Description
The Introduction
In 1971, Rolls-Royce launched the 'Corniche' using the L-Series 6. 75-litre V8, a development of the Mulliner Park Ward two-door version of the Silver Shadow released 5 years earlier in 1966. These exclusive cars were coach built using only the very best materials and took approximately 5 months to produce by hand. Such uncompromising quality resulted in a price some 50% higher than that of the standard Silver Shadow, which was a rather expensive car in its own right.
In reality, however, these cars were extremely difficult to get hold of, with a 10-year waiting list for the convertible almost from day one, buyers in the early 1970s were paying up to three times the list price for a used car!
The Corniche proved a major success for Rolls-Royce and, without doubt, played a major part in saving the business. The coupé remained in production well into the 1990s, and the last convertible examples bearing the Corniche name were delivered in 2002.
The Car
Our particular example was supplied by Newbury Motors LTD on the 27th April 1974, it is finished in Nugget Gold with Champagne hide upholstery, Beige hood and Cumberland Stone carpets. It is showing 71125 miles recorded and is stunning throughout!!
We can gladly report a tremendous history file, its last owner documenting recent meticulous attention to service and repairs. Those total £27281 over the last decade or so.
The cliché 'No expense has been spared' really applies to this lovely motor car.
The result of this diligent ownership is a car that’s in exceptional condition and has lost none of its grace and stately poise to the passage of time.
It starts on the button and drives along effortlessly. When power is requested, it’s there in an abundant, understated fashion.
It really drives superbly and every switch, light and operation appear to work without fault.
The Exterior
In our opinion, very few cars can carry a shade of gold.
The exception to this rule is the Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible.
Our Rolls Royce is in its original Nugget Gold livery, which was the official launch colour for the Corniche.
The paintwork and finish still retain a spectacular shine and depth of lustre with only the most minor of imperfections to report and the graceful and curvaceous lines of the bodywork are just as they should be. The panels, panel gaps and shut-lines are even, consistent and crisp and all the brightwork is shiny and gleaming. The glass, lights and lenses are all in excellent order and still retain their original registration plate security etchings.
The wheels and period perfect white banded Avon tyres are in very good condition and have been replaced in recent years.
The hood is also in fine condition, not least because in 2016 it was completely refurbished without leaving any items to chance, costing £16055! This included a new outer hood and headlining, new accumulator valve seals and diaphragms. Both pressure switches dismantled and overhauled, replacement hood sticks and rear window.
It has to be said that this is a spectacular looking example.
The Interior
The condition of the interior is every bit the equal of the exterior. The Champagne leather upholstery looks fantastic with only some gentle creasing to the front seat bases to give away that this Corniche celebrated its 50th birthday this year.
The Cumberland Stone carpets are immaculate as are Lambswool over-rugs.
The door cards and hood lining are near perfect and the steering wheel, gear selector and controls all look fantastic.
Nestled in the centre console is a period looking radio but all is not as it seems, it is in fact a modern CD player with aux and USB connections which works perfectly.
Moving to the boot, it is a similar story, clean, undamaged carpets and the original tool kit present and correct.
The Mechanicals
Under the bonnet the engine bay is clean, tidy and dry with everything in its right and proper place. The ignition has been updated to a Luminition contactless system and the Corniche’s exhaust has been updated to a stainless steel system.
Interestingly in 2002, the suspension was upgraded with a Harvey Bailey handling kit consisting of uprated springs, dampers and anti roll bars. This is the first Corniche we have driven with the Harvey Bailey kit fitted and it certainly does cut down the amount of roll in corners compared to the standard set up making keeping up with modern traffic, effortless.
Despite being a historic vehicle and therefore exempt from MOT tests, our Corniche comes with a current, advisory free MOT certificate valid until 6th May 2025, its actually been MOT'd every year, only a 3 advisories are noted since digital history was released in 2005, and then only for tyre imperfections in 2009 and 2011.
The Paperwork
We could write an entire listing just on the paperwork, the file is very very comprehensive, in the interests of keeping description sharp and to the point, we will just list the highlights… 27 service and maintenance invoices, original instruction handbook, original familiarisation booklet, original bill of sale, original service book and warranty paperwork, copies of the original build sheet from the Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club and of course its V5 document. Original Broughtons of Cheltenham Rolls Royce Main Dealer Plates and Sill Plaques.
The Conclusion
Unsurprisingly, Frank Sinatra, Michael Caine, Zsa Zsa Gabor and Maurice Gibb (we sold his a couple of weeks ago!) were all Corniche convertible owners and it is entirely fair to say this car is in a league of its own for sheer class and opulence.
Our Corniche has clearly been very well looked after especially by its previous 2 owners and its current condition is testament to their care and attention. Viewing is highly recommended and can be done at our Tewkesbury HQ, Monday to Saturday by appointment.
