1975 Bentley Corniche Convertible

The Bentley Corniche was produced in much smaller numbers than its Rolls-Royce equivalent, despite being, arguably, the more handsome of the two. Just 570 Bentley convertibles were built compared to the 5,678 Rolls-Royce equivalents, and just 31 right-hand drive examples of the Bentley Corniche were produced. Up to 1984, when the Bentley Corniche was renamed the Continental, only 151 had been sold with, as previously stated, a total of just 570 of the Winged B-badged cars produced by 1995. Consequently, the Bentley Corniche is the most sought-after of the two in today's market, enjoying favour not just with Bentley enthusiasts but with those who also appreciate rarity.

Supplied new by Jack Barclay Ltd., the original owner of KYL 4P took delivery shortly before Sir Elton John collected his similar Bentley Corniche Convertible (KYL 18P) from the Berkeley Square showroom in Mayfair and we imagine that the two cars may well have been stablemates for a few days. This car's, presumably, well heeled owner was also a resident of  SW1 in Williams Mews so it didn't have far to go when it was delivered. It was ordered in a very tasteful shade of Brewster Green with beige leather and its specification included front fog lamps, Sundym glass, Dunlop radial tyres, quartz iodine headlights, and beige lambswool over mats front and rear. The build sheet also notes two small Allen keys for the removal of the 'Flying B' mascot.

Some time later, the Bentley moved to Florida and enjoyed a few years in the Floridian sunshine before retuning to the UK and a peaceful life on the Isle of Man where it's been used lightly, bringing the indicated mileage up to 82,991.

Within the car's history file there are invoices detailing service and maintenance work by Hillier Hill of Buckinghamshire the post-war Bentley specialists but, over the last three years, renowned Rolls and Bentley restorers, Clark and Carter, have looked after the Corniche for our vendor. Once again there are detailed invoices in the file and it appears that approximately £33,000 has been invested in keeping this engineering masterpiece driving as it should. It certainly drives very well with an exemplary ride and refinement with effortless performance if required.

The rare Bentley Corniche is, without question, a masterpiece in looks and engineering and has that certain cachet fully understood by Bentley owners. KYL 4P is an extremely desirable luxury car in beautiful condition and we believe will be very well received by collectors and enthusiasts alike.