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1972 Rolls-Royce Corniche - convertible by HJ Mulliner Park-Ward

Here is a really fine and original example of a Corniche convertible. Finished in delectable Champagne yellow with handsome mushroom Connolly hides, contrasting moss green Wilton wool carpets and seat piping. The same moss green theme carries through to the boot. The coach-lines are elegantly matched to the interior green high-lights. A very desirable and mature colour of the era and not often seen here in the US.

The Corniche design ~ first introduced as the "Silver Shadow Drop Head Coupe" in 1966 ~ with its signature rear quarter "hip-line" is unquestionably one of the most elegant of coach-work designs provided by Rolls-Royce's coach-builder - HJ Mulliner Park-Ward. It has tested the time for elegance and style enduring no less than 30 years in production (1966-1996). It has often been chosen amongst the most beautiful cars ever made. This being a 1972 model with the early style full chrome bumpers combined with their lower poise, really make for a handsome motorcar and present amongst the best of Mulliner Park-Ward's offerings.

This is an unmolested example that has been nicely maintained and presents in excellent condition. With the exception of more modern radio player fitted (an original is available for the purist) she is primarily all original with no modifications.

The Corniche convertible presented here has been work-shop inspected with all work needed carried out. Important costly items such as the hydraulics and brakes are fully inspected and serviced as required. This includes checking of all brake hoses and system pressure tested and bled. It is ready to drive and enjoy. The odometer shows a low 54,000 and although this is not verifiable, the mileage is commensurate with the condition (particularly when you look at the condition of the interior, under-hood, brake pedal etc). It is very quiet and smooth on the road without any of the typical “thumps” and “rattles” typical of poor (or even averagely) maintained examples of this model.

The interior is in excellent shape. The mushroom leather is in lovely condition with no tears nor fading and true to its Connolly characteristics showing the perfect amount of patina. The burr walnut wood throughout the car is equally beautiful. The wood door cappings and centre console were redone by a leading California wood re-finisher at a cost of some $3,000 several years ago (possibly the dash as well which is excellent and yet difficult to ascertain if original or not). The process was done in accordance with the Rolls-Royce "multi-layer lacquering technique" which involves painstaking wet sanding and buffing by hand between all coats. The final finish on the wood throughout is simply stunning and is like glass. And, you have to thank Mother Nature for its beauty. The rich ochre grain and pattern makes it very warm and inviting.

The convertible top and head lining is original and in good condition. The carpets with leather binding are in good condition and have sumptuous matching lambswool moutons fitted. Likewise is the leather finish to the dash and top-roll. The boot (trunk) carpet with the same theme is also in excellent.

The body on this Corniche is very true and the paint is shiny and lustrous. The car was repainted some 15 years ago but all done extremely well. There are some very minor imperfections here and there but overall very, very nice and nothing objectionable. We simply point this out for clear disclosure. Rest assured the paint presents just as well as you see in the photos. When you look down the sides of the car, they are very straight. Certainly, the paint needs nothing other than a wax from time to time.

The car has Michelin MX4 white-wall tyres fitted with plenty of tread and the hubcaps are excellent with no imperfections in the stainless rings or caps. All remaining bright-work is in good condition. All electrics and operational features are guaranteed working to specification right down to the smallest and insignificant dash and courtesy light. Even the clock keeps good time!

Under the bonnet, the presentation is commendable to its previous caretakers. It has not been precision detailed but simply kept clean and tidy throughout its life. You must take the time to look at the photos of the engine bay as its presentation is like that of only a 10 year old example. Simply stunning!

As you would expect, this Corniche comes with its original jack, correct tools and operating manual.

The car is of very high standard and is an easy 10 out of 10 driver rating.