We are pleased to offer for sale this wonderful Rolls-Royce Corniche. The Corniche in its time was the pinnacle of its day, a luxury, sporting coupe with room for four adults to be driven in comfort and style. Today, the Corniche gives an air understated elegance, to drive a Corniche is not a way to shout about flashiness, but to whisper a quiet confidence, it reflects a simpler time through its exceptional lines.

The Model

Launched in 1971, the Corniche was a significant update from the Silver Shadow Coupe that came before it. It moved away from the modified Silver Shadow platform that housed the previous coupe, to a fully coach-built, bespoke body and interior to ensure it stood out as it's own model, a name change to Corniche to signal that fact to customers.

Designed by Mulliner Park Ward, the Corniche silhouette is embodied with some very well balanced proportions featuring a long bonnet, elegant lines and subtle chrome detailing. MPW also oversaw the interior ensuring luxurious use of leather and wood, along with a bespoke dash layout, a wood rimmed steering wheel and wood veneers. When inside the cabin feels stately and elegant, with plenty of comfort to ensure the cockpit is a delightful place to be for some long-distance touring.

Rolls-Royce provided the mechanical platform and engineering so present we have their infamous 6.75 litre V8, a 3-speed automatic transmission and hydropneumatic suspension to provide the magic carpet ride, ok there may have been some help there from the French.

This Car

Flicking through the file we find the Construction & Test Records supplied by the RREC, in these it details that the car was sold through Jack Barclay Ltd in June 1972, with the sales price working out at £13,871.46, a significant fortune at the time. The file notes it was supplied with the specification to include:

• Paint - Le Mans Blue
• Hide - Black
• Headlining - Baroda Blue
• Carpet - Blue
• Special features:
  
  • Fog lamps
  • White sided tyres
  • Plain Sundym glass throughout
  • Blue nylon rugs (but slightly darker than lighter)

The above specification was chosen by a Mr Fuller who kept the car until June 1984, as noted by a letter provided by the previous but one owner. There is a letter supplied by a recent custodian, they owned the car from 2016 to 2020, details the early history of the car. His historical tracing has seen him able to find information on each keeper as well as some of the work they've had done, clearly very well-researched, I suspect with thanks to the owners club. Sadly, much of the earlier invoice history is missing, however the history since 2014 is very significant and well-documented. The car was looked after by Colbrook from 2014 to 2020, a well-regarded Rolls-Royce specialist, then we have maintained the car since 2020, so we know the car well. In all there are receipts on file for over £45,000 of work since 2014.

Her bodywork stands brightly with the paint having a real depth of colour and the brightwork shining well. There are a couple of areas needing our attention which we are in the process of carrying out, but overall the car looks very bright and well cared for.

On the road she drives exceptionally well, holding the road well with that infamous magic carpet-like ride quality. You barely hear a whisper from either the engine or any rattles or squeaks from the interior. It is quite simply a splendid place to be.

Summary

We have available here a very well sorted example of the fabulous Rolls-Royce Corniche. Having had significant sums spent on her over recent years she drives beautifully as one would expect. If find yourself the market for a Corniche, a viewing of this example must be on your list and we're sure you'll want to be its next custodian. Please call to find out more and to arrange a viewing.