Pre-bids

1989 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible

Highlights

  • Advisory-free MOT until 19th August 2025
  • Desirable private registration ‘PEP 62S’ included in the sale
  • Owned for 27 years by a famous cricketer, actor, writer and record label President, Dr. David English C.B.E, MBE, O.S.C.A
  • Full service history, which the vendor will request from HR Owen; later servicing by The Chelsea Workshop
  • Offered in superb overall condition
  • Recommissioned and serviced in August 2024 by The Chelsea Workshop following long-term storage

The Appeal

Offered as coach-built, two-door coupé and cabriolet versions of the enormously successful Silver Shadow, the Rolls-Royce Corniche was the car to be seen in if you were an A-list celebrity at the time.

Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Elton John, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Michael Caine, Maurice Gibb and even David Attenborough all drove Corniches. That’s quite the list, and we can add one more name to it… The late cricketer, actor, writer and former president of RSO Records, Dr David English was also a Corniche man, and we’re delighted to offer his very car, which he cherished for 27 years.
Dr English was an esteemed member of the prestigious Lord’s-based Marylebone Cricket Club, founder of the Bunbury Cricket Club charity and in his record industry career, signed the Bee Gees and Eric Clapton, as well as managing publicity for the Rolling Stones and Tom Jones. He even appeared in several films including A Bridge Too Far!
Right, enough name-dropping. Irrespective of its rich provenance, this 1989 Corniche is an outstanding example as the photographs attest to. We’re assured that it benefits from full service history, principally from HR Owen and later with renowned independent specialists The Chelsea Workshop. A collection of invoices and service records accompany the car and the vendor will request the older service information from HR Owen.
Offered with an advisory-free long MOT, this Rolls-Royce is ready for a new owner.
 
 

The History and Paperwork

  • 74,893 miles indicated and reportedly warranted by the service history
  • Five former registered keepers according to DVLA data
  • UK home market RHD example
  • Previously registered in France - still accompanied by copies of its Contrôle Technique certificates
  • V5C present
  • The vendor informs us that they can request the service history for 1989-2005 from HR Owen once the is ready to transfer ownership to the winning bidder
  • More recent independent specialist service history accompanies the car with numerous stamps from The Chelsea Workshop in a service book
  • Most recent service dated 28th August 2024, also with The Chelsea Workshop who recommissioned the car following long-term storage
  • Invoice for recent recommissioning work amounting to £12,551.54
  • Invoices from Strong & Turton LTD Motor Trimmers for upholstery and hood refurbishment as well as supplying a new hood bag; these amount to £9,510 (see invoices in the gallery below)
  • Hand-written letter from Dr English on Bunbury Cricket Club headed notepaper to The Chelsea Workshop dated 14th July 2020
 
 

The Condition

  • Blue folding hood is complemented by a Magnolia hood bag to match the upholstery
  • The hood presents impeccably following professional maintenance/repair and we understand it to be in good working order
  • The bodywork and paint look fantastic, with no notable blemishes, any signs of accident damage or age-related deterioration to report
  • All looks well underneath, with no issues apparent
  • Very smart Magnolia interior, benefitting from copious high-quality work with Strong & Turton LTD
  • Barely any notable wear visible in the photographs
  • We’re not notified of any known issues with the cabin electrics, instruments or controls
As the photographs attest to, this looks an astounding example of the marque. The Mulliner Park Ward coachwork appears arrow-straight down both sides, with fantastic panel fit and well-fitting doors. The paint and chromework gleams and the vendor is not aware of any notable signs of wear or deterioration. The hood presents impeccably, fits tightly and the rear window appears in very good order. On the inside, the interior is spotlessly clean and benefits from copious work with Strong & Turton LTD who carried out a multitude of tidying jobs as well as fully ‘re-Connollising’ all the leather. All looks fantastic as a result, and there’s very little to report in the way of visible wear.
 
 

The Mechanics 

  • 6.75-litre V8
  • Three-speed automatic transmission
  • Recently recommissioned and ‘A Service’ performed by The Chelsea Workshop (see full invoice in the gallery below)
  • Recommissioning work included and comprehensive overhaul of all worn, perished or malfunctioning parts to the suspension, steering, brakes and fuel system, besides numerous other more minor jobs
  • Complete with an advisory-free MOT
Having been gone through thoroughly by renowned specialists The Chelsea Workshop in August 2024, prospective bidders can rest assured that this is a very healthy Rolls-Royce. We’re assured that it runs very well indeed and the recent MOT test was passed with no advisory items. These cars are the perfect choice for open-topped Continental grand touring and this one’s well and truly up to the task following £12,551 in mechanical expenditure.
 
 
 
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 of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s 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 fee. 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 and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and  it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. 
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Auction Details

  • Year1989
  • MakeRolls Royce
  • ModelCorniche
  • ColourBlue
  • Odometer74,893 Miles
  • Seller TypeTrade
  • TownGuildford
  • CountySurrey
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

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