Lot 198 - 1983 Rolls-Royce Corniche II Convertible
| Lot Number | 198 |
| Registration | CVN 971Y |
| Chassis Number | SCAZD42A7DCX07553 |
| Engine Number | 07553 |
| Odometer reading | 160,553 miles |
| Result | Sold - £36,416 |
- Desirable lefthand drive convertible
- Delivered new to California USA
- A good, original example
The origins of the Corniche came from the continuation of the 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow fixedhead coupé and 1967 drophead coupé, constructed by the famed coachbuilder Mulliner Park Ward in London. The car was named after the stunning roads along the Côte d'Azur in France and was an elegant two-door design available with either a coupé or convertible body. By 1982, the coupé had ceased production, but convertibles continued to be built until 1996. The first Rolls-Royce to wear the Corniche name was a 1939 prototype based on the Bentley Mk. V, although this was never produced due to the onset of World War II. The car used the standard Rolls-Royce 6750cc V8 engine as fitted to the Silver Shadow and had an aluminium-silicon alloy block and aluminium cylinder heads with cast iron wet cylinder liners. The fuel system was in the form of twin SU carburettors which were later replaced with Bosch fuel injection from 1980 onwards.
This very original left hand drive Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible was ordered by Rolls-Royce Motors Inc. in America on 10th January 1983 and dispatched to Los Angeles, California on 4th July 1983 where it has remained until being brought back to the UK in 2022 and UK registered this year. Still in its original fetching specification of Mason Black with tan soft top roof and dark tan, piped in black Connolly hide interior this Corniche has recently been mechanically gone through by marque specialist Jaggard & Moore in Boreham, Essex who fitted new petrol pumps, second-hand ignition module, new H/T leads and new battery leads. This Corniche Convertible is supplied with a UK V5 registration document. This, rust free, ex Californian car requires cosmetic restoration and attention to the roof and window electrics to bring it back to the desirable continental cruiser it was when first delivered to the USA.
Interested parties should note that this rust free, ex Californian car requires cosmetic restoration and attention to the roof and window electrics to bring it back to the desirable continental cruiser it was when first delivered to the USA. Estimate reduced to £30,000-£35,000
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.