These two-door, luxury performance vehicles were built by Mulliner Park Ward as a hardtop coupe from 1971 to 1980 . The convertible variant production run lasted longer right through to 1995. Over this period 3,239 convertibles were produced – an average of only 130 per annum.

The name comes from French “corniche” meaning a coastal road along the face of cliff.

Powered by a Rolls-Royce 6.75 litre OHV 16-valve V8, all cars came with a 3-speed automatic transmission. Cars were fitted with twin SU carburetors  with automatic mixture enrichment and automatic choke. In 1977 the SUs were changed to a Solex four-barrel unit.

Each car had four-wheel independent suspension with coil springs  which was augmented with a hydraulic self levelling system. Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes were standard as was electronic ignition, a dual exhaust with stainless-steel silencers and an air injection system with exhaust gas recirculation. The fuel tank was specifically positioned to prevent rupture or fuel loss in an accident.

Inside the cabin was adorned with walnut, the veneers were lacquered and hand-polished to a glass-like shine and then tempered in slow ovens for longevity.

Seats were clad in natural grain Connolly Brothers leather that came from animals pastured in fields with electrified fences as opposed to barbed wire to guarantee the  hide would be completely free from scratches and blemishes. Luxurious Wilton hand-tufted wool pile carpets were installed  under foot and in the boot.

Other features included anti-dive geometry, power windows, power steering, power seats and other typical Rolls-Royce refinements.

THE CAR

Having had only 2 owners since 2008, this car has been used sparingly over the term.

Originally delivered to Frank Dale & Stepsons in Farm Lane, London as per its delivery plate, it landed in Australia sometime in the 1980s.

This car is fully mechanically sorted and comes with all known receipts for any servicing and repairs undertaken by the previous 2 owners. All work over the life of the vehicle has been undertaken by acknowledged Rolls-Royce mechanics.

The car retains its original features including Connolly Brothers leather is superb condition, wool pile carpets, beautiful fabric top and shiny wood veneers – all in excellent condition.

All electrics work including the air conditioning, power electric convertible top and power windows.

The car’s V8 engine pulls strongly and is very smooth and the car brakes as it should. The original SU carburetors are intact. Steering is nimble and compliant. New whitewall tyres have just been fitted as have new high pressure brake hoses and lines.

This is a fantastic, luxurious, long-distance driver car in a stately colour that is ready to drive anywhere.

It is a personal favourite of the Classic Motor Studio team as it delivers a supremely smooth and elegant ride.

Club registered in SA.