Estimated Price: £50,000 - £60,000
The two-door convertible version of the Silver Shadow has been, without doubt, the most commercially successful convertible ever produced by Rolls-Royce. First introduced in 1966 as the Silver Shadow Mulliner Park Ward Two-Door, Drophead Coupé, to give it its full title, the car was instantly in demand. When Rolls-Royce launched the two-door cars, the international jet-set began to clamour for attention at the dealerships. With waiting lists measured in years, these hugely desirable vehicles began to change hands at significant premiums over list price and one can imagine the hushed negotiations over the green baize of the gaming tables at Crockfords, the Palm Beach and Aspinalls. Customers who ordered the Drophead were not the same people who purchased the company's sensible saloons, with the cars frequently being specified in bright colours and eventually it became apparent that this version deserved to have its own model name so, after a few cosmetic changes in 1971, the Corniche was born. The name originally comes from the French word for a coastal road, particularly along the face of a cliff, most notably the Grande Corniche along the French Riviera above the principality of Monaco and it was thought at the time that this new name might convey some of the style and glamour of Monte Carlo and 50 years later, it still does.
Rolls-Royce foresaw the time when owners would like to drive their own cars and the Corniche continued to be developed with this in mind and even had a rev counter fitted as standard. Around 10% more power was coaxed from the proven 6,750cc aluminium alloy V8 endowing the two-door with a top speed in excess of 120mph and sports car-embarrassing acceleration to match. Despite its sky-high asking price, the model proved a major success for Rolls-Royce; periodically revised and updated, it remained in production well into the 1990s, the last (convertible) examples being delivered in 1995.
Finished in ICI Willow Gold (M151/3621) over an apple green leather interior (TR.A.43) with a dark green hood, this striking example was supplied new by Rolls-Royce Motors Limited, H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward Division, London and first registered on 21st August 1974. The history file includes the original specification sheet, noting the deletion of the wood-rimmed steering wheel and the addition of a Radiomobile 1085 radio and also included are factory FSS Safety Check sheets documenting component inspections and final road testing.
Acquired by its current owner in 2022, the car has since undergone a comprehensive programme of recommissioning and rectification works, supported by approximately 60 pages of invoices within the history file for work carried out and parts supplied, totalling in excess of £55,000. The works include structural and corrosion repairs, interior and trim attention, and mechanical and electrical recommissioning carried out over a series of stages all detailed in invoices from Hillier Hill Rolls-Royce Specialists of Olney, Lochalsh Trim of Long Buckby and Clouds Hill Classics of Long Buckby, along with numerous parts invoices from Flying Spares.
These documents cover extensive recommissioning and fault rectification, including electrical diagnosis and repairs to the lighting and wiring systems, fuel system work covering sender units, hoses and carburation-related components, and ignition system upgrades with replacement parts. Mechanical attention included the cooling system with replacement hoses and coolant, steering and suspension checks and adjustment, brake system inspection and associated rectification, and replacement of a previously poor exhaust system. The internal woodwork has benefitted from fresh veneers, the leatherwork Connolised, a new hood sourced and fitted, and further interior and trim work included repairs and adjustment to door locking mechanisms, window operation and associated fittings, along with attention to interior trim components. New brakes, wheels and tyres were added and the invoices also evidence extensive diagnostic labour across multiple systems, together with replacement of belts, filters and general service items, consistent with returning the car to correct operating condition following a period of limited use. The current MOT is valid until February 2027 and was issued with no advisories.
Patently looked after by its current owners and having benefitted from significant recent expenditure, we encourage your inspection of this rather stylish, Willow Gold 1974 Corniche.
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