Vehicle Description
Upon introduction in 1965, the Silver Shadow marked a revolution as
the first Rolls-Royce model with unitary construction, disc brakes
all around, and hydraulic self-leveling rear suspension. Standard
factory bodywork was handsomely styled and built, hastening the end
of the time-honored British custom coachbuilding industry. However,
for more demanding buyers, the Silver Shadow line also included a
limited-production hardtop coupe and cabriolet, designed by Bill
Allen and hand-built by Rolls-Royce subsidiary Mulliner Park Ward.
As Britain's most expensive automobiles at launch, these coachbuilt
beauties were given their own identity in 1971 and named "Corniche"
after the exotic roads along the French Cote d'Azur. The Corniche
coupe was eventually discontinued in 1982, with the glamorous
cabriolet remaining in production through 1996. From introduction,
the Corniche was an instantly recognizable cultural icon, prompting
buyers to gladly wait up to four years for delivery. Delivering
greater performance than the basic Silver Shadow, the 6.8-liter V8
engine of the Corniche produced 218hp with a revised camshaft
profile and larger-diameter exhaust system mated to an automatic
transmission, although Rolls-Royce did not publicly advertise
official power ratings. While luxuriously equipped, trimmed in
leather upholstery and weighing about 5,000 pounds, the Corniche
was a capable performer with acceleration from rest to 60 mph in
less than 10 seconds and a top speed nearing 130 mph. This
later-production 1994 Rolls-Royce Corniche IV is one of 219
examples produced 1993-96, and it was a gift to Roy Horn of the
legendary Siegfried & Roy entertainment duo on the occasion of his
50th birthday. Owned by Mr. Horn until his eventual passing in 2020
and now offered on behalf of his estate, this Corniche IV benefits
from service at Fletcher Jones Imports in Las Vegas and comes to
market with service records and a nice selection of images that,
per the estate, depict Siegfried & Roy with the vehicle and some of
the beautiful animal co-stars of their world-famous shows. **TITLE
IN TRANSIT**
