Who buys/owns a brand-new Bentley or Rolls-Royce in 1979 and after 42 years, the car has only travelled 8,950 miles? We don’t know but for whatever reason, this is that car!
An incredibly original and totally immaculate Bentley Corniche convertible, finished in 2-tone Walnut metallic over Silver Sand metallic with beige Connolly hide leather interior. The coach work waist-rails are finished in hand-painted twin-lines of fine gold.
This is an amazing COMPLETELY ORIGINAL condition example. Again, with a breathtaking 8,950 miles from only 3 owners. The last 2 owners being collectors having caretaken her for more than 30 years.
The Bentley Corniche is rare in itself, and “extremely rare” in this condition and mileage. Only in the early few years were these cars referred to as “Bentley Corniche”, soon after they were named “Bentley Continental” and only the Rolls-Royce referred to as the Corniche. Only 17 Bentley Corniches were made of which only ??? were convertibles. So this example, in this conditions with such low miles, could well be described as “the best example of its kind in the world”.
This is a June 1979 build and a new American order car, however has the Euro specs of the first SZ series car with carburetors and transposing dual exhaust (left & right bank down separate side of the car as opposed to one side) and mineral oil hydraulics. This is a great case of having the best of both worlds; carburetors providing better performance with the reliability improvements of mineral oil instead of the 363 Castrol oil system.
This is an entirely unmolested and original example that is difficult to describe in words. Never restored and simply cosseted its whole life. Completely original factory paint, 100% original interior without so much as even a touch up on the seats or other leather finishes, the wood’s original French polishing lacquer is in great condition, carpets like new and a headliner for the top near new looking – but indeed, also original.
As importantly, it has been maintained meticulously. Although rarely driven, the car has been regularly maintained by us over the last 3 years to include brand new Avon Turbosteel tyres. Some $20,000 in maintenance was done in 2018 which brought every major and minor service up to date, preventative maintenance done and all operational features such AC and electrics reviewed and serviced as required.
The car today, is in exemplary condition. Very straight, very clean, very true in all characteristics Rolls-Royce/Bentley. The paint is deep in lustre and shine and is entirely consistent. There are some small signs of the factory blends because of the paint age. Back in the days, Rolls-Royce would have to do small touch-ups as the cars got marked during the hand-building process. Being single stage paint, the cars would be sent back thru the paint shop to address these. You can see some of these if you look hard and for the purist, are a clear sign of originality. These are very minor, though, and are limited to only a few select places and not objectionable. Importantly, they do NOT detract from the cars high calibre of presentation and are ONLY mentioned out of “clear disclosure”.
The interior remains virtually perfect and is an outstanding feature on this convertible. All the wood is completely original and looks fantastic. There are a few small seat belt dings on the door cappings but minor enough to warrant leaving and for one to embrace the knowledge of it being factory original. The window surrounds, carpet and roof-lining, are in immaculate condition. The Connolly hide leather is stunning. Never been redyed and showing its original Connolly hide signature finish. Connolly leather has a 2-tone effect with a darker dressing in the depths of the grain. This is know as “Luxan grain”(*see note below). If you are familiar with Cognac leather in early Mercedes, you will understand this description, but with the Rolls-Royce leather, the effect being more subtle. Any form of redying, loses this burnished grain effect. 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 10 years old. Certainly not 40!
(*Please, if the leather looks dirty to you then, very respectfully, you do not appreciate the quality and look that Connolly Vaumol hides bring us and may I kinldy suggest; a classic Rolls-Royce may not be for you)
Mechanically the car demonstrates all the hallmarks of a well-maintained example. Technically superb with all brakes/hydraulics working well. Suspension heights are correct which presented lower on the back with these earlier Corniches. 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. 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 a 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.
International buyers welcomed as we have supplied and shipped many such examples world-wide
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
Walkaround video and test drive
Click HERE to see a walk-around video
Click HERE to see some 150 high resolution photos
Walkaround video and test drive
Click HERE to see a walk-around video
