Highlights
- A highly original and truly exemplary example
- Well documented servicing an ownership history from new: including construction and test records from RREC, all its service stamps, accompanying invoices, MOT test certificates and tax discs
- Just 34,437 warranted miles from new
The Appeal
Based upon the Mulliner Park Ward two-door coachbuilt versions of the Silver Shadow, the Corniche convertible afforded Rolls-Royce customers the joys of open-top motoring, without compromising on the comfort, style and performance that they were accustomed to.
We’re delighted to offer this excellent 1988 Series II example. Presented in fabulous original condition, with enviable service and ownership history preserved in great detail, this Rolls-Royce has evidently been cherished throughout its life with a mere 34,437 miles covered. The present owner added the car to their Rolls-Royce and Bentley collection in 2020 and informs us that they have enjoyed it very sparingly ever since. Now needing to downsize their collection, it is someone else’s turn to be custodian of this fabulous Corniche convertible.
The History and Paperwork
- Construction and test records from RREC present
- Regular service stamps detail a history of judicious maintenance from new, until the present day
- Numerous invoices from marque specialists accompany the service booklet
- Numerous MOT test certificates and old tax discs
- V5C present
- Original book pack and warranty information
- Instruction booklet for the original Blaupunkt Bamberg radio
- Modified from new by Hooper
- Supplied by Jack Barclay on 28th September 1988 for a discounted price of almost £98,000
- The first owner had the Corniche for two years in Essex, during which time the car accrued three service stamps
- It then moved to Kent in 1990, where it was owned until the second owner’s death in 2013 and the vendor informs us that it covered approximately 23,000 miles during this period, continuing to be serviced regularly
- The third owner was the executor of the second owner’s estate and they sold the car to a Rolls-Royce collector, also in Kent
- It was subsequently owned by a gentleman in Oxfordshire, who regularly showed the car and permitted it to be featured in Classic & Sports Car Magazine’s Corniche buyer’s guide in 2019
- Acquired by the present owner in 2020, joining their fleet of Rolls-Royce and Bentley motorcars
- Retains Jack Barclay numberplates
- MOT test valid until September 2023 with no advisories
- 34,437 warranted miles
The Interior
- Original and unrestored
- Magnolia leather piped in red to complement the exterior
- Hooper modification from new consisting of an opening top to the centre front and rear armrests
- Original Blaupunkt Bamberg stereo, in good working order
- The vendor informs us that everything functions correctly
With its low mileage, this Rolls-Royce’s interior is in excellent original condition, with very little wear or age-related deterioration. The magnolia leather looks fabulous and we adore the red piping which perfectly complements the car’s exterior. The vendor points out the Hooper modified arm rests, incorporating opening sections, which continue to work well.
There’s some slight wear to the upholstery in a few places, including a couple of superficial marks, but certainly nothing in the way of damage or anything especially noticeable. The leather appears well hydrated, with no excessive creasing or cracking evident. All the woodwork looks in really good order, highly polished and with no major finish defects. The carpeting seems in really good order, including the inside of the boot and we couldn’t see any notable wear or staining. The sheepskin over rugs are present and look in great shape. All the instrumentation and switchgear is said to work correctly including the original Blaupunkt Bamberg stereo.
The Exterior
- Tudor Red paintwork
- Mohair hood in really fine order, complete with its cover and bag
- All the chrome trim presents well, including the badge bar which was an option selected from new
- Said to originally have been fitted with chrome wire wheels by Hooper, but now fitted with alloys
Resplendent in striking Tudor Red paintwork, this Rolls-Royce is bound to be noticed whether it goes. Given its originality, there are of course a few small blemishes including the odd chip and small mark. The vendor points out a couple of instances of the factory lead loading moving slightly - a known phenomenon in Rolls-Royce and Bentley circles, but we find this is barely noticeable. The finish retains a strong shine and the coachlines look to be in great order. There’s a minute pin dent in the offside door, although this is hardly noticeable.
All the chromework looks really smart, with no obvious signs of pitting or damage. The bodywork is very straight, with all the factory shut lines and panel gaps appearing just right. The black mohair hood operates correctly and the vendor points out the fine condition of the rear window. Underneath, all seems in good order with just a hint of surface corrosion on some of the running gear. The wheels present beautifully, with very few imperfections.
The Mechanics
- 6.75-litre V8 engine
- Automatic gearbox
- Presents beautifully under the bonnet
- Original factory alarm system replaced with one from Auto Watch
- Last serviced by Shadow Motorcars of kent in May 2022, replacing a couple of suspension bushes in the process
- The rear tyres were replaced in 2019 and the two front Avon Turbospeed tyres were changed in 2021
- New front brake pads fitted in 2020
The fuel injected 6.75-litre V8 under the bonnet allows this Rolls-Royce to waft along in an effortless fashion. This powerplant, coupled to an automatic gearbox, served Rolls-Royce and Bentley for a number of years, providing ample performance and never feeling remotely over-stressed.
The vendor reports that this example runs well and drives impeccably. With so few miles on the odometer and fantastic service history from new, it’s no surprise that this Corniche drives correctly. It presents well under the bonnet, with no apparent leaks and the vendor assures us there are no mechanical faults.
Summary
The Rolls-Royce Corniche convertible is a perennially popular classic and it’s easy to see why. This Series II is amongst the best around, so be sure not to miss the opportunity to add it to your collection.
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.
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