** Private plate BES 1L is not included in the sale, but available by separate negotiaton**

Highlights

Presented in great highly original form
Recent fitment of new soft top hood
Glorious 6 ¾ litre engine
Backed by a vast history file
ULEZ Compliant

The Appeal

When one approaches and inspects a Rolls Royce Corniche, it becomes all too clear why they garner such immense appeal from enthusiasts and those who appreciate excellent craftsmanship.

A marvellous blend of the absolute finest materials that were on hand to the Rolls Royce engineers and craftsmen at legendary outfit Mulliner Park Ward make up a truly exquisite car that simply exudes class and style. At the time of introduction the Corniche was the most expensive car in Britain, yet still had a long line of buyers queuing to purchase one as they provided a level of quality and luxury you simply couldn't find elsewhere.

The 1981 Corniche we have here is an exceptional example of the coveted nameplate. Coming to us in highly presentable impressively original standing, BES1L benefits from a thoroughly extensive history file and the recent fitment of a new soft top hood, making this into what must surely be one of the best Corniches available on the market today.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 13/06/1981
Supplied through Rolls Royce distributor Appleyard Rippon LTD
Accompanied by extensive copies of the car’s factory records, including order forms and factory inspections
Order forms highlight this to be a genuine English build RHD Drophead supplied in Acrylic white with black leather upholstery
Vast collection of invoices for work undertaken and parts bought to maintain the car throughout its lifetime
Invoice for new hood fitted in 2021 at a cost of £9,250
Leather bound Rolls Royce service book and accompanying folder
Rolls Royce Corniche owners book
Due to the age and historic status of the car it is both tax and MOT exempt
Previous MOT records highlight the incredibly minimal mileage undertaken throughout the cars more recent history
Dry stored throughout current ownership
V5 registration document present with the vehicle
Currently sits on desirable private registration BES1L, was previously understood to be on the plate TWU1 01W

The Interior

Brilliantly well presented interior space
Understood to be shod in the cars original upholstery
New lambswool rugs
Spacious cabin with room for four

When Rolls Royce builds a car, they build just about everything on it to the highest of standards, and thus it comes as no surprise to report that the cabin of this particular car has borne the test of time incredibly well and looks to be of an impeccable standard.

Draped in the finest quality sumptuous black leather, the well crafted, spacious cabin is one of the utmost quality and is presented in highly original standing. Front and rear the leather seating is in near factory fresh condition, exhibiting very little if anything in the way of wear and patina, whilst providing armchair-like levels of comfort. All of the seats are in good order with rich, quality leather, paired with great stitching and cushioning to provide the most comfortable experience for both front and rear seat passengers.

Front and centre we find yet more rich black leather, complimenting the exterior paint scheme wonderfully, this leather piece wraps neatly around the dash and centre console and is of a great standard, lacking in sun damage and discolouration. The dash panel itself, is one of a fine wood finish, the assortment of gauges, switchgear and control panels embedded within mirror the high quality the rest of the cabin sits in and are understood to be in good functioning form.

At the sides sit two smartly upholstered door panels, mixing yet more black leather and wood veneered trim; these are both in great shape and house a wonderful selection of chrome embellishments and door furniture alongside the electrically operated window controls which work in both the front and rear of the car. A plush deep black carpet set drapes its way over the cabin floor and is complimented by black lambswool rugs which have recently been purchased and fitted by the current owner of the car.

Opening the rear tailgate, one is presented with an impressively sized boot area within which sits the mostly complete Rolls Royce factory toolkit.

The Exterior

Impeccable exterior styling, Rolls Royce at its peak
Recently fitted new electronically operated soft top roof
Well presented, in good clean order
Understood to be the cars original paint

Smartly presented in its factory shade of Acrylic White, the Corniche is every part a beautiful car from the outside. Embellished with the infamous hand painted Rolls Royce coachlines the exterior is in exemplary condition, with what we believe to be the original high quality paintwork which gleams and shines from nearly every angle. As suggested by the fastidious maintenance history, this is a Corniche that has been preserved to the highest of standards. Whilst this isn’t of course a concours car, it's rather close and highlights very minimal signs of patina or age.

What is perhaps most impressive about this car from an exterior perspective is the roof. We find this car to be of the Drophead variety as specified from the factory, with a new roof system and mohair hood having been fitted at a cost of around 9 thousand pounds it stands today in exceptional form, with good clean upholstery and solid wooden framework. At just the push of a button situated in the cabin, the roof can be opened and retracted in an impressively quick amount of time. When retracted the roof can be covered and protected by its black leather bespoke cover piece to give the Corniche a more uniform subtle look.

The lashings of chrome trim placed so elegantly around the car are in truly fine fettle, boasting a quality shine throughout, including the iconic front vertically slatted grille piece and accompanying Spirit Of Ecstasy bonnet ornament. Being a slightly later Corniche we find this car with the safer plastic blend bumpers which look great on the car and are in clean, well preserved shape. Glass work is of a similarly high quality with a point to note being the electronically operated side windows which open and close quickly and quietly for both front and rear seat occupants.

At ground level we find four excellent wheels with the classic chrome Rolls Royce decorative trim caps embellished with a matching white decorative stripe, all shod to good quality tyres with great tread.

The Mechanics

Solid, reputable 6 ¾ litre engine
Well maintained throughout its life
Just 45 thousand miles displayed

As to be expected of such a highly maintained car, the Corniche presents in absolutely excellent mechanical order, hidden under the front hinged bonnet is a very clean example of a Rolls Royce engine that could well be described with just the word, glorious. At 6 ¾ litres the mighty V8 is certainly a powerhouse, yet one that is both refined and quiet at the same time. Wafting any passengers along in unadulterated comfort.

Firing into life near immediately at the request of the driver, the Rolls provides just a subtle engine note from its rear mounted exhaust so as not to compromise the car’s refinement. The current owner reports a wonderful drive from the car, as to be expected, smooth, luxurious and comfortable courtesy of the excellent Citroen influence suspension setup and outstandingly comfortable seats.

This is a good honest example of a Corniche that presents as such from a mechanical perspective, underneath, which has just been treated with Lanoguard, appears clean and solid and the engine bay is one that exhibits in an equally clean manner.

Summary

Classy, powerful, stylish. There is very little not to like about a Corniche. It is a very usable, quintessentially British classic automobile and in the case of the example we see here, one that has been maintained to a very high standard and presents in solid original form.

Backed up by a comprehensive file of paperwork dating right back to its original order form and factory inspection, this beautiful Corniche is very much a piece of history in itself, and one that can be thoroughly enjoyed by the next owner for many years to come.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.

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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.

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