Highlights
- Pretty Silver Mink over dark blue leather
- Extensively restored and repainted between 2017 and 2022
- Only six registered keepers from new
- One of the rare and desirable first generation models
- Part of a private collection being reduced due to vendors move to London
The Appeal
The original Corniche was an inspired move. Taking its name from the scenic roads that snake around the cliffs of France’s southern coast, this was a more sporting version of the Silver Shadow created for the glitterati.
They were expensive cars too. Just 1,090 first generation Corniches were built alongside this 1971 model. It is beautifully finished in Silver Mink - a beguiling shade of light blue - with a complementary dark blue leather interior. Between 2015 and 2022 the car was extensively renovated, the work including repairs to the bodywork - including new sills - and a full respray in 2017.
In more recent times this six-keeper car has received work to the head gasket, brake system and fuel pump and lines.
Early Corniche models are now exceptionally rare and increasingly sought-after. Here is a chance to discover why with a car on which someone else has done the hard work.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 11th November 1971
- Only six registered keepers
- Current keeper since April 2015
- Extensively restored between 2015 and 2022 including new sills and bare metal respray
- The bare metal respray in Silver Mink was undertaken in 2017
- Subsequent work to running gear and mechanicals detailed below
- Various spares included as shown in photographs
- For sale due to current keeper losing storage and moving house
- MOTs to early 1990s to verify displayed mileage
- Currently showing 82,974 miles in photographs
- Supplied with original sales invoice and warranty paperwork
- File also includes factory build and test records
- VIN number CRH11573
Factory specification includes:
- Fog lights
- Radial tyres
- Optional Sundym glass
- Stereo and tape deck
- Rear height actuator valve
Recent maintenance advised by seller:
- Brakes & handbrake components rebuilt
- New front/ rear glass seals
- New master cylinder
- Replacement hoses
- Hydraulic brake system reconditioned
- Fuel lines cleaned
- Fuel pump rebuilt
- Brake pump rebuilt
- Torque converter was replaced
- Headgasket replaced
The Condition
- Attractive Silver Mink paintwork subject to bare metal respray in 2017
- Paintwork still presents well with some points to note in photographs
- These include areas of bubbling on door top seams and other light deterioration
- Bodywork restored between 2015 and 2022 with new sills fitted
- Panels still present well with some bubbling to note to arches and doors as shown
- Exterior fittings including chromework and lights are presentable and lightly aged
- Some light tarnish visible to bumpers and other chrome items but not unsightly
- Fitted with whitewall tyres on steel rims with factory chrome hub caps
- Underside was restored during restoration with no adverse reports provided by seller
- Dark blue leather interior showing some ageing as evident in photographs
- Interior appears to be complete and could be used but would benefit from improvement
- Cabin veneers to doors and dashboard show some delamination
- Leather seats and door cards in presentable condition with wear evident
- Blue carpets through cabin and boot in complete but aged condition
The Mechanics
- 6,750cc hand-built V8 engine
- Carburettor model
- 3spd automatic gearbox
- Low mileage reportedly confirmed by old MOTs
- Recent work to head gasket, brakes and fuel system as described above
The vendor tells us:
"The vehicle has been started off the key with easy start, electrics appear to be working, engine turns well and starts, sounds healthy with no smoke, has been driven up and down a private driveway and gearbox is shifting. Brakes work but are soft. Recommission is recommended"
"The vehicle has been started off the key with easy start, electrics appear to be working, engine turns well and starts, sounds healthy with no smoke, has been driven up and down a private driveway and gearbox is shifting. Brakes work but are soft. Recommission is recommended"
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