Lot 157: 1976 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible

The Corniche appeared in 1971, based on the very successful Silver Shadow, with 10% more power and greater torque; the sporting coachwork was greatly admired. The interior was particularly luxurious, with fine leather upholstery and lovely walnut woodwork. Bill Allen from the Styling Department at the Crewe factory had been responsible for the timeless elegance of the H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward two door saloons based on the Silver Shadow's standard coachwork. In 1971 the two door models were given an independent identity of their own when the Rolls-Royce Corniche was announced. The new Corniche with a low-loss exhaust system, tuned engine, new facia and new spun stainless steel wheel trims differed in technical specification as well as in outward appearance from the basic models.Top speed increased to 120mph and the 0-60mph acceleration dropped to 9.6 seconds. In 1972 the suspension was completely redesigned and radial tyres were fitted, greatly enhancing the car's handling.This elegant motor car was manufactured in 1976 and has been with the same careful owners for the last 23 years. The car is supplied with a comprehensive history file including 23 MoT certificates, consecutive service bills from the last 16 years from 1989- 2004 and an additional 3 years of bills from 1981 - 1983. The car is in good condition having benefited from a major photographic restoration in 1989/90 where the vehicle was stripped to bare metal with panels replaced as necessary and re-sprayed in Rolls Royce Sherwood Green. Internally all leather work was replaced in beige hide piped in green as well as the addition of new carpets. At this stage a new roof was also fitted. In the last few years a new exhaust system was fitted along with new tyres and in June 2004 £10,000 was spent on the engine and running gear. The car has a current MoT valid until November 2007 and road tax valid until April 2007. Overall the car is in very good order having been lovingly maintained and serviced. In its day there was simply no more luxurious and flamboyant way to go top-down motoring and indeed today only very few cars can match this particular Corniche today.