Lot 640: 1974 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible
Coachwork by H J Mulliner, Park Ward Ltd

‘The name Corniche has been chosen for the latest coachbuilt models because it symbolises their higher cruising speeds and their ability to cover greater distances with the minimum of fatigue for driver and passengers,’ announced Rolls-Royce in 1971. Introduced in March that year, the Corniche was a revised version of the Mulliner Park Ward-bodied two-door variants of the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and Bentley T-Series saloons, themselves notable as the Crewe factory's first unitary-construction cars. The engine was Rolls-Royce’s familiar 6,750cc aluminium-alloy V8, in Corniche form producing around ten percent more power than standard and capable of propelling the car to a top speed in excess of 120mph with sports car-beating acceleration to match. The Corniche received Rolls’s advanced split-level air conditioning system along with a redesigned fascia in 1976, and in 1977 benefited from the many improvements - most notably rack-and-pinion steering - introduced on the Shadow II range. Despite its sky-high asking price, the model proved a major success for Rolls-Royce; periodically revised and updated, it remained in production well into the 1990s, the last (Convertible) examples being delivered in 1995.
This right-hand drive Corniche convertible was delivered new on 22nd August 1974 via Jack Barclay Ltd in London to its first owner, P Solomon, subsequently passing, in August 1976, to its second owner, a member of the Royal Family of Saudi Arabia. Finished in green with matching hide interior, the car has, at some time, been updated with a Bentley Turbo radiator grille and Bentley Turbo alloy wheels. A very well presented car in all areas, it benefits from a major brake overhaul carried out approximately two years ago and the recent installation of a new mohair hood, invoices for which are expected to accompany the car at time of sale. The vehicle is offered with copy chassis cards, current road fund licence, MoT to May 2008 and Swansea V5 registration document.