Lot 135 - 1972 Rolls-Royce Corniche Fixedhead Coupé
| Lot Number | 135 |
| Registration | JJF 773L |
| Chassis Number | CRH 13819 |
| Engine Number | 13819 |
| Odometer reading | 79,492 miles |
| Result | Sold - £28,560 |
- A unique colour scheme
- Recent recommission
This car can be viewed in person from 14th to 18th July 2020 at our the auction site, Windsorview Lakes, Datchet, SL3 9HY
Rolls-Royce's adoption of unitary construction for its new Silver Shadow and T-Series Bentley necessitated the reorganisation of in-house coachbuilder H. J. Mulliner, Park Ward to meet the challenge of producing new designs on the Silver Shadow floorpan. The variety of body styles offered was limited to just two; a two-door saloon or similar drophead coupé - the former arriving in March 1966 and the latter in September the following year. Some of the frontal panels were shared with the standard four-door saloon but otherwise the new bodyshells were unique featuring a distinctive dipping upper wing line with parallel crease and a revised, more rounded posterior. Despite the price being some 50% higher than the standard saloons, demand was strong right from the start and led to the introduction of the outwardly similar Corniche in 1971. Sales were greatly reduced during this period resulting in a Bentley being a much rarer car than the equivalent Rolls-Royce.
This unique Rolls-Royce Corniche Fixedhead Coupé was delivered in October 1972 to its first owner Mr. H. Singer of Alpine (Double Glazing) Co. Ltd in London with the registration number MAD 564; the current number being applied in May 1992. It was supplied from new in Plum Craze-In Violet ICI paint with black Everflex roof, Magnolia Connolly hide interior and the darkest possible woodwork at the time of the build. The service books show regular servicing by Rolls-Royce at Hythe Road up to 1978 and then two more at Kennings Ltd of Sheffield and the last in 1981 by a specialist. Recent work has been carried out to return the car to a roadworthy condition after being little used over the last twenty years which included overhauling the handbrake system, replacing brake pipes, new engine mounts and replacing rear subframe mounts. This Corniche is supplied with a V5C registration document and a file containing a few invoices, build sheets supplied by the RREC and some old MoT’s going back to 1981. These timeless British luxury coupés exude class and serenity wherever they go, a true classic in every sense.
Interested parties should note that there is not an MoT test certificate with this car due to late completion of the work carried out and lack of available testing slots.
The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to Government guidelines throughout viewing and auction day.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.