Rolls-Royce 1978 Corniche

Description

Launched in 1971 as Rolls-Royce’s coupe version of the Silver Shadow, the Corniche was a superior car to the saloon on which it was based.

With fabulously elegant ‘Coke-bottle’ styling by John Blatchley, each and every one was hand built by Mulliner Park Ward in a necessarily lengthy process that took all of 20 weeks and resulted in a price some 50% higher than the standard Silver Shadow. Only the very finest materials were used including Wilton carpeting, Connolly hide and the best burr walnut veneers, giving these cars a level of quality and glamour that surpassed that of the saloons.

Engine power also went up by 10% increasing the top speed to 130mph with acceleration to match – 0-60 in 7.9 secs. Tweaks to the suspension and steering geometry gave a sportier ride and a special low-loss exhaust and new dashboard were also adopted. A three-speed Turbo Hydramatic 400 automatic transmission was standard, with independent suspension all round, self-levelling at the rear. Four wheel disc brakes were specified, with ventilated discs added for 1972.

The Corniche was progressively developed over time, gaining features like split-level air conditioning, rack-and-pinion steering, Bosch fuel injection and self-levelling rear suspension, along with a minor restyling in 1977.

Our car is a matching numbers Rolls-Royce Corniche II Coupe finished in Oxford Blue with cream hide. Only 328 were produced from 1977 until the coupe was dropped in 1981. Supplied by Jack Barclay of London in August 1978 to a fastidious customer in Fife, there are a host of letters and correspondence between G.C.V. Brittain, Esq and Rolls-Royce throughout 1977 as he optioned his new car.

The subject of a complete restoration and overhaul from 2012 to early 2016, this Rolls-Royce has been lavished with close to £90,000 of expenditure with seasoned professionals in order for it to be in the standard you see today.

The result of all this fine craftsmanship and expert know-how is a stately and commanding Rolls-Royce which behaves impeccably on the road and is a pleasure to drive and enjoy. It is now offered for sale at a sum significantly beneath that it has cost to create and as such deserves your most serious attention…