The Rolls-Royce Corniche III Drophead Coupe was, in its day, the pinnacle of open-top motoring. Today, this is one of the finest examples available of this 1990s era al fresco cruiser, presented in time-warp condition. In its third iteration, the Corniche was an exceptionally refined machine, delivering effortless performance and a wonderfully relaxed driving experience. With unmistakable presence, the Corniche Drophead today delivers an understated coolness and enjoys a newfound appreciation. Whether attending the races or touring the continent, a Corniche like this will guarantee a warm reception.

The Model

The Corniche was officially launched in 1971 by Rolls-Royce, but it started life as a Mulliner Park Ward two-door variant of the Silver Shadow, unveiled in 1966 at the Geneva Motor Show. During its time as an MPW car it received continuous upgrades and refinements, a theme that continued throughout its life as the Corniche. Upon the name change in 1971, the car received more power, reworked wood veneers, a deeper radiator grille, and redesigned wheel trims. The car was christened Corniche in a desire to differentiate it further from the Silver Shadow on which it was based. Corniche was already part of the Rolls-Royce and Bentley nomenclature, having previously been used by Bentley in 1939.

The Corniche outlasted the Silver Shadow upon which it was based. While the Shadow ended production in 1980 after 15 years, the Corniche lasted until 1995 with a remarkable 26-year production run. This excludes the Corniche V, which returned for three years from 1999 but utilised a completely different platform altogether. Across the Corniche’s 26-year lifespan, only 6,823 examples were produced, far fewer than the 30,057 Silver Shadows. It is believed that only 71 right-hand-drive Rolls-Royce Corniche III Drophead Coupes were produced, making them a very rare commodity.

By the production of the Corniche III, the car had seen numerous updates, including alloy wheels, colour-coded bumpers, a revised dashboard and seats, a more advanced suspension system, and Motronic fuel injection. These constant refinements make the Corniche III a particularly pleasant car to drive, with a cosseting ride and smooth, effortless power delivery.

This Example

The example we have on offer here is surely one of the finest and most original in existence and has is being relinquished by its current owner of 25 years. Many cars that have covered fewer than 20,000 miles in 35 years often visit workshops less frequently, with owners feeling that minimal use negates the need for regular servicing. However, this car has visited a Rolls-Royce main dealer annually for servicing and MOT, regardless of whether it covered 100 miles or 4,000 miles in a year, with the receipts to prove it. Its service history is simply impecible. This diligent approach has helped avoid the often-overlooked hallmarks of low-mileage cars, such as fluid degradation, dried seals, and sticking mechanisms. Every invoice has been kept and is present in the file making some fascinating reading and is presented today following the significant hydraulic service and preparation for sale totalling nearly £16,000 of work. Simply no expense spared in its upkeep.

As you first approach the car, it is immediately clear that this is one of those examples that stops you in your tracks. The paintwork is outstanding, defying its age with remarkable depth and clarity. The brightwork is simply stunning, and the white Everflex hood, which is the original for this car, remains in excellent condition. Open the door and you are greeted by beautiful magnolia leather, barely showing any patina, complemented by blue piping and warm interior lighting. The woodwork is delicately detailed and looks as good as the day it left the factory, with no signs of wear or damage. Even the drinkware remains present and correct, with decanters, glasses and corkscrew neatly housed in both the driver’s and passenger doors.

Turn the key and the engine purrs into life with impeccable refinement. With the release of two latches atop the windscreen and the press of a button, the hood lowers smoothly behind the rear passengers. A cover can be easily fitted to neatly stow the hood, leaving you ready to enjoy open-air motoring while remaining in complete comfort.

In Summary

This is an opportunity to purchase an exquisite Rolls-Royce Corniche III Drophead Coupe. If you are seeking one of the finest examples on the road to add to your collection, look no further. This Corniche III DHC ticks all the boxes: timeless understated elegance, a whisper-quiet and refined V8, a sumptuously appointed interior, and supreme comfort. The fact that this example has been so carefully preserved, supported by an impeccable service history, and presented in such a tasteful contemporary colour scheme surely makes it the Corniche to have.

Please get in contact to find out more or to arrange a viewing.

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