If you wanted the accoutrements and luxury of a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow but preferred to do the driving yourself, then the Corniche was your answer.
Introduced in 1966, it was a two-door version of the luxurious Silver Shadow saloon, coach-built on Rolls-Royce’s behalf by HJ Mulliner Park Ward in London.
There were two versions of the Corniche available. A two-door coupe and a convertible version, both of which suited the Silver Shadow’s handsome lines when adapted two-door status.
Power came from Rolls-Royce’s venerable 6.75-litre engine, married to a three-speed General Motors Torqueflite transmission, with a steering column selector.
In its day, this was one of the most expensive cars that money could buy. But then that's hardly surprising, as each one was hand-built to order.
The car we have here is a Series I Coupé, which is largely regarded as the most desirable as the later Series II cars have thicker rubber bumpers and lack the earlier model’s simple design elegance.
Car CRH14660 was supplied new by The Arlington Motor Company in Bedfordshire to Pre-Star (Camford) Ltd of Luton, which supplied chassis components assemblies to the automotive industry, registered as ‘5 RH’.
It has been through several hands since – four companies and 10 private owners – but astonishingly its entire history has been preserved. The current owners bought the car in 2022 with a view to exporting it to their other home in Singapore, but a change in Singaporean import tax rules means this is no longer a viable proposition and with a garage of other classics keeping the vendor busy in the UK, the Corniche is surplus to requirements.
The car was repainted and give some body restoration work in 2021 by a well-known classic car specialist in its original Willow Gold, but with the addition of Wendy Brown lower paintwork. It is still in lovely condition, with a preserved interior and the addition of LPG gas conversion to help keep running costs down.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
MOT, tax and ULEZ-exempt
Two sets of keys
Large folder of invoices and bills from well-know Rolls-Royce specialists
Copies of all old V5s and original buff logbook showing every single previous keeper
Rolls-Royce service record, stamped by Arligton Motor Co, Ristes of Nottigham and Kennings Rolls-Royce of Sheffield
Old magazine articles and road tests
MOT certificates dating back to 1977
Car comes with a box of workshop manual printouts.
THE INTERIOR
Magnolia leather with brown piping
Lovely gentle patina
Original radio-cassette and eight-track player
Original tool kit and discreet LPG installation
The Corniche’s interior is unrestored and original, with a gentle careworn patina across the soft Magnolia leather and wooden fascia. It even still has its original radio and Radiomobile eight-track player.
The seats show very gentle wear, just some very light lines from use, while the thick, dark brown carpet has always been protected by deep pile lambswool over mats, included in the sale.
A fine wood finish dominates the dashboard, door caps and centre console, and wears a few marks of age - small cracks in the dashboard lacquer and around the dials, but nothing horrific or unsightly.
In the boot, the floor carpet has a few marks and the original tool kit remains present, with the LPG tank discreetly installed under a spare wheel cover.
THE EXTERIOR
Repainted in 2021
Very well presented
All original chrome and trim in good order
Everflex vinyl roof
The Corniche was treated to a partial restoration and repaint by Bridge Classics at Bentwaters, Suffolk, in 2021, in the original Willow Gold, but with the addition of Wendy Brown lower panels. Any repairs needed to the metal work were taken care of while the car was stripped so the panels should be solid, clean metal under the fresh paint, which retains and excellent finish that’s not overstated.
The chrome is excellent, with the bumpers very good, a superb radiator grill and of course the Spirit of Ecstasy flying lady. The wheels are shod in quality Uniroyal tyres with good tread, while the chocolate brow Everflex roof is in fine order.
THE MECHANICS
6.75-litre V8
Three-speed GM Torqueflite transmission
Energyshift LPG kit – untested by vendor
Seemingly good working order
Rolls-Royce’s venerable V8 is a wonderfully sturdy engine and with a documented 72,300 miles on the clock, this one should have loads of life left in it. It fires up well from cold and soon settles to a smooth idle, with minimal smoke at start up.
The GM transmission engages gears without fuss and the vendor reports that the car is in good mechanical order and drives superbly, with no known faults or issues.
The LPG system was installed in 2007, but has not been used or tested by the vendors as they do not live near a fuel station that sells the fuel.
SUMMARY
The Corniche is one of the last Rolls-Royce models to be built by an external coachbuilder and has a sense of occasion unlike any other car on the road. It’s grand and imposing, built with craft and care.
This is a very good but not perfect example, with no immediately visible horrors. It presents well and is extremely usable, and has a fascinating, documented past. Now is your opportunity to add to its story.
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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