1980 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible

The name 'Corniche' was first used by Rolls-Royce in the 1930s on a prototype Bentley Mark V with coachwork by Carrosserie Vanvooren of Paris. The vehicle underwent a 15,000-mile endurance run throughout Europe, after which it was blown up by a bomb on a dock in Dieppe, France, awaiting shipment to England. The name was resurrected in 1971 to rename the Silver Shadow Mulliner Park Ward Fixed Head Coupe and Drop Head Coupe introduced in 1966. Production would continue until 1995 with careful development and relentless improvements along the way, spanning the Corniche, Corniche II, Corniche III, and Corniche IV. The final 25 examples of the Corniche IV were completed in the summer of 1955. They were called the Corniche S and fitted with turbochargers. In 2000, Rolls-Royce introduced the Corniche V, which remained in production until 2001.

The Corniche enjoyed great popularity and even became a cultural icon along the way, so much so that prospective buyers faced a waiting time of up to four years for their Corniche. Both versions of the Corniche offered greater performance than the Silver Shadow.

In 1972, the Corniche received four-wheel, ventilated disc brakes. Cruise control was standard equipment, and despite its weight of nearly 5,000 pounds, the Corniche was a very capable performer, with acceleration from rest to 60 mph in less than 10 seconds, en route to top speeds exceeding 120 mph.

Between 1971 and 1985, Rolls-Royce produced 3,239 Drop Head Coupes. 1980 was the first year the 6.75L V88 would employ Bosch fuel injection, which added power, enhanced efficiency, increased overall reliability, and aided in smoothness. This example has been given a comprehensive, bare-metal restoration. It is finished in White over Ruby interior. Connolly hides complement the refinished woodwork, and a new top, complete with pads and headliner, round out the restoration.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2016