Extensive history, service records and original correspondence
Only 95,000 miles recorded
Only 2 previous recorded owners from new (one family)
Desirable 50,000 series example
The Appeal
The Corniche was a successful and long-lived model in Rolls-Royce’s story. And this generation, the Corniche II, has certainly aged well. It remains imposing, stately and impressive, everything you want in a car of this calibre.
This particular example has benefitted from extensive recent expenditure, including a mechanical overhaul and servicing, totalling over £33,000.
Additionally, the interior has been the subject of considerable renovation, with the leather receiving particular attention. So now this Corniche is a supremely luxurious place to be.
This indulgently opulent motorcar now stands ready to be enjoyed in fine weather with the roof lowered, preferably with a shimmering azure sea as the background.
The History and Paperwork
First registered 7th October 1980
Only two former registered keepers
Both of which were husband and wife (so one previous owner)
Road Tax and MOT exempt
MOT valid until February 2024
No MOT advisories
Only 95,000 miles recorded
Original document wallet
Well stamped service booklet
Factory ‘Construction & Test Records’
Original warranty agreement
Photocopy of the original purchase cheque
Original typewritten correspondence
Factory build sheet
UK V5C
Significant invoices for parts and servicing
The numberplate ‘YYF 34’ is original to the car
The Interior
Extensive interior trim work undertaken in May 2022 — at a cost of £3,000
Any worn areas of leather were replaced
Luxuriously appointed dashboard and accessories
As a place to spend time on a long journey, the interior of this Corniche offers unparalleled luxury and comfort. The vendor has invested in having the interior refurbished recently, with considerable attention and expenditure lavished particularly upon the leather upholstery, in order to bring it up to a high standard. The cream hides now look stunning, with barely any sign of use, while the seats remain comfortable and supportive.
Cosseting luxury continues in the dorm of deep-pile overmats in the footwells, dyed a deep red and remaining clean and tidy. The door cards are trimmed in leather to match the seats, with arm rests, storage pockets and speakers fitted, as well as controls for the electric windows and beautifully veneered door cappings.
The veneer continues onto the dashboard, where it exhibits a warm patina and deep shine. The analogue gauges are bold and clear, while the driver is also presented with a menu of warning lamps, with descriptions of the perils which could befall this stately car.
There are plenty of other features such as the oil level button — turning the fuel gauge into an oil level indicator — digital outside air temperature display and controls for the air conditioning.
To the rear, the spacious boot is fully carpeted and features a discrete battery cutoff switch, as well as a fully stocked original toolkit, and a full set of spare bulbs.
The Exterior
Imposing Palladian Rolls-Royce front grille
Convertible roof — roof cables recently replaced
Clean and tidy underneath
The unmistakable front of this Corniche features the famous Spirit of Ecstasy flying proudly above the classically proportioned radiator grille. This is flanked by two pairs of headlamps — with distinctive wipers. Rearwards, the car is a delightfully swooping shape, with pronounced rear ‘haunches’ and, of course, that desirable convertible roof.
The roof has recently received new cables, so it raises and lowers as it should, and appears to be in very good condition. A tonneau cover can be fitted to keep things neat and tidy when the roof is lowered.
Finished in a fetching shade of red, this Rolls-Royce is not in concourse condition but is certainly very smart. There are a few small signs of use — minor chips and scratches and the like — but nothing unbecoming.
Underneath, the car appears to be in good order, with no obvious signs of corrosion or damage. It runs on generously proportioned colour-matched steel wheels, with chrome trim and hubcaps, and the matching tyres feature a tastefully restrained white band.
The Mechanics
6¾-litre V8 engine, automatic transmission
Converted from Solex to S.U. carburettors in 2021 — at a coat of £10,500
Serviced in May 2022
The 6¾-litre V8 engine lurking under this car’s bonnet was originally fitted with Solex carburettors, but this was recently removed and replaced with a pair of S.U. carburettors, - a tasteful upgrade for sure. This work was carried out by Hillier Hill and totalled £10,495.04 in June 2021.
As well as carrying out an annual service in May 2022, The Chelsea Workshop replaced the crossmember dampers, both rear damper strut drain tubes, changed the gearbox oil filter, resealed the brake callipers and bled both hydraulic systems.
There are numerous invoices on file for mechanical work carried out in order to bring this car up to a high standard. The vendor informs us that in excess of £33,000 has been spent in recent years. And for added peace of mind the car comes with an MOT certificate valid until February 2024, although it is in fact MOT exempt.
Summary
Clearly this Rolls-Royce has been well looked after in recent years. The considerable expenditure should allow its next owner to enjoy all the benefits of luxurious open-air motoring. This is truly a car to be seen in.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
1980 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible
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