Vehicle Description
1983 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible
For a company that dates back to the early 20th century,
Rolls-Royce has maintained its legacy of luxurious cars that do not
come cheap mostly because of the hard work that goes into making
them. While other automobile companies have embraced the use of
technology in their manufacturing processes, Rolls-Royce has
retained humans as the primary resource with almost all tasks being
completed by hand hence the expensive price tags that accompany the
vehicles. Many models have been produced since the company was
founded, and among the most notable ones is the Corniche. The
Corniche is undoubtedly the most iconic of all Rolls Royce's, and
many will argue, the most beautiful. It came to life in 1966 as a
two door development of the Silver Shadow and was handcrafted in
the true coach building tradition by Mulliner Park Ward in London
until 1995. With only subtle changes made to the body accenting,
interior, and engine, the famous body style remained mostly
unchanged for 29 years.
This particular 1983 Rolls Royce Corniche convertible is believed
to be a 3 owner car and is 1 of 3,239 built during the production
run from 1971 through 1987. Retaining copies of its shipping
invoice and build sheets as well as being freshly serviced and
inspected and finished in one of the most eye-catching of color
combinations I've seen in awhile, featuring a black and silver
exterior over black hides with and black Wilton carpeting! A
remarkable example that shows just 44,593 miles on the odometer
today and has been lovingly cared for by our consignor during his
ownership tenure.
Exterior
Nicely preserved...a color change from solid black to the striking
two-tone black and silver, (a much classier look in this writer's
opinion), color shows a few chips that are normal for the car's
age. Overall, it is well done. Chrome and badging look clean and
shiny and the beautiful Rolls Royce grille in near perfect
condition and the flying lady atop, front the bonnet. Speaking of
which, it is long and luxurious as it makes its way back to the
large greenhouse, which is covered with a wonderfully preserved
black vinyl convertible top with a stained and hazed plastic rear
window and a rebuilt top motor. The large boot deck with proper
badging curves downward and frames the oversized oval/rectangle
design taillights. Pristine Rolls Royce logo-ed wheel covers have a
blue band near the center, and wheels are wrapped with nearly new
Avon radial rubber. All in all, in cracking shape mate.
Interior
Comparable to a bank safe door, it swings effortlessly, but its
weight can be witnessed when doing so, but you can have the
chauffeur open it for you. Black hide, wood burl, and Wilton carpet
make up the panels of the doors which house shiny inserts for the
power windows, and door handle. Placing your bum firmly in the
black hide covered buckets which are nearly new looking, and
present with only wrinkling from age and you'll get accustomed to
plentiful padding. Armrests over the center console, which houses
every control you could possibly need regarding the seats.
Infinitely adjustable seating, power locks and an ashtray are seen
here as well, all framed in chrome and black plastic. Moving to the
rear bench there will be plenty of room for the queen bee and her
gentleman caller. Glorious armrests grace the sides of the black
and black piped bench and include ash receptacles as well as more
burl. The dash is loaded with instrumentation, climate controls,
burl, and leather. It presents very clean as does the black Wilton
wool carpeting ...blimey!
Drivetrain
A pop of the bonnet and we are greeted by a clean and spit shined
engine bay. Grabbing the center of attention, is the 6.75 Liter V8
that is original to the car. It sports Bosch K-Jetronic electronic
fuel injection, a 3-speed TH400 automatic transmission and a 2.69
geared rear axle. All quite right! You're bloody well right.
Undercarriage
The undercarriage is well preserved, a heavy coating of black paint
and undercoating for the suspension, steel flooring, and frame with
nary a sign of any rust or structural problems. Independent
suspension, and 4-wheel power disc brakes, and we are all buttoned
up. Bob's your uncle.
Drive-Ability
I had the pleasure to take this car out for a tool around
Morgantown, and it drove swimmingly. Rides like a dream and handles
just as well. I noted that the horn, high beams, and the radio were
inoperable as well as the right rear window going up and down slow,
otherwise it was a smashing, (thankfully the Brit version of this
word!), car to drive, and during the short jaunt, received several
waves and whistles, but they could have been for the spirit of
salesman Sir Lawrence, who sometimes accompanies us on our
decidedly British drives.
We have a really nice car here, in great low mileage condition,
owners' books in original leather pouch, copies of the original
paperwork from across the pond, wheel beauty rings, and some
service records. Go ahead live it up in a low production number
rarely seen Rolls!
SCAZD42A7DCX06998
S-Europe
C-England
A-Rolls Royce
ZD-Corniche Convertible
42-6.75 Liter V8 Non Turbo, Efi, With Catalyst
A-Active Belts
7-Check Digit
D-1983
C-Crewe Assy Plant
X-LHD Export
06998-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
