1984 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible - Formerly the Property of the Emir of Qatar

The two-door convertible version of the Silver Shadow has been without doubt the most successful convertible ever produced by Rolls-Royce. First introduced in 1966 as the "Silver Shadow Mulliner Park Ward two door, drop head coupé", it eventually became apparent by popular demand that this version deserved to have its own model name so, after a few cosmetic changes in 1971, the Corniche was born.

When Rolls-Royce launched the two-door cars in 1966, 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. Rolls-Royce envisioned a time when 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. Both the fixed head coupé and drop head by Mulliner Park Ward wafted to 60mph in 9.8 seconds, powered by the whisper quiet 6.75-litre V8 engine and it is widely regarded that the success of the Corniche saved Rolls-Royce for future generations.

A mild restyling was on the cards for the Spring of 1977 and the differences included rack-and-pinion steering, alloy and rubber bumpers, aluminium radiator, oil cooler and a bi-level air conditioning system. Later changes included modifications to the independent rear suspension in March 1979. In March 1981, after the Silver Spirit had gone on sale, the Coupé version of the Corniche and its Bentley sister were quietly discontinued but such was the popularity of the Corniche convertible that production went on until 1995.

There are very few colours that truly suit the Corniche convertible, and by dint of its affordability when new and the nature of its new customer base, many Corniches were ordered in rather outlandish colours. However, the delightful Corniche offered here is not in that category being finished in a striking Royal Blue with magnolia leather piped blue. This magnificent example was ordered and subsequently delivered on the 13th August 1984 to the London Embassy of the State of Qatar in Chesham Place for the personal use of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani and his family when in the United Kingdom and he was often to be seen enjoying the sights of West London with his wives and some of his fifteen children.

In 2005, with a change in the pecking order at home, the car was released from the Qatari Royal Family"s private collection of London cars in impeccable order with an odometer reading of just 11,466 miles. The incredibly detailed history file boasts every MOT from 1989 at 9,487 miles to 2012 at 13,756 and the car has been on a SORN notice since then. The service handbook shows main dealer and specialist stamps, corroborating the mileage and there are dozens of invoices detailing ongoing maintenance.

To conclude, therefore, it is an honour to offer such a stunning Rolls-Royce with warranted low mileage, an impeccable service history, recent servicing works of £6,000 and Qatari Royal provenance. A truly unrepeatable opportunity.