1972 Rolls Royce Corniche

Rolls-Royce's final coachbuilt models were entrusted to the company's in-house coachbuilder, Mulliner Park Ward. These two-door cars were hand built in the best traditions of British coachbuilding, using only materials of the finest quality, including Wilton carpeting, Connolly hides and Burr Walnut veneers, a necessarily lengthy process that took all of 20 weeks for the saloon and slightly longer for the more complex convertible. This painstaking attention to detail resulted in a price some 50% higher than the standard Silver Shadows. Nevertheless, demand for these more glamorous alternatives to the much more numerous Silver Shadow was strong right from the start, a state of affairs that resulted in them being given their own model name - 'Corniche' - in March 1971.

The well tried aluminium V8 engine was adopted, displacing 6,750cc, driving through a Turbo Hydramatic 400 three-speed automatic gearbox. For the Corniche variant, power output was enhanced by about 10%, providing greater torque and giving the car a top speed in the order of 118mph with sports car-beating acceleration to match. The independent coil spring suspension provided the smoothest of rides, complemented by a hydraulic self-leveling system in the rear.

According to its original Warranty document, this lovely 1972 Corniche Coupé was delivered on 09/11/1972 finished in Regal Red with a Cream roof and the interior is in Magnolia leather piped in red. The front seats have recently been re-Connolised to ensure that they are looking their finest. We understand the car has been much enjoyed and the odometer currently reads 46,625 miles which appears to be corroborated by the continuous (RR and marque specialist) service and MOT history. Speaking of which, this cars sparkling condition is reflected in its ownership file which amazingly contains, in excellent order, the aforementioned Warranty and Service and Maintenance Schedule, the hard-backed handbook and supplement, the operating instructions and guarantee for the radio, sundry delivery items all in the original wallet, its full tool roll, jack, and original first aid kit.

The vendor describes the coachwork, paintwork, interior, engine, transmission, and electrics all as “excellent”. He goes on to say “ This Corniche must be the nicest on the market and has been kept in immaculate condition, outside, inside, and underneath. It's close to Concours condition and drives almost like new”.

Lovely old car and truly representative of the quality of these great, hand-built, Rolls-Royce motorcars.