This is a beautifully presenting Rolls-Royce Corniche coupe, finished in Ivory (pale yellow) with Havana brown Connolly hide leather interior. If you are wondering about the “winter photographs”, this Corniche was photographed in preparation for sale and immediately afterwards, a client asked us to hold the car. He recently elected to buy another of ours and so here we are. We thought the pictures were darling and that’s why they appear here in “winter format”. The car has traversed only some 20 miles since these photos were taken.
This is an amazing condition example with a low 48,000 miles from only 3 owners. The second last owner being a collector having caretaken her for more than 30 years, from which we purchased the car around 2015. The most recent owner out of Texas, who we sold to, owned the car for 7 years. We recently reacquired her after she travelled only 4,000 miles.
These 2 door coupes are rare and “extremely rare” in this condition. Remember, less than 20% of all Corniches were hard-top coupes with the majority being convertibles. Production of the fixed head coupe ceased in 1982 whereas the convertible continued right though to 1996. The coupe was made somewhat famous by Steve McQueen who drove it in the hit 1968 film; “The Thomas Crown Affair” starring McQueen along with Faye Dunawaye.
This is an entirely unmolested example that presents wonderfully. A cosseted example that has had only one repaint (in the same colour) some 20 years ago. 100% original Connolly interior on the seats and other leather finishes, the wood’s French polishing lacquer is in very good condition, carpets present beautifully and a headliner that is in excellent condition – also original.
As importantly, it has been maintained meticulously. The most recent owner has well looked after the car. With the second owner, it was rarely driven and kept in a museum under the eye of a Rolls-Royce caretaker who regularly maintained the car. I recall well when it first arrived to us some 7 years ago, it fired up immediately and purred on our maiden test drive. A Canadian car for those 30 odd years by its second owner, was never driven in inclement weather (and it shows) and always climate control stored. We, of course did all the usual commissioning work that was required.
The car today, is in exemplary condition. Very straight, very clean, very true in all characteristics Rolls-Royce. The paint is deep in lustre and shine.
The interior is an outstanding feature on this 2-door coupe. All the wood is entirely blemish free and looks fantastic. The window surrounds, carpet and roof-lining, are in immaculate condition. The Connolly hide leather is stunning. Never been redyed and not so much as even a touch-up, showing its original Connolly hide signature finish. This Corniche shows it off well with just the right amount of patina to look like, and feel like, a high-end Chesterfield couch. So inviting you want to just sit in it for no reason. This is an example that looks like it is only 15 years old. Certainly not almost 50!
Mechanically the car is completely gone thru by Park-Ward’s 45 year Rolls-Royce experienced work-shop. Notwithstanding, this Corniche has all the hallmarks of a well maintained example. Technically superb with all brakes/hydraulics working well. The car drives really smooth, without any bumps, rattles or knocks. It truly glides and “floats” like the Shadow and Corniches of this era were designed and built to do. Please remember, all Rolls-Royces Testament of its well maintained history is the cleanliness under the hood. Not detailed but appropriately maintained. The trunk presents just as well without so much as mark in the Wilton wool carpet.
All external bright-work is well above standard and lights and lenses like new. The car is simply stunning to admire as well as drive.
*We think the car would present fabulously with a full set of lambswool rugs in dark brown and a single chocolate fine-line down her waist-rail. Please feel free to enquire (see pic below).
Of course, every car presented for sale by the Park-Ward Motors Museum has not only been fully work-shopped to ensure all services and maintenance is up to date, but each car then undergoes a “Predelivery Commissioning” process to ensure it is “turn-key” at time of delivery. This car is no exception and will go through this process once sold and prior to delivery to her next owner.
~~ Driving this Rolls-Royce Corniche coupe is indeed like being the millionaire bachelor in “The Thomas Crown Affair”. It is a beautiful well-preserved example which, although may not be a true concours example by definition, you could very confidently display at her at any Rolls-Royce event with pride and distinction. ~~
International bidders are welcome.
example of lambs-wool mouton rugs
For extra photos on this fine example go to the link below.
The photos are of super high resolution so if you right click on any, you can zoom in and see every little detail and defect in considerable detail.
Click HERE to see some 150 high resolution photos
Click HERE to see some 150 high resolution photos
