1994 Rolls-Royce Corniche IV

Rolls-Royce introduced the Corniche IV in 1992 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It was the final and most refined of the Corniche line, with over two decades of modifications and perfection under its belt. Its origins date to 1971 when the elegantly designed vehicle made its debut. The John Polwhele Blatchley styling would remain largely unchanged throughout its quarter of a century production history, with the Corniche IV benefitting from the improvements of the previous three models, including improved ergonomics, ABS, airbags, an improved CFC-free air conditioning system, and minor stylistic changes. Additionally, a glass rear window replaced the previous plastic unit and a power top that required no latching.

The Rolls-Royce Corniche IV came equipped with a 6,7541cc overhead-valve 90-degree V8 engine with a Bosch K-Motronic fuel injection system and developed 215 horsepower at 4,200 RPM. It was backed by a four-speed GM4L80 automatic transmission, instead of the previous GM400 three-speed unit, and disc brakes were at all four corners. Adaptive independent suspension was also introduced.

The Corniche IV is regarded as the last coach-built example produced by Rolls-Royce. Production began in 1992 and continued through 1995 with a mere 219 examples built, their exclusivity guaranteed by the $285,000 MSRP. This makes the Corniche IV the rarest and most sophisticated of the Corniche line.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2021