1972 Rolls-Royce Corniche - Resto Mod
This unique Rolls-Royce features a professionally installed General Motors drivetrain.
7,500 miles on a factory-ordered General Motors 500-horsepower 502 Big Block crate motor.
A professionally rebuilt Series 3 Jaguar brake system replaced the original problematic brake design.
The original Turbo-400 automatic transmission, featuring a mild shift kit, was professionally rebuilt for high performance.
This is a work of art: a custom exhaust system made entirely of powder-coated stainless steel, featuring everything from the heads to a single 4.5-inch diameter exhaust pipe while maintaining the original exhaust design.
The Holley 850 CFM double pumper was included by GM and specifically configured for this engine.
A new GM air conditioning system was included with the crate motor and uses R134-a refrigerant.
Right-hand drive: remember this when making left-hand turns.
A renowned automotive restoration company (see references) in Melbourne, Australia, professionally converted the drivetrain and braking system.
The vehicle was shipped to the United States fifteen years ago. It has been garaged since then and is used as a weekend cruiser.
The original red leather interior is in good condition. The front driver's seat needs restoration consideration.
The vehicle is currently located in Talent, Oregon, but can be shipped anywhere in the continental U.S.
VIN: CRH12181
Odometer: 122640
What it needs:
The Series 3 hydraulic electric pumps need replacing. The brakes are fading, so test drives are limited.
Upgrade the Lucas electrical system. Modern replacements are available. Although the original is functional with no issues, it is still Lucas.
Depending on the desired level of restoration, the interior real-wood paneling would benefit from restoration.
The driver’s seat shows wear but no tears- just surface cracks in the leather.
The frame has minimal oxidation; it was purchased from Australia and shipped to Talent, Oregon.
The rear axle features a factory differential with a highway ratio.
The paint seems original but displays minor imperfections (nicks/hairline cracks).
Please note that this is a Resto-Mod with significant investment in modernizing the drivetrain, braking, and suspension systems.
This is not a show car; it is an extraordinarily unique, one-of-a-kind Rolls Royce with an American-engineered attitude.
The problematic original hydraulic suspension was replaced with modern, high-quality gas shocks; the ride is comfortable and a joy to drive with the advantage of getting out of its own way faster than the factory drivetrain.
The custom exhaust features an incredibly unique "note" as the stainless steel headers converge to a large 4.5-inch diameter flange into the exhaust pipe that exits through a performance muffler designed for the application under the driver's side bumper—the design intent of balancing pressures with minimal back pressure without being obnoxiously loud. The sound level is crafted to showcase a big block under the hood without requiring you to cover your ears—it's a Rolls Royce after all.
The Kenwood stereo system, which includes a JL Audio amp and subwoofer, was professionally installed in 2010. The head unit also features a DVD player.
The Australian Department of Transportation, a highly rigorous certifying agency, inspected and certified the engine, braking, and suspension conversion.
REFERENCES:
Originally bought from:
Brookland’s Classic Cars
18-20 George Street
Sandringham, VIC 3191
Australia
Original Purchase Price AUD 37,800 (Before conversion and upgrades)
The car was registered with the Australian Rolls-Royce Owners Club.
Engine conversation
Caufield Jaguar
Caufield installed the new engine and subframe, upgraded the cooling system, installed electrical power steering, and installed a servo motor for shifting gears, among other elements.
A | 46 Alex Avenue, Moorabbin Vic 3189
Australia
Chuck Barnow
Engineered the subframe for the 502 c.i., 8.2-liter engine.
https://hotrodparts.com/
Chuck Barnow, Berea Automotive Engineering Corp.
Berea, Ohio.
Australian DMV in the state of Victoria is VIC Roads.
Certified the engine conversion.
https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/contact-us/officelocations
77 Corporate Dr, Heatherton VIC 3202, Australia
