Description
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
Viewing: Tues 28th July from 1pm
Auction 29th July, 2026 12:00
Location: Pavilion Gardens St John's Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE
Registration No: KKL 523N Chassis No: DRD20178 MOT: March 2027
Repatriated from the United States of America in 2019
Just two British keepers since and 75, 000 recorded miles
One of just 3, 224 Series I Corniche Convertibles produced from 1971 to 1988
Running and driving well at the time of consignment
In production between 1971 and 1996, the Rolls-Royce Corniche Drophead is the epitome of luxury open-air motoring. Fabled for its extravagantly sumptuous interior and hushed drivetrain, it was powered by a tuned version of Crewe’s staple 6, 750cc V8 engine mated to an automatic transmission. Equipped with firmer springs, thicker anti-roll bars together, and revised steering geometry, it proved a more satisfying drive than its humbler saloon car siblings. The presence of olio-pneumatic suspension and a plethora of electric motors ensured that it remained a singularly cosseting experience.
With its fantastic scarlet paintwork, this superb Corniche has all the qualities to make its next owner feel every bit the 1970s jet-setter—it’s not a stretch to picture Keith Moon at the wheel, or perhaps some associate of the Persuaders. We believe this rare-in-Britain left-hand-drive example was originally supplied new to the United States, and it was only reimported to these shores in 2019. Aside from the steering, it retains a few hallmarks of its transatlantic heritage, such as the small “licence plate” holders, which do give it quite a different aura from the traditional home-market Corniche. Certainly, we can imagine it cruising past the palm trees and nightclubs of Miami more easily than we can picture it on the gravel driveway of an English country mansion.
It is in nice condition throughout, with the paint presenting well and the interior still looking almost impossibly sumptuous, with such invitingly padded upholstery. Some aspects of the interior, like the seats and headlining, remain pleasingly original, but it has received a partial refresh, with a new set of Shiraz wool carpets having just been supplied by Aldridge Trimming Ltd. at a cost of £465. The Rolls-Royce has also recently received a carburettor overhaul. The mileage reading of 75, 000, which could conceivably be original, suggests that the Corniche has not seen heavy use. That, combined with occasional maintenance, means it presents in good mechanical order, with an MOT certificate having been issued in March of this year, so that the Rolls has another eight months of enjoyment before the next test. It really is a lovely car, and bound to generate interest in Rolls-Royce circles, not least because of its slightly less traditional, more American presentation. It is supplied with paperwork including the V5C and some invoices.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Entry by catalogue and can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people)
