Lot 112 - 1975 Rolls-Royce Corniche

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” and the stroke was 3.9” 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 very nice example is presented in Silver Mink with a dark blue vinyl roof and a dark blue leather interior. Its leather interior shows nice patina, and the woodwork is in good condition. The car comes with a good history and has been looked after for many years by the renowned Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialist Michael Hibberd in Langley. These are rare luxury coupés which still look fabulous, and this one also comes with its cherished registration.