Rolls-Royce Corniche Coupe

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Launched in 1971 as Rolls-Royce's coupe version of the Silver Shadow, the Corniche was a 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 quality and glamour that surpassed that of the saloons. 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 an even better ride and a new dashboard was also adopted.

The 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 very early Corniche dates from July 1971 and comes with a very large history file from new including copies of the factory build sheets which confirm that it was finished in Garnet with a black Everflex roof and an off-white hide interior. Options included Sundym glass and Maserati town and country horns. It was supplied new by Mead of Maidenhead to Texalon International of Worcester Park, Surrey, at a cost of £12,024.

The file would appear to confirm that the 54,300 miles indicated is the actual distance covered from new. Always well-maintained, it has received good care over the years including an engine overhaul in 1998 at around 41,500 miles which cost some £7,000. The gearbox and torque converter were reconditioned the following year about 300 miles later and shortly after that the cylinder heads were rebuilt at 42,900 miles and a new radiator core fitted.

The vendor acquired the Corniche just over two years ago and has gone right through the car to make sure that everything is working as it should. This has included a full brake overhaul with new accumulators, callipers, discs, pads and master cylinder, the parts alone costing over £2,000. Electronic ignition has also been fitted for improved starting and smooth running.

All the interior woodwork has also been professionally refurbished, including replacing the hard-to-get-at and often overlooked hoop of wood which goes round the base of the rear window inside the car which, if allowed to deteriorate, allows water onto the rear parcel shelf. The wood and leather steering wheel has also been refurbished.

True to his aim, everything on this car now works as its makers intended, including the electric seats, all the electric windows, interior lights etc. It has also been fitted with a stainless steel exhaust system at some point and rides on a set of good Pirelli P4000 tyres.

Said to start easily and to drive beautifully, it certainly made exceedingly fine progress when we were treated to a lengthy run through the countryside on the occasion of our visit. MOTd until April 2015 with no advisories recorded, this elegant motorcar is ready for a fortunate new owner to enjoy right away. Go on, it’s nearly Christmas, treat yourself!