This is a very late series, and as such quite rare, 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 and rare example being towards the end of the production run and would suit both the connoisseur driver and collector.
Finished in all-over white paired up with a rich biscuit tan Connolly leather interior and matching carpets and mouton floor rugs. The car is finished with a single gold/tan fine-line on the body waist-line. The overall combination is very elegant and refined.
Being the later model it is easily identifiable with the factory mounted rear seat head-restraints.
This being a late “50,000 series” car, it is fitted with the Spirit/Spur series mineral oil hydraulics providing the more advanced system configuration and the later dash, along with other design improvements and upgrades as we saw with the introduction of Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit and Spur.
This Corniche spent its whole life in California so 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. 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 colours – it presents at its finest.
The original broadcloth headlining is in good condition without any of the “grubbiness” often seen on these wool headliners.
All interior feature and functions are fully operational including all electrics – seats, windows, gauges, clock etc. The A/C blows icy cold and heater working well. Everything is all so clean and crisp. The only feature that is not original is the radar detector mounted above the interior rear view mirror which we recommend removal and putting back to original. Similarly, we would recommend the re-fitment of a factory Blaupunkt push-button radio and Pioneer cassette unit. Please enquire if you are interested in doing so.
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. The car is being sold with Park-Ward’s “Predelivery Commissioning” process included which will present the car for delivery with every single major and minor service done and up to date, all preventative maintenance attended to and all operational features in fully functioning condition. By examples; if the car needs new tyres, new tyres are fitted. If the electric windows are slow, they are all serviced. You get a “turn-key” motor car with everything operating and functioning as it should – without compromise.
The car shows 75,500 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 and if it showed only half that, one would believe it by the 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.
~~ Being a significantly way-above average example of a late-series Corniche coupe by Mulliner Park-Ward, this will bring a good price. A very collectible and desirable example indeed. ~~
International bidders are welcome.
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 many additional photos!
Click HERE to see many additional photos!
