Lot 024: Rolls-Royce Corniche

Launched in 1971 as Rolls-Royce's coupe version of the Silver Shadow, the Corniche was a far superior car to the saloon on which it was based. With fabulously elegant coachwork designed by Bill Allen, each and every one was handbuilt by Mulliner Park Ward in a necessarily lengthy process that took all of 20 weeks and resulted in a price some 50% higher than the standard Silver Shadow. Only the very finest materials were used including Wilton carpeting, Connolly hide and the best burr walnut veneers, giving these cars a level of quality and glamour that far outstripped the conventional models. Engine power also went up by 10% increasing the top speed to over 120mph with acceleration to match. Tweaks to the suspension and steering geometry gave a sportier ride and a special low-loss exhaust, new dashboard and new alloy wheels were also adoptedThe Corniche was progressively developed over time, gaining features like split-level air conditioning, rack-and-pinion steering, Bosch fuel injection and self-levelling rear suspension. Reassuringly exclusive, only 1,108 coupes were made before production ceased at the end of 1981, though a convertible version continued to be made as the flagship model in the Rolls-Royce range until 1996.This particular car is one of the very last coupes made and was supplied new by HA Fox of St James Street, London, on 5th February 1982. It has a full Rolls-Royce service history from new and has been maintained regardless of cost with no less than 16 stamps in the service book, giving an average service interval of just 3,300 miles. The car is currently showing 38,600 miles on the clock but had a speedo change in December 1986 at 13,910 miles giving a warranted total of 52,510 miles from new. Acquired by the current vendor in 1999 to join a small collection of Rolls-Royce and Bentley motorcars, it was promptly despatched to marque specialists RR&B of Bromsgrove with the instruction to 'make it as good as new'. Work carried out included the fitment of a new stainless steel exhaust system, a full brake overhaul including new discs and new accumulator spheres, new gearbox seals and propshaft UJs and new engine mountings. There are bills for �7,800 for this work in the history file, since which time the car has covered less than 4,300 miles. It has also since been fitted with four new tyres.The car comes with a fresh MOT, is taxed until November and still has all its original handbooks. Presented in the stunning colour scheme of Royal Blue with natural hide interior, this car will provide its lucky new owner with a feel-good factor that is off the scale. Please note the registration number BG 89 is being auctioned separately and the Corniche will be fitted with an age-related plate prior to the sale.