Vehicle Description
This is a very late series, and as such quite rare, Rolls-Royce
Corniche coupe by HJ Mulliner Park-Ward. The model is often
referred to as a Fixed Head Coupe ("FHC"). This example is of one
of the nicest of the "Corniche" coupe series produced and are quite
rare compared to the convertible as these ceased production in
1982, whereas the convertible continued right through to 1996.
These are becoming a rare find in this condition and are more and
more sought after by collectors. This one is a very fine and rare
example being towards the end of the production run and would suit
both the connoisseur driver and collector. Finished in all-over
white paired up with a rich biscuit tan Connolly leather interior
and matching carpets and mouton floor rugs. The car is finished
with a single gold/tan fine-line on the body waist-line. The
overall combination is very elegant and refined. Being the later
model it is easily identifiable with the factory mounted rear seat
head-restraints. This being a late "50,000 series" car, it is
fitted with the Spirit/Spur series mineral oil hydraulics providing
the more advanced system configuration and the later dash, along
with other design improvements and upgrades as we saw with the
introduction of Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit and Spur. This Corniche
spent its whole life in California so is crisp clean throughout and
underneath. The body is super straight and the paint is quite
excellent. The car underwent a bare metal respray some estimated 20
years ago and was clearly an expensive refinish. It still presents
high in luster, very glossy and with no signs of any over-spray on
any externally fitted part. It is pretty much blemish free with
only the most discrete chips and marks from minimal use. The
interior of the car is in stunning condition. All the leather is
the factory original Connolly leather in outstanding condition.
Throughout, the leather is soft and supple. It displays a very
light and warming patina that is very natural in its presentation
("patina" does not mean tired, worn or ripped!), elegantly
presenting the natural creases in the leather and regularly used
areas like arm-rests and seat edges. All the wood is in superb if
not flawless condition having been refinished to exacting
Rolls-Royce standards. This is an expensive exercise with this
wood-work alone having cost some $5,000. This investment really has
paid off as they are truly superb and with the grace of Mother
Nature lending her hand in the detail of the wood - the knots, the
grains and the rich colours - it presents at its finest. The
original broadcloth headlining is in good condition without any of
the "grubbiness" often seen on these wool headliners. All interior
feature and functions are fully operational including all electrics
- seats, windows, gauges, clock etc. The A/C blows icy cold and
heater working well. Everything is all so clean and crisp. The only
feature that is not original is the radar detector mounted above
the interior rear view mirror which we recommend removal and
putting back to original. Similarly, we would recommend the
re-fitment of a factory Blaupunkt push-button radio and Pioneer
cassette unit. Please enquire if you are interested in doing so.
The chrome and bright work is excellent without any pitting and the
rubber around the car is good. Mechanically, the car is in superior
condition and the presentation under the bonnet and under carriage
clearly shows that. It has not been "done-up" for sale but
maintained in original condition. The car is being sold with
Park-Ward's "Predelivery Commissioning" process included which will
present the car for delivery with every single major and minor
service done and up to date, all preventative maintenance attended
to and all operational features in fully functioning condition. By
examples; if the car needs new tyres, new tyres are fitted. If the
electric windows are slow, they are all serviced. You get a
"turn-key" motor car
