"The Corniche was Rolls-Royce's coupé and convertible version of the Silver Shadow produced between 1971 and 1996. The Corniche was named 'Silver Shadow Mulliner Park Ward two-door fixedhead coupé' before 1971 when the Corniche name was applied. The exterior design was by John Polwhele Blatchley. The independent coachmaker James Young had already custom-made a two-door coupé variant of the Silver Shadow, but Young's model proved less popular and was soon discontinued. The model was assembled and finished in London at Mulliner Park Ward as continuation of the 1965 Silver Shadow coupé and 1967 drophead. The Corniche was also sold as a Bentley, though that model became known as the Continental in 1984. The first car to wear the Corniche name was a 1939 prototype based on the Bentley Mk. V which was never produced because of the onset of World War II. The Corniche was available both as a coupé and convertible, with the former discontinued in 1982. The car used the standard Rolls-Royce V8 engine. It had an aluminium-silicon alloy block and aluminium cylinder heads with cast iron wet cylinder liners. The bore was 4.1” and the stroke was 3.9” for a total of 6.75 litres. Twin SU carburettors were initially fitted with a single Solex four-barrel carburettor introduced in 1975. A four-wheel independent suspension with coil springs was augmented with a hydraulic self-levelling system at first on all four, but later in the rear wheels only. Four-wheel disc brakes were specified, with ventilated discs added for 1972.
This example is presented in light blue metallic with blue leather interior and has been in one family ownership since 1973. It was bare metal resprayed in the mid-1990s and has stood the test of time. Its interior we believe to be original and although the leather could do with some ‘feeding’, the general condition is quite good, with its door cards and headlining being in good condition. In the history file there are letters from Rolls-Royce dated 1971 which is rather nostalgic and great to have, as well as various invoices showing work that has been done over the years. These are rare and sought after and this particular example is no exception mainly owing to its very low ownership history. The car has not been regularly used lately and although running (a small petrol leak has been found) and recommissioning would be necessary and we advise that it should be transported away from the auction. Please also note that the late owner’s private registration number is being retained by the family and new age-related plate to be issued which is likely to be XUT 816J – the registration prior to its present private plate and the new V5 Log book may not be available until after the auction. Consigned by James Good.
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