fitted in the past. Currently there is a blanking plate in the dashboard where a radio used to be. The vendor informs us that everything else inside the cabin functions correctly.

The boot is in fine condition and contains two original Rolls-Royce tool kits, both in good, complete order.

The Exterior

Well painted
New wings
New tyres
Factory optional sunroof
Black Everflex roof

The Georgian Silver paintwork is still fairly new and as such presents very well. There is a slight chip noticeable along the shut line of the boot, but otherwise the paintwork and exterior trim is in great shape.

As part of its 2021 restoration, the Corniche received new wings, which have been expertly fitted. The restored wheels are described as “excellent” by the vendor and they are shod with new Goodyear tyres.

The vendor informs us that there is no corrosion on the car both topside and underneath.

Our favourite feature of this Corniche is the factory optional steel sliding sunroof, which operates exactly as it is supposed to.

The Mechanics

Rebuilt engine
Drives as Rolls-Royce intended
Smart engine bay

The vendor describes the engine compartment as “good”, which we think is very fair. The rebuilt 6.7-litre Rolls-Royce V8 is not only smart on the outside, it was also rebuilt in 2021.

Consequently, the Corniche drives well, the vendor reporting that it is surprisingly spritely for a car of its proportions. Likewise, we are informed that the gearbox operates smoothly and there are no leaks or smoke.

The Corniche featured a hydro-pneumatic suspension system borrowed from Citroën, giving the car a wonderful ride. Coupled with the 6.7-litre V8, this provided the Corniche with formidable “wafting” ability, allowing it to whisk its occupants around in speed and comfort.

The vendor tells us that there is something of a knack to negotiating the immobiliser, although such idiosyncrasies will be familiar to the seasoned classic car owner.

Summary

We think it is wonderful to see these beguiling automobiles being given the care and attention they deserve. Having undergone specialist restoration, this Corniche retains all its original character, yet benefits from renewed bodywork and mechanicals.

This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a coach-built Rolls-Royce that is ready to impress once more.

Notice to bidders

Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.

As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.