Descrizione
The Corniche model was produced in the London Mulliner Park Ward (MPW) factory alongside the Camargue and Phantom VI motorcars - all of which were completely hand made
As these cars were so expensive (for the record a Corniche was 50% more expensive than a Shadow, and you could buy 2 Jensen Interceptors or 5 E Type's for the price of a new Corniche!!), the owners saw production upgrades prior to the "normal" production cars which were built in Crewe
So in 1976 the Corniche benefitted with items which were not available for the Silver Shadow until the Series II arrived
This in turn produced, what could be considered, the Holy Grail as the Series 1A Corniche has the chrome bumpers, which everybody prefers, whilst internally a new leather steering wheel adorned the completely new fascia and a new bi-level air conditioning system was incorporated (the best system which continued in production until 2003), front subframe with rack and pinion steering, twin exhaust pipes with sharper handling too
Obviously not many were produced for sure (I think only 48 Corniche DHC), and finding one with one family ownership and only 11. 200 miles since new must make this example one of a kind
Superb colour combination makes things even better - the hood is remarkable, fitting almost like new whilst the interior hides are soft and supple
Original lambs wool over mats are still in place and have not shrunk - amazing really and the veneers could be mistaken for new still after 44 years
Engine bay is original and we chosen not to pretty her up for the time being - this can be done for a new owner is required
Chrome is unmarked too
Paintwork does show so signs previous repair work - again we can amend this with our Rolls-Royce apprenticed painter, so she can be as new if required
She came to us 2 years a ago after many, many years in storage in her home in Kensington
We recommissioned her at the time, have since been storing her in our secret storage unit in Battersea and have run her up every month and serviced her each year on a time basis
Engine and gearbox are seamless in use as are the windows and hood mechanism
A later radio have been installed where the original cassette unit was located - again we have re-instate this for a new owner if desired
So, there we go - a once in a lifetime opportunity for lucky bunny
