HIGHLIGHTS
- Excellent condition throughout
- Coachwork by Mulliner Park Ward
- Restored around 10 years ago
- Well maintained Rolls-Royce 6.75-litre V8
- Service history and expenditure records
THE APPEAL
The Corniche draws its name from the experimental 1939 Corniche prototype and the French word for a coastal road. One of the most desirable 2-door coupés in the world, the Corniche was developed from the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and oozes class and sophistication.
Assembled and finished by Mulliner Park Ward, this stylish drop-head coupé has been restored and fastidiously maintained in recent years and offers legendary comfort and silky-smooth performance.
THE HISTORY & PAPERWORK
- V5 in owner’s name
- Original handbooks & service book
- Maintenance invoices
- 100,929 miles confirmed by the paperwork
This beautiful Mk I Corniche was first registered on the 2nd March 1973 and was purchased from H.R. Owen Limited, London, and initially serviced by them.
The service book reveals regular stamps from Rolls-Royce Motors Limited, Willesden, London, up to June 1980 (at 46,114 miles). It has now covered 100,929 miles hence the five figure odometer reading 00929.
Judging by the accompanying invoices, we pick up the history from 2012 when an earlier owner commissioned a complete body restoration by G & B Autospray, Hertfordshire at a cost of £14,697.90. This also included replacement and reconditioned parts and a refresh of the interior leather (see photos of invoice).
Mechanical maintenance was carried out by Colbrook Specialists, Peterborough, from 2014-2016, and we can see that the previous custodian engaged Rolls-Royce & Bentley specialists Hillier Hill, Buckinghamshire, to continue the diligent maintenance regime from 2019.
THE INTERIOR
- Original and tasteful tan leather upholstery
- Gorgeous burr-walnut dash and trim
- Excellent instrumentation and switchgear
The quintessential British luxury interior is bathed in leather and polished veneer, as you would expect. The deep foam leather upholstery has a pleasing patina with just a small degree of wear in the usual place on the drivers seat. The complimentary door trims and chrome are presentable along with the carpeting and opulent sheepskin over-rugs.
Sitting in the extremely sumptuous drivers seat, before you is the classic Rolls-Royce steering wheel, dashboard, comprehensive array of original Smiths and Lucas instrumentation and switchgear - which is all in excellent condition.
Features include electric windows and front seats which have been recently overhauled, and underneath the radio/cassette, sits a renovated 8-track player. The owner assures us that all the electrical equipment functions as it should.
The carpeted boot space is undamaged and houses a battery trickle charger, jack and tool kit, and underneath, a usable spare wheel.
THE EXTERIOR
- Presented in immaculate Regal Red
- Shiny brightwork and trim
- Nice original wheels and Avon tyres
The sleek bodywork is highly presentable in its relatively fresh coat of Regal Red paint. We didn’t detect any obvious scratches or dings.
Looking at the restoration invoice, all the body parts were removed and the body was stripped back to bare metal. New rear wheel arches, rear quarter panels and rear sill sections were replaced and associated welding was undertaken in preparation for the respray.
From the iconic radiator grille to the boot handle, the restored chrome work also shines. The window glass, mirrors and lighting are also spot on, and to complete the cosmetics, a new soft-top was fitted a few years ago.
The underside structure and floor appears solid and clean and has a good coating of older under seal. The original steel wheels, Rolls-Royce hub caps and beauty rings look great and are shod with the correct Avon Turbosteel tyres with plenty of tread remaining.
THE MECHANICS
- Exceptionally clean engine compartment
- Comprehensively maintained
- Reportedly drives and performs really well
The beautifully built 6.75-litre V8 power plant sits in an impressively clean and well maintained bay. A relaxed cruiser, rather than speed-machine, the figures suggest a power output of around 215 bhp with a top speed of 120 mph.
Twin S.U. HS8 carburettors feature and seamless gear changes are provided by the 3-speed automatic gearbox. Driver enjoyment is also enhanced with power steering, independent suspension, and servo-assisted, multiple-circuit, disc brakes.
The owner informs us that the engine has good oil pressure when warm and the coolant temperature is fine, and adds that it drives effortlessly and competently. Certainly during the photoshoot, it started easily, ran quietly with no nasty exhaust smoke.
A service in 2020 included a rebuild of the carburettors and the last fluid and filter service was carried out in July 2021, just 273 miles ago.
SUMMARY
The Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible is undoubtedly a refined class-act and definitely worth considering. 50 years on, this extremely well cared for example appears to want for nothing and could be driven daily or enjoyed as a relaxed sunny Sunday cruiser.
Restored, with no known faults, the superb build-quality should assure the longevity and value of this Beautiful classic Corniche.
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