Lot 210 - 1973 Rolls-Royce Corniche by Mulliner Park Ward
| Lot Number | 210 |
| Registration | XJB 540L |
| Chassis Number | CBM13817 |
| Engine Number | 13817 |
| Estimate | £52,000 - £62,000 |
The Corniche was Rolls-Royce's coupé and convertible version of the Silver Shadow produced between 1971 and 1996. The Corniche was named 'Silver Shadow Mulliner Park Ward two-door fixedhead coupé' before 1971 when the Corniche name was applied. The exterior design was by John Polwhele Blatchley.
The independent coachmaker James Young had already custom-made a two-door coupé variant of the Silver Shadow, but Young's model proved less popular and was soon discontinued. The model was assembled and finished in London at Mulliner Park Ward as continuation of the 1965 Silver Shadow coupé and 1967 drophead. The Corniche was also sold as a Bentley, though that model became known as the Continental in 1984. The first car to wear the Corniche name was a 1939 prototype based on the Bentley Mk. V which was never produced because of the onset of World War II. The Corniche was available both as a coupé and convertible, with the former discontinued in 1982. The car used the standard Rolls-Royce V8 engine. It had an aluminium-silicon alloy block and aluminium cylinder heads with cast iron wet cylinder liners. The bore was 4.1 inches, and the stroke was 3.9 inches for a total of 6.75 litres. Twin SU carburettors were initially fitted with a single Solex four-barrel carburettor introduced in 1975. A four-wheel independent suspension with coil springs was augmented with a hydraulic self-levelling system at first on all four, but later in the rear wheels only. Four-wheel disc brakes were specified, with ventilated discs added for 1972.
This superb example is presented in metallic grey with black leather interior. It was first registered in January 1973 and has had five previous keepers. The present owner bought it in 2006 and then commenced a comprehensive restoration in 2009. This entailed a full bare metal re-spray, complete re-trim in the correct black leather to name a couple of things carried out. There is a good history file accompanying the car showing its extensive service history with invoices showing all expenditure over the last few years. This luxury Mulliner Park Ward coupé is in absolutely superb all-round condition and is certainly one of the finest available today and in the best colour combination.
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.