For Sale: 1985 Rolls-Royce Corniche in Saint Louis, Missouri

Elegance, grace, and prestige are words synonymous with Rolls-Royce. From the Silver Ghost to today's Phantom, the marque has long represented engineering excellence and refined luxury. In its early years, Rolls-Royce supplied bare chassis to the world's finest coachbuilders, who would craft bespoke bodies to suit the tastes of their clientele.
Following the Second World War, however, changing market demands necessitated a shift toward standard production bodies. In 1955, the so-called "mass-produced" Silver Cloud debuted to great acclaim and quickly became the firm's greatest commercial success. The Silver Cloud's popularity marked Rolls-Royce's final departure from traditional coachbuilding for its regular production models, ushering in a new era of standardized yet still extremely elegant automobiles.
The Cloud's successor, the Silver Shadow, represented a major technical leap forward. It was the first Rolls-Royce built on a monocoque chassis, featuring independent suspension at all four corners and a Citroen-derived high-pressure hydraulic system that managed the braking, steering, and self-leveling suspension. The result was a car that delivered an entirely new driving experience-smooth, composed, and effortless. Power came from Rolls-Royce's superbly refined V8, initially displacing 6.2 liters and later enlarged to 6.75. With feather-light steering and powerful dual-circuit brakes, the Silver Shadow delivered performance that was, in factory parlance, "adequate," and comfort that was unmatched.
Constructed in both Rolls-Royce and Bentley forms, the Shadow was offered as a standard and long-wheelbase saloon, as well as elegant two-door coupe and convertible variants. The Silver Shadow ultimately spawned a number of derivatives, the Corniche being one of them, incorporating numerous technical and cosmetic improvements. While the saloon models were later replaced by the Silver Spirit and Silver Spur, the Corniche continued into the late 1980s as the definitive symbol of luxury and taste.
The Corniche II was introduced in 1986 exclusively to the US market. Built until 1989, just over 1,200 units were manufactured. With a list price of approximately $126,000 in 1986, the Corniche II stood among the most expensive production automobiles in the world-a fixture in the rarefied world of Beverly Hills boulevards, Riviera hotels, and Caribbean resorts.
This handsome example of the archetypal 1980s luxury convertible is finished in an elegant shade of cream, paired with a tan Everflex convertible top. It remains in impressive overall condition, presenting as a proud driver-quality example showing 33,291 miles, believed to be original and recently emerged from long-term care. The paintwork retains an appealing gloss, with body panels that are straight and well aligned, displaying the precision expected from Crewe. Some light crazing is visible in select areas, consistent with careful long-term use. Brightwork, including the bumpers, body moldings, and iconic radiator shell, presents beautifully and with excellent luster. The tan Everflex soft top is fully lined for maximum sound and weather insulation, and a matching boot cover is included when the top is lowered.
Stepping into the cabin reveals a wonderfully preserved interior trimmed in tan leather that has matured gracefully. The hides show some gentle creasing and light cracking-signs of authenticity that enhance the car's character rather than detract from it. Rich burled walnut veneers complement the upholstery, and the original switchgear and radio remain intact. Plush brown carpeting rounds out the warm, period-correct presentation. The overall impression is of an automobile that has been cherished and preserved with care rather than merely used.
Under the forward-hinged bonnet lies the venerable 6.75-liter V8, a masterpiece of smoothness and silent power. This Corniche II performs with the unhurried composure expected of a Rolls-Royce, combining light yet precise controls with effortless acceleration. The automatic transmission shifts with imperceptible smoothness, and the ride quality remains superb-an experience that defines the marque's enduring reputation for refinement.
As with many ultra-luxury automobiles, some Corniche models have suffered from neglect once they became affordable to the wrong kind of owner. Happily, this example is a notable exception. It has clearly benefited from thoughtful stewardship and consistent care, and today remains a handsome and thoroughly usable example of Rolls-Royce's classic convertible.
A true symbol of 1980s sophistication, the Corniche II endures as one of the most elegant expressions of open-air motoring ever produced. This well-preserved example surfacing from twenty years of ownership offers its next custodian the opportunity to experience top-down motoring in a manner only a Rolls-Royce can provide-effortless, dignified, and supremely luxurious


Offers welcome and trades considered.