Highlights
- An imposing automobile, finished in Willow Gold
- Once owned by the King of Saudi Arabia
- Re-veneered dashboard
The Appeal
Rolls-Royce’s Corniche was a remarkably long-lived model, being produced from 1971 to 1995. It was the kind of car which high-flyers and celebrities were keen to be seen in, so it comes as no surprise that this car’s second owner was a member of the Saudi Arabian royal family.
It is believed that the car was returned to the works by its second owner to have a Bentley radiator grille and bonnet emblem fitted. This has since been removed and the car returned to original specification.
The current custodian has owned this Corniche for the past ten years and during this time much maintenance work has been carried out, including a major overhaul within a few months of purchase.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 21st August 1974
- Second owner Saudi royal family
- Mileage unknown — speedometer replaced
- MOT and Road Tax exempt
- Copies of original order sheets
The Interior
- Re-veneered dashboard
- Connolly leather upholstery in nice used condition
- Lambswool carpets
From the commanding position of the driver’s seat, the view — through the thin-rimmed steering wheel, over the re-veneered dashboard and along the vast bonnet — is one of the finest views a driver can hope for.
The leather upholstery appears to be original and has acquired the patina of use, which can only be built up over the decades. Some would have this replaced, while others might prefer to retain its originality.
The gauges, switches and dashboard lights are all said to function exactly as they should, with the only reported issue being that the two rear quarterlights do not wind down. All the other windows function without fault.
A particularly intriguing period feature is the 8-track cassette player, which sits proudly in the centre console.
To the rear, the boot is said to be clean, tidy and complete with the spare wheel. The vendor also states that the original deep lambswool footwell carpets, which are not currently fitted, will come with the car.
The Exterior
- Willow Gold paintwork in good condition
- Convertible roof functions correctly
Resplendent in its Willow Gold livery, this Rolls-Royce is all that a proudly luxurious automobile should be. It has an imposing presence on the road and will not fail to be noticed wherever it goes.
The vendor states that this car has always been garaged and remained dry. This has certainly helped the painter to stay in excellent condition throughout. The chrome fittings appear to be bright and the hood appears to be clean and tight.
Underneath, the vendor reports that they are not aware of any damage or corrosion. The car sits on alloy wheels, which present very well, other than one area of damage to one wheel, and the tyres are said to retain good tread.
The Mechanics
- 6.75 Litre ‘L Series’ V8
- New exhaust
- 3-speed automatic transmission
The ‘L Series’ V8 engine was an incredibly long-lived power plant: having been introduced in 1959, it was used for over sixty years until finally being withdrawn in 2020.
There are extensive invoices on file for the mechanical maintenance carried out by the current owner, which show just how well this Corniche has been cared for. A new exhaust system has been fitted, which can occasionally be heard vibrating at idle, so the next owner may wish to have it repositioned.
The only issue reported is that there is a slight oil leak. This is said to be very small and not unusual on a car of this age.
Otherwise, the car is said to start and drive exactly as you would hope for, with no unusual noises, leaks or smoke.
Summary
A fine early example of a Corniche, this car comes with an interesting history and is presented in very nice condition, with room to improve if desired, or to be used as is.
This Rolls-Royce will not fail to make an entrance wherever it goes and we are sure that its next owner will enjoy the view down the bonnet to the Spirit of Ecstasy figure mounted atop the radiator grille.
Notice to bidders
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