Vehicle Description
This is a beautifully presenting Rolls-Royce Corniche coupe,
finished in Ivory (pale yellow) with Havana brown Connolly hide
leather interior. If you are wondering about the "winter
photographs", this Corniche was photographed in preparation for
sale and immediately afterwards, a client asked us to hold the car.
He recently elected to buy another of ours and so here we are. We
thought the pictures were darling and that's why they appear here
in "winter format". The car has traversed only some 20 miles since
these photos were taken. This is an amazing condition example with
a low 48,000 miles from only 3 owners. The second last owner being
a collector having caretaken her for more than 30 years, from which
we purchased the car around 2015. The most recent owner out of
Texas, who we sold to, owned the car for 7 years. We recently
reacquired her after she travelled only 4,000 miles. These 2 door
coupes are rare and "extremely rare" in this condition. Remember,
less than 20% of all Corniches were hard-top coupes with the
majority being convertibles. Production of the fixed head coupe
ceased in 1982 whereas the convertible continued right though to
1996. The coupe was made somewhat famous by Steve McQueen who drove
it in the hit 1968 film; "The Thomas Crown Affair" starring McQueen
along with Faye Dunawaye. This is an entirely unmolested example
that presents wonderfully. A cosseted example that has had only one
repaint (in the same colour) some 20 years ago. 100% original
Connolly interior on the seats and other leather finishes, the
wood's French polishing lacquer is in very good condition, carpets
present beautifully and a headliner that is in excellent condition
- also original. As importantly, it has been maintained
meticulously. The most recent owner has well looked after the car.
With the second owner, it was rarely driven and kept in a museum
under the eye of a Rolls-Royce caretaker who regularly maintained
the car. I recall well when it first arrived to us some 7 years
ago, it fired up immediately and purred on our maiden test drive. A
Canadian car for those 30 odd years by its second owner, was never
driven in inclement weather (and it shows) and always climate
control stored. We, of course did all the usual commissioning work
that was required. The car today, is in exemplary condition. Very
straight, very clean, very true in all characteristics Rolls-Royce.
The paint is deep in lustre and shine. The interior is an
outstanding feature on this 2-door coupe. All the wood is entirely
blemish free and looks fantastic. The window surrounds, carpet and
roof-lining, are in immaculate condition. The Connolly hide leather
is stunning. Never been redyed and not so much as even a touch-up,
showing its original Connolly hide signature finish. This Corniche
shows it off well with just the right amount of patina to look
like, and feel like, a high-end Chesterfield couch. So inviting you
want to just sit in it for no reason. This is an example that looks
like it is only 15 years old. Certainly not almost 50! Mechanically
the car is completely gone thru by Park-Ward's 45 year Rolls-Royce
experienced work-shop. Notwithstanding, this Corniche has all the
hallmarks of a well maintained example. Technically superb with all
brakes/hydraulics working well. The car drives really smooth,
without any bumps, rattles or knocks. It truly glides and "floats"
like the Shadow and Corniches of this era were designed and built
to do. Please remember, all Rolls-Royces Testament of its well
maintained history is the cleanliness under the hood. Not detailed
but appropriately maintained. The trunk presents just as well
without so much as mark in the Wilton wool carpet. All external
bright-work is well above standard and lights and lenses like new.
The car is simply stunning to admire as well as drive. *We think
the car would present fabulously with a full set of lambswool rugs
in dark brown and a single chocolate fine-line down her
