1971 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible Ex-Sir Bruce Forsyth

When Rolls-Royce launched the two-door version of the Silver Shadow in 1966, the International Jet Set began to clamour for attention at the dealerships. These hugely desirable motorcars began to change hands at significant premiums over list price and one can imagine the hushed negotiations over the green baize of the gaming tables at Crockfords and Aspinalls. The Drophead Coupé that followed in 1967 was even more exclusive, and waiting lists ran for years. Rolls-Royce could not have predicted the Swinging Sixties, or those who profited from this new era, and demand for the convertible came from all strata of monied society, the most vocal of which were heard on the radio. It was practically compulsory that celebrity Rolls-Royce owners had to be pictured alongside their car, and the convertible Rolls was the most coveted of all.

This UK-supplied, right-hand drive Corniche was first delivered to the late Sir Bruce Forsyth in July 1971 and was subsequently owned by him for the next seven years. This lovely example is finished in the fantastic combination of Ming Blue with a blue leather interior. The Corniche has formed part of our vendor’s private Collection since 2018 and the odometer was showing 39,719 miles at the time of cataloguing.

HGU 415J is supplied with a good history file including details of the most recent mechanical work carried out in 2019 when over £5,000 was spent with The Percival Motor Car Company. Despite not being required, the Rolls was recently issued a fresh MOT with no advisories, valid until 23rd January 2024.

Considered the most attractive version of the Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible, the chrome-bumpered cars produced between 1971 and 1977, only number a total of 1,232 in both right and left-hand drive, with very few in Ming Blue. Anyone who saw one of these with the top down when they were first introduced would have found it difficult to conceive that an amalgam of steel, glass, Walnut and leather could have been formed into something so utterly desirable. When you add into that equation the distinctive mannerisms and now universal catch-phrases of its much-loved celebrity ex-owner, this is a car that would be welcome anywhere.