1980 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible

Few would argue that the so-marketed Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Mulliner Park Ward Convertible was a mouthful and in 1971, the Corniche was born. The name originally comes from the French word for a coastal road, especially 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 would convey some of the style and glamour of Monte Carlo and, 50 years later, it still does. The Corniche Convertible was so popular that buyers would have to wait years before they took delivery, perhaps an inconceivable way to treat the wealthiest of customers of the day by modern standards, but each car was built by hand, and the quality control department was so fastidious that factory records run to multiple pages of rejection and rectification works in some cars’ history files. Such was the demand that Corniches were often bought at vast premiums when a few years old, subsequently repainted and retrimmed to the new owners’ specification. 

When Rolls-Royce main dealers P.J. Evans Ltd of Dudley supplied this car in January 1980 at a cost of £50,000, it left the showroom for a short drive to Buckingham Street in Birmingham, the owner no doubt delighted, having first prompted the dealers to write to Rolls-Royce asking for availability in April 1978! It was specified in two-tone light and dark green with a leather interior trimmed in Luxan Light Green, an interesting combination even for the era. According to online records the car was to get a new identity on 2nd February 1983 when it was repainted, it is assumed, in the current shade of white. The interior was entirely retrimmed in a fetching shade of St. James’ Red, which today presents beautifully. Our vendor initially purchased the car with the intention of summer touring, but with restrictions brought on by advancing years limiting opportunities, the car is offered to auction. 

Our vendor informs us that the Corniche was re sprayed prior to his purchase in 2021 and some seven coats of paint sit on the car, with photos of the car in bare metal available on file. The odometer reading of 12,676 miles is assumed to be a reading recorded by a replacement, a not uncommon feature of this era of Rolls-Royces due to the well-known failures of the unit back in the day. Upon consignment, the car fired easily and drove a short distance without issue. The intention is to re-carpet the boot in black and source a new tonneau cover. It's presented to auction with a current V5C, copy build sheets, a Bill of Sale and historical correspondence and the MOT is valid until July 2023.

This era of Corniche Convertible is gaining traction as an iconic symbol of the 1980s and still generates a sense of occasion. The perfect car for those who prefer sunglasses and social gatherings to reading glasses and the crossword.