Highlights

Fantastic history
Cared for by the same specialist for over 20 years
Brand new factory engine fitted in 2009
Extremely desirable 1975 model variant

The Appeal

Mirroring the mechanical layout of the Shadow, but with even more lavish equipment, the Corniche was Britain's most expensive car upon release. Fitted with the standard 6.75-litre V8 that Rolls-Royce shoehorned into pretty much everything, and a three-speed automatic transmission with four-wheel independent suspension which was augmented with a hydraulic levelling system makes this 2-door saloon an excellent choice for ferrying those with a taste for the finer things in life - even almost 50 years later, you’ll struggle to find a better way to spend your money.

This example we have here however, is amongst the most desirable of the bunch thanks to its 1975 manufacturing date. What does this mean, though? Well, it means that it is the only model year to be fitted with chrome bumpers, wider wheel arches, and the all-important full sized tachometer. Small details, maybe, but ones that heavily influence the rarity and therefore the value of this opulent land-yacht.

The History and Paperwork

Originally registered on the 26th of March 1975
Original Rolls-Royce Corniche handbook
Rolls-Royce instruction handbook present
Original delivery note for the vehicle
Confirmation letter stating ownership between 1980 up until 2005, with only one registered keeper before this
Ownership was transferred to the owners son so that the car would remain in the UK for his exclusive use when returning from Portugal periodically
Purchased by Graeme Hunt, a Bentley and Rolls-Royce specialist who undertook a ful bare-metal respray in the factory Moorland Green colour
All veneers were removed, re-polished and refitted with outstanding cosmetic condition
Major hydraulic service undertaken as well as the air conditioning unit was upgraded to the new CFC free gasses
The next owner, christening the Corniche “Betty”, cherished the vehicle to no end and continued to use Graeme Hunt to care for the vehicle and service it to the highest of standards
A brand new factory engine was sourced and installed in 2009
5 years ago, Graeme Hunt ended up buying the vehicle back from the owner due a to change in circumstances, and notes that the car was in excellent health
A previously professional tennis player purchased the vehicle and continued to use the vehicle in Paris for the next 5 years
Wire wheels were sourced from Germany

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The Interior

Stunning originality
Beige VM 3234 upholstery, with only gentle hints of patina
Veneer panels all excellently finished
Original carpets remain extremely lush and free from rips or tears
Desirable full sized tachometer
Brightwork excellently maintained

Opulence is entirely expected when opening the door to any Rolls-Royce, and this Corniche lives up to those high and demanding expectations we all have when we see that RR badge. Completely original outfitting makes for a charming and somewhat heartwarming experience, the hints of age and use are gentle but prove that the vehicle has been cherished and cared for through the decades, this Roller has lived a life that some of us could only dream of living.

Starting with the driver's side, opening the door greets you with the lovely beige upholstery which is nicely presented with only gentle hints of age in the form of creasing in the leather with slight colour transfer - nothing we would call off-putting in the slightest. The leatherwork on both front seats are completely free from any damage, and the stitching all remains intact, and the folding functionality remains as expected so passengers can easily hop into the rear seats.

Directly in front of the driver's seat, the original steering wheel presents itself wonderfully and just behind this the gauges are very easy to read and present no visible damage. The full size tachometer is in full view here, one of the more desirable features of this example of Corniche. All of the gauges function properly as you would expect too. Wooden veneer surrounds are all in excellent condition, with no delamination or damage visible all the way across the dashboard and the top of the door cards, it has been outstandingly preserved to a high standard.

In the rear where you’ll be wanting to be ferried around, the seats appear to be in outstanding condition with seemingly very little signs of use, the leather work showcases very little hints of use and you’d be easily fooled into believing they’re unused at a quick glance. Brightwork both front and back all appears to be kept in lovely condition with no signs of fading or pitting that we can immediately see, just some scratching noted on the centre console brightwork up front.

Both front door cards remain in great condition, again with only gentle hints of age and use in the form of creases in the leather work and some markings on the lower carpeted areas. The handles and switches all function properly and the brightwork remains excellent, in line with the rest of the vehicle. Floor carpets are present and are among the most comfortable available in any automobile, the plush material remains free from damage with minor signs of age.

