1976 Rolls-Royce Series 1A Corniche Convertible

The two-door convertible version of the Silver Shadow has been, without doubt, the most commercially successful convertible ever produced by Rolls-Royce. First introduced in 1966 as the ‘Silver Shadow Mulliner Park Ward Two-Door, Drophead Coupe’, to give it its full title, the car was instantly in demand. When Rolls-Royce launched the two-door cars, the international jet-set began to clamour for attention at the dealerships. With waiting lists measured in years, these hugely desirable vehicles 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, the Palm Beach and Aspinalls. Customers who ordered the Drophead were not the same people who purchased the company's sensible saloons, with the cars frequently being specified in bright colours, and eventually it became apparent that this version deserved to have its own model name so, after a few cosmetic changes in 1971, the Corniche was born. The name originally comes from the French word for a coastal road, particularly along the face of a cliff, most notably the Grande Corniche along the French Riviera above the principality of Monaco, and it was thought at the time that this new name might convey some of the style and glamour of Monte Carlo and, 50 years later, it still does. 

Rolls-Royce foresaw the time when RR owners would like to drive their own cars, and the Corniche continued to be developed with this in mind and even had a rev counter fitted as standard. Around 10% more power was coaxed from the proven 6,750cc aluminium-alloy V8 endowing the two-door with a top speed in excess of 120mph and sports car-embarrassing acceleration to match. Progressively developed, the Corniche received Rolls’ advanced split-level air conditioning system along with a re-designed fascia in 1976 - the first Rolls-Royce model to do so. 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.

Delightfully understated in Tudor Grey with Evergreen leather, Olive carpets and a green soft top, this RR Corniche is a rare example of the Series IA, built for just less than a year in 1976 with only 48 Convertibles sold.  The Series IA is often described as the 'Holy Grail' of Corniche production featuring many of the developments that were about to be introduced in the Corniche II including the later steering wheel, completely new fascia, bi-level air-conditioning, rack and pinion steering and upgraded suspension but retaining the aesthetically pleasing chrome bumpers.

The car is in excellent overall condition having had an extensive recent restoration which included a bare metal respray, a full re-trim by Aldridge Trimming (roof, headlining, seats and carpets), an assessment of the mechanical aspects with remedial work where necessary, the original radio overhauled and upgraded, upgrades to the steering and suspension, a stainless steel exhaust system and new green seat belts.

It's accompanied by a substantial quantity of history (four files) covering an interesting life with maintenance invoices, service records and ownership details. It was originally supplied to Victoria Island Properties in 1976 and amongst its notable owners, was Lord Peter Palumbo, Chairman of the Arts Council, who purchased the car from P&A Wood in 1992.

The, possibly, slightly brash image of the Corniche from 40 years ago has long since been forgotten and they are now regarded as a well-designed, very desirable, supremely elegant four-seat classic convertible that would be welcome anywhere.