1981 Rolls-Royce Corniche DHC

Highlights

Very low documented mileage of under 46,000 miles
Extensive history file dating back to original registration
Recent new hood, over rugs and interior Connolising
Distinctive factory Acrylic White over black with black roof
Well kept car in very good order

The Appeal

The Corniche was well named. Here was a car that channeled the sun-kissed style of France’s scenic southern coastal road.

Later versions of the first generation Corniche got the same sharper steering and updated aesthetics of the contemporary Silver Shadow II. This car’s factory build began in March 1980 and it was first UK registered as a home market RHD car in June 1981. There have been just seven keepers since, covering a combined 46,000 miles in its 43 years.

Retaining its stylish Acrylic White paintwork with black roof and trim, it is in superb condition. The signs of its life are very limited and minor, arguably adding to the character of this most stately of convertibles. The thick history file - which includes original build folder and documentation - includes a recent new hood, over-rug set and interior re-Connolising.

Now usefully registered as a Historic Vehicle, making it tax, MOT and ULEZ exempt, it is a fantastic opportunity for the buyer to acquire a very low mileage, highly preserved example of these sumptuous drop tops.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 13th June 1981
Build paperwork and original order form dated March 1980
Original invoice from supplying dealer dated February 1981
Chassis prefix DRH confirms this as a 1980-built, home market RHD DHC
Vehicle is noted on the central www.rrsilvershadow.com database
Seven registered keepers from new
History file of extensive invoices and receipts with recent highlights below
Nearly £8,000 of parts purchased in 2000 for restoration
Other invoices from Jack Barclay and Flying Spare amongst other specialists
Factory history book showing build specification dated June 1980
Original factory handbook and paperwork
2 keys
Historic Vehicle that is MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
Last MOT expired 7th January 2023 with 44,326 miles on test and no advisories
Showing 41,610 miles in 2006 supporting low mileage
Now showing 45,834 miles
Regularly serviced and maintained through its life

Notable recent maintenance:

04/12/20: new hood
12/01/21: new over-rug set
30/08/21: Connolise leather interior

The Condition

Factory correct black and white colour scheme in very good order
Acrylic White paintwork with black roof and leather and black pinstriping
Well kept car with later Corniche aesthetics including impact bumpers
Bodywork in very good order with only very minor points to note
These include a small area of bubbling to corner of one door
Paintwork in good order with only minor marks to be expected due to age
There are some light chips to nearside B post to note, but not unsightly
Underside is very well presented with evidence of professional undersealing
Black roof renewed in 2020 in very good order with matching tonneau
Lovely black leather interior with light patina and barely any wear
Factory steel wheels with body colour hub caps and Goodyear tyres
Retains its factory ‘GB’ badges
Interior veneers in very good order with only very light delamination
Interior fittings unmodified and very original including radio and Pioneer cassette

The extensive history file for this beautiful car confirms it left the factory with its current, very rare colour scheme of Acrylic White with black roof and trim. It remains in superb condition, helped by some regular titivation during its life. This has recently included a new roof and re-Connolised leather interior.

The signs of use are very limited, such as light creasing to the seat bases, but they arguably add to the character of this magnificent convertible.

The Mechanics

6,750cc hand-built fuel injected V8
3spd automatic gearbox
Low mileage verified by MOT history and history file
Regularly serviced and maintained
History file highlights shown in photographs
No mechanical or running gear advisories on last MOT
No reported running or driving issues

This car’s very low mileage is documented in its extensive history file and also in the DVLA MOT records. It presents in good order with no known mechanical or running gear issues. The result is a car that is ready to use and enjoy for the buyer with no issues to rectify.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]

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