All in all, this Rolls-Royce is an outstanding example of a well cared for automobile, the level of preserved originality is truly admirable and the hints of use only add to the vehicle's charming nature.

The Exterior

Moorland Green paintwork
Chrome font and rear bumpers
Gorgeous wire wheels
Excellent brightwork
Gente hints of age

This example is presented in outstanding original condition, with the exception of a complete bare-metal respray back in the early 2000’s when Graeme Hunt first received the vehicle. Of course, over the years of use and the miles added, the paintwork is no longer in perfect condition, but imperfections often make something perfect in the eyes of an admirer.

Starting at the front of the opulent saloon, the brightwork here remains to be in lovely condition and retains a high level of shine throughout with no damage or pitting present on either the bumper, the grill or the headlight surrounds. All of the front lights are damage free and remain entirely functional. Paintwork up here is in good overall condition with just some small marks and the usual stone chips, there is a scuff on the passenger side just above the indicator lens which can be seen in the images. Aside from this, it's a rather handsome front-end.

Moving around to the side of the Corniche, there are some very gentle panel dents which can be seen upon close inspection, however this is somewhat to be expected from its time spent in Paris as knocks and bumps are part of the parking procedure for most! The wire wheels are well presented too with lonely brightwork, the Rolls-Royce caps do show some gentle patina. The panel gaps on the side of the vehicle are that of factory specification and the paintwork, minus the small dings and marks, is actually well preserved with the pinstripe intact. Brightwork surrounding the windows, on the door handle, and along the lower sills all is presented nicely with a high level of shine and no pitting present.

Scooting around to the rear of the Roller, much of the story remains the same here with gentle marks and good brightwork. The panels appear to be in good condition with correct panel gaps, the rear lights appear undamaged and in completely functional condition, and the rear badge designation is present and well maintained. Nothing poor to report whatsoever!

This is a wonderful example both inside and out, proving that these cars are often enjoyed as they should be and not hidden away in some corner of europe never to be seen again. The gentle marks from use are charming additions each with their own story to tell, some may see these as imperfections, but we see them as unmistakable marks of enjoyment.

The Mechanics

6.75-litre V8 petrol engine
3-speed automatic transmission
Rear-wheel drive configuration
Excellent service history
Engine replacement in 2009
Major hydraulic service in 2009 by Bramley

Like most Rolls-Royce’s, this land-yacht is fitted with the tested and proven 6 and ¾ litre V8 that has been in production since 1968 (and still used up until 2020), and paired with a Turbo Hydramatic 400 3-speed transmission sourced from General Motors, it makes for a surprisingly enjoyable driving experience with the ample power from the gargantuan engine up front and the smooth and calming gear shifts of the transmission.

The vehicle is reported to be in excellent mechanical health, with the same specialist taking care of the car every year for the last 20 years, it has been maintained to the highest of standard and has the paperwork to back it up. Service history is reported to be complete from day one right up until this year, so the new custodian can rest assured that it remains in great health. The engine was replaced back in 2009 by Graeme Hunt, sourcing a new unit from the manufacturer at an eye-watering expense of £13,250 (not including fitting) and installed at 97,384 miles.

There is a plethora of invoices for mechanical work undertaken which is a treat to read through, but tallying up the expenses may make your eyes roll back into your head. A good point though - this money spent ensures a happy motor, and this certainly is. The engine is reported to be excellent with plenty of power produced in a linear fashion and lots of low end torque, the transmission remains smooth and quiet with no unwelcome jerks between gear changes, the brakes remain strong an ensure confidence in the driver and the steering is precise and easy to manoeuvre.

Summary

An excellent choice for anyone wanting to jump into something with such class and luxury and drive it immediately without worry - this Corniche is ready to munch up the miles if you so desire, and turn many a head in the process.

Presented in wonderful condition, it’s sure to be an exquisite and fruitful collection piece for any Rolls-Royce enthusiast!

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