Lot Ended
Description
From a deceased estate; current owner 23 years; showing 81,146 miles
with 19 service stamps; original timewarp interior; running and driving example
with scope for cosmetic improvement; one of only 1,108 made
Introduced in 1971, the Rolls-Royce Corniche combined the marque’s
renowned refinement and craftsmanship with elegant two-door styling, available
in both coupé and convertible forms. Handbuilt at Mulliner Park Ward in London,
the Corniche remained in production for over two decades and became one of
Rolls-Royce’s most recognisable and enduring models, prized for its exclusivity
and effortless grand touring character. Only 1,108 Coupes were made between 1971
and 1981, all subsequent models being convertibles.
Delivered new in September 1979 by Caffyns Ltd. of Eastbourne, this
characterful example is presented in its original Silver Sand paintwork and
beige leather interior with dark brown piping. Originally believed to have been
fitted with a matching brown vinyl roof, this has been removed during the
intervening years. Interestingly, the car was first registered with the number
plate RR 80, a plate befitting a car costing over £53,000 when new and hinting
at an illustrious first owner.
As can be seen in
the accompanying photographs, the Silver Sand paintwork has seen better days,
with a patina rarely seen on a car of such calibre creating a truly individual
appearance.
Despite its cosmetic shortcomings,
this Corniche is like a book that should not be judged by its cover. The
original beige leather upholstery presents in incredibly original and honest
condition, with no rips or tears to note, and still feels suitably luxurious.
Better still, the car comes with a commendable 19 service stamps in its original
service book, nearly all by Rolls-Royce themselves or respected
specialists.
More recently, in 2015, the car was
entrusted to Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialists Balmoral UK, with an
accompanying invoice totalling £3,932 for an overhaul of the ignition system,
new bearings, and brake and cooling work. An invoice is also present for
handbrake pads and a brake fluid bleed in 2005.
On offer here from a deceased estate at no reserve, it has been in
the current ownership for 23 years. Starting promptly and driving beautifully on
site, as expected of a well-maintained Roller, this Corniche presents an
appealing opportunity to acquire a genuinely usable example with a documented
maintenance history, ready to be enjoyed as is or taken to the next
level.
Conact - jack.keneally-perrin@brightwells.com