2000 Rolls Royce Corniche Chassis #001

The debut of the new Rolls-Royce Corniche convertible in January 2000 marked the first step into the new century for Rolls-Royce. The drophead coupé's unique identity was accentuated by a swage line from the top of the front wing to the bottom of the rear wing. The body was set onto the platform as used by the Bentley Azure, hence a wheelbase of 3.061 mm.

The interior offered a degree of comfort and luxury that had become a hallmark of the marque. As regards the power train under the bonnet, there was no 5,379cc - BMW V12 engine, but the new Rolls-Royce Corniche was powered by the well-proven 6.75 litre V8-engine whose Chrysler origins dated back to the 1950s.

Having always been kept up-to-date by most careful development, the unit was considered to be perfectly adequate - not least because it had been vastly improved by adding turbocharging and digital engine control. A main advantage of this engine was its enormous torque, providing 738Nm at 2,100rpm ~ it almost dwarfed the BMW V12 engine's figure of 490NM at 3,900rpm!

Silverstone Auctions are proud to be able to offer this Rolls Royce Corniche chassis number 001 from the second owner of the car. Purchased by our vendor in 2001 from Michael Powles (now Bentley Leicester), it's first owner was Rolls Royce Motor Company who we are lead to believe used the car for testing and development, along with promotional marketing of the new model.

The car has been fully maintained as per Rolls Royce factory requirements with the first five stamps in the service book being completed by Rolls Royce themselves at Crewe. At 14,538 miles it is recorded by Rolls Royce in the service book that they replaced the electronic speedometer trip display unit and since the car has further covered a mere 10,388 miles, the total mileage of the car today is 24,926.

Maintained regrdless of cost from new with Bentley Leicester, it's last service in May 2013 was undertaken by marque specialists Hillier Hill. In 2008, at 21,000 recorded miles, the car was subject to a comprehensive 60,000 mile service.

Presented with the car is a substantial history file of service invoices and also the official sales brochure from Rolls Royce featuring the car.

Presumably the very last model developed at the original Crewe factory when independently owned - and having been designed in the true Rolls-Royce philosophy - this car being chassis number 001 is a significant motorcar in the history of Rolls Royce and their production days at Crewe.