Corniche
“Fixed head Coupe” ~ (FHC)
1975
Stunning and immaculate example in top condition presentation
Click HERE to see some 200+ high resolution photos
T his is a Rolls-Royce Corniche coupe by HJ Mulliner Park-Ward. The model is often referred to as a Fixed Head Coupe (“FHC”). This example is of one of the nicest of the “Corniche” coupe series produced and are quite rare compared to the convertible as these ceased production in 1982, whereas the convertible continued right through to 1996. These are becoming a rare find in this condition and are more and more sought after by collectors. This one is a very fine example that would suit both the connoisseur driver and collector.
Finished in Masons black with a black Everflex top factory fitted. This combination is paired up handsomely with a full black Connolly leather interior. The car is finished with twin light grey fine-lines on the body waist-line. The overall combination is very elegant and striking.
This car is a European spec example so brings with it all the benefits over and above the US spec cars. Most notably, the chrome bumpers which ceased on North American cars in late 1973 (for local 5mph impact regulations introduced that year). Ther can be no question the chrome bumpers look so more distinguished than the rubber impact version. Also fitted, are front fog lights and rear under-bumper red fog lamps which, although optional worldwide, became a defacto standard on European specification cars. The biggest benefit is the high compression 9:1 engine which made the car more spritely and responsive. It also does NOT have the plethora of anti-pollution “add-ons” that marred local cars and yet there is no restriction on its smog registration anywhere in the US because the cut-off date is 1976. So, being a 1975 buiold and registered Rolls-Royce, she is fully exempt from any such restrictions, particularly prevalent in California.
There are various other differences to include headrests and a unique grab handle incorporated in the dash top roll for the front seat passenger (an option but never available in North America).
This Corniche came in from Switzerland??? And then spent its whole American life in California and Texas. So she is crisp clean throughout and underneath. The body is super straight and the paint is quite excellent. The car underwent a bare metal respray some estimated 20 years ago and was clearly an expensive refinish. It still presents high in luster, very glossy and with no signs of any over-spray on any externally fitted part. It is pretty much blemish free with only the most discrete chips and marks from minimal use.
The interior of the car is in stunning condition. All the leather is the factory original Connolly leather in outstanding condition. Throughout, the leather is soft and supple. It displays a very light and warming patina that is very natural in its presentation (“patina” does not mean tired, worn or ripped!), elegantly presenting the natural creases in the leather and regularly used areas like arm-rests and seat edges.
All the wood is in superb if not flawless condition having been refinished to exacting Rolls-Royce standards at some point in its life (circa +/- 10 years ago). This is an expensive exercise with this wood-work alone having cost some $5,000. This investment really has paid off as they are truly superb and with the grace of Mother Nature lending her hand in the detail of the wood – the knots, the grains and the rich ochre colours – it presents at its finest.
The original Ambla headlining – also only available on Rest of World (“ROW”) cars – is in virtually perfect without any of the “grubbiness” often seen on the US spec wool headliners.
All interior feature and functions are fully operational including all electrics – seats, windows, gauges, clock etc. Being a mid 70’s car it has the unique tachometer feature – truly exquisite. The A/C blows icy cold and heater working well. Everything is all so clean and crisp. Even the blaupunkt push button radio and Radiomobile 8-track are original to factory form.
The chrome and bright work is excellent without any pitting and the rubber around the car is good.
Mechanically, the car is in superior condition and the presentation under the bonnet and under carriage clearly shows that. It has not been “done-up” for sale but maintained in original condition. All hydraulics and brakes have been inspected and tested, working well. Exhaust is good. The car is being sold with Park-Ward’s “Predelivery Commissioning” process included which will present the car for delivery with every major and minor service done and up to date.
The car shows 58,400 miles and we have no doubt that is original. We do not have documentation to support this, however so we err on the side of caution and offer her “mileage exempt”. That said, she does look every bit of a low mileage example by its overall excellent condition.
The car comes with the correct jack, tools and operating manual.
This is a 10 out of 10 driver example that needs nothing else doing. It makes for a gorgeous “weekender” that you could take to your next RR meet with pride and joy.
Click HERE to see some 200+ high resolution photos