1991 Rolls-Royce Corniche III Convertible Coupe

The Rolls-Royce Corniche added more versatility to the marque's model line-up, as it was available as either a coupe or convertible. It was made famous by its iconic role in the 1979 Dudley Moore, Bo Derek comedy 10.

When the car was first introduced, they were in high demand which resulted in a four-year waiting list. The Corniche sedan bodystyle was dropped in 1986 for the US and Japan market, and total sedan production on the Corniche ceased a year later.

In 1987, an updated convertible version was introduced and dubbed the Corniche II. Deliveries to America and Japan began in 1987 and in Europe a year later. Visually, the Corniche II was only slightly different than the first version. It featured a retractable Flying Lady mascot and modified hood. The American market received models with driver's airbags and for Europe and the Middle East, they received antilock brakes.

This Rolls-Royce Corniche III Convertible was purchased by Richard Solove in 1991. It is painted in iconic white, has light ivory leather upholstery with red piping and beige convertible top. It is equipped with a cassette stereo, factory air conditioning, and a host of other luxury options. It has been driven 21,000 miles since new and is in excellent condition. In 2007 it was brought to the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, CA where it was estimated to sell for $80,000 - $95,000 and offered without reserve. The lot surpassed those estimates, settling for $110,000 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008