1971 Rolls-Royce Corniche Fixed-head Coupé LHD
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Highlights
- Coachwork by H.J. Mulliner Park Ward
- Plentiful paperwork
- Interesting provenance
- Judiciously maintained
The Appeal
Having enjoyed great success with the Silver-Shadow, it’s fair to say the apple didn’t fall from the tree when Rolls-Royce decided to introduce a two-door coupé to their range. Unveiled in 1965 (although only acquiring its name in 1971), the Corniche was based on its predecessor’s tried and tested underpinnings. The same V8 engine and hydropneumatic suspension system that had been so successful in the Shadow, formed the basis of the coupé Rolls would keep in production until 1995.
Featuring elegant bodywork, designed and built by the great Mulliner Park Ward in London, the Rolls-Royce Corniche cast a striking presence that is every bit as impressive today as it was fifty years ago.
This example, finished in the quintessentially British Brewster Green, underwent extensive restoration work in 2001 and has since been meticulously attended to by its subsequent owners. Situated in France, having been supplied new to the Greek ambassador in Germany, the original bill of sale reveals that this car cost £8714 in 1971.
This left-hand drive Corniche has lived on the continent all its life, but remains unashamedly British.
The History and Paperwork
- Comprehensively restored in 2001
- Ambassadorial origins
- Matching numbers
- Five owners from new
So many Rolls-Royces of this vintage have suffered from sitting in garages. This one, however, displays its 155,000 kilometres with pride, having been meticulously maintained along the way.
The 2001 restoration included a new coat of Brewster Green and a thorough renovation of the woodwork, carpets and leather. The original black Everflex vinyl roof was replaced with a beige item which we think perfectly complements the cream interior.
The vendor purchased the car from Vienna in 2012 and has since completed and carefully documented a great deal of work:
The Rolls received new whitewall tyres, air conditioning, and a hands-free, touchscreen GPS system. The vendor tells us that the GPS was fitted sympathetically, in such a way that the original Becker radio was preserved. The vendor also replaced the rear bumper and fitted bronze-tinted window film. New power steering was fitted along with a new starter motor. The electric window motors have now all been replaced, (a troublesome feature on older Rolls-Royces).
The Corniche’s busiest year for maintenance (besides 2001), was 2021 in which the following jobs were completed:
- New gearbox fitted
- Front and rear brake callipers replaced
- New exhaust system fitted
- Brake accumulator sphere replaced
- Boot carpet replaced
- Brand new hydraulic system fitted (à la Citroën)
- New tachometer
- Woodwork refinished
- Stainless steel sill plates replaced
- New floor mats
- Fluid service
The Vendor informs us that the Rolls-Royce is supplied with its original English manuals including for the Becker radio. Furthermore, the car is accompanied by French owner’s manuals and a workshop manual in CD format.
It has clearly been used and this has done the car no end of good.
The Interior
- Restored in 2001, since weathered in slightly
- New floor mats and boot carpet (2021)
- New Mulliner Park Ward emblazoned stainless steel sill plates (2021)
Having been subject to restoration in the past, the Corniche’s interior presents very well. The floor mats were replaced recently so are in good condition.
The vendor informs us that the headliner is very smart and that everything inside the car works correctly although they do advise that the left-hand rear window mechanism is slightly noisy. There are some small scratches to the leather on the bottom of the left-hand door and there is some gentle patination to the driver’s seat. The vendor also reports a slight squeaking caused by friction between the leather draft excluder and door trim. (This is the sort of problem most cars aren’t luxurious enough to have!)
There are a couple of added extras besides the GPS system. There is a circuit breaker situated in the pedalbox and an additional switched fan fitted. The Corniche also comes with its original spare wheel and jack.
The Exterior
- Restored
- Original Brewster Green
- Fine overall condition
Having been repainted, the bodywork looks to be very smart. The seller reports that the paint is very good, with only the smallest of scratches visible upon the closest of inspections. The same goes for the aluminium windscreen frame which the vendor points out shows some signs of minor patination.
The Rolls-Royce’s wheels look smart and the vendor informs us that the tyres have plenty of good tread remaining.
Most pertinently, the vendor tells us that there is no corrosion visible on the car, including when it is inspected on a lift.
To ensure that this Corniche remains in such fine fettle, the car is supplied with a tailored, R-R embossed, green garage cover which looks very smart.
The Mechanics
- New gearbox
- Drives exactly as Rolls-Royce intended
- Quiet and refined both idling and at speed
The Corniche’s engine compartment appears to be in smart, original condition. The vendor informs us that the engine bay still displays its original paint and that the hoses are all in good condition.
To drive, the Rolls is described by the vendor as quiet both at idle and at speed, but can still produce a hearty V8 roar on request. Thanks to a new gearbox, it shifts well through the gears and stops in a straight line courtesy of new brake callipers.
The vendor informs us that the Rolls-Royce doesn’t smoke and holds its fluids. The Citroën-derived hydropneumatic suspension system was replaced in 2021 and so delivers on the so called “magic carpet ride” they were famous for.
Summary
A stylish coupé with an interesting past, this Corniche is a wonderfully maintained, luxurious classic with a well documented history. As such, it is eminently useable, having been extensively restored and benefitting from a few choice upgrades.
This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a fantastic factory LHD Corniche, in very fine working order.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1971
- Make Rolls Royce
- Model Corniche Coupe
- Colour Brewster Green
- Odometer 155,163 Kilometres
- Engine size 6750
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Saint Eloi de Fourqu…
- Country France
30
bids
- la•••• €42,250 25/07/22
- Se•••• €42,000 25/07/22
- th•••• €41,500 25/07/22
- Se•••• €41,000 25/07/22
- DJ•••• €40,500 25/07/22
- Se•••• €40,000 25/07/22
- th•••• €39,500 25/07/22
- Se•••• €39,000 25/07/22
- DJ•••• €38,500 25/07/22
- Se•••• €36,000 24/07/22
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