Lot 470: 1973 Rolls-Royce Corniche

The arrival of the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and Bentley T series in late 1965 marked a major change in Rolls-Royce motor cars; previously the products of Crewe had employed separate chassis but here was a car using unitary construction of chassis and body. This change, brought about by perceived market demands that considered the upright styling of the Silver Cloud/S series rather dated, inevitably decreed more uniform coachwork compared to the elegant designs that had gone before - but underneath the skin the new Rolls-Royce/Bentley offered even greater engineering excellence and sophistication. At the Silver Shadow's heart was Rolls-Royce's familiar alloy V8 engine retaining the same 6,230cc as in the Silver Cloud III/S3 and a power output of around 220bhp. It was in the chassis, however, that important changes were made, most notably the adoption of all round independent suspension, including a sophisticated engine pump-driven self-levelling system and disc brakes. The year after the Silver Shadow's launch a two door coupe with coachwork by Mulliner Park Ward joined the line-up, followed in 1968 by a similarly styled drop-head coupé. For 1969 all models had their interiors modified, while the following year engine capacity was increased to 6,750cc. Two years later, in 1971, the two door coupé and drop-head models were renamed Corniche, simultaneously receiving a 10% power increase over the four door Silver Shadow that increased top speed to 120mph and dropped the 0-60mph acceleration to 9.6 seconds. In 1972 the suspension was completely redesigned and radial tyres were fitted, greatly enhancing the car's handling. Manufactured in 1973, this fixed-head coupe model has benefited from refurbishment of all woodwork and fitment of new carpets and over-rugs; notably, the interior also includes custom-made footstools for the rear passengers. Finished in Ivory with a brown Everflex roof complemented by a Magnolia interior with brown piping to the seats, this attractively presented Corniche, offered in generally good condition, comes with a MoT test certificate valid until December, a road fund licence valid for six months, the original handbook and copies of service and maintenance invoices.