Summary

Final year for the Corniche. Slim chrome bumpers, rare Mulliner Park Ward coach-built model, striking colors and presentation, extensive recent service work. 6,750cc V8 engine, twin SU carburetors, 218hp, 3-speed automatic transmission.

Details

This final-year example of the Corniche is a highly rare Mulliner Park Ward coach-built model with slim chrome bumpers, striking colors and presentation. It has undergone recent extensive service work. It is powered by a 6,750cc V8 engine with twin SU carburetors. It puts out 218hp and has a 3-speed automatic gearbox, fully independent suspension with coil springs front and rear, hydraulic self-leveling height control at rear and 4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Introduced in 1965, the Silver Shadow marked a veritable revolution as the first Rolls-Royce model with unitary construction, disc brakes all around and hydraulic self-leveling rear suspension. For more demanding buyers, the Silver Shadow line included a limited-production hardtop coupe and cabriolet, beautifully designed by Bill Allen and hand-built by Rolls-Royce subsidiary Mulliner Park Ward. Britain's most expensive automobiles at launch, these coach-built beauties were given their own unique identity and named Corniche from 1971, with their new moniker inspired by the exotic roads along the French Cote d'Azur. While the sporting yet elegant Corniche represented a new direction for Rolls-Royce, its sheer presence and luxurious appointments left no doubt as to its maker. The Corniche coupe was eventually discontinued in 1982, with the cabriolet remaining in production through 1996. From launch, the Corniche was an instantly recognizable cultural icon, prompting buyers to gladly wait up to four years for delivery of their new Corniche. Delivering greater performance than the basic Silver Shadow, the 6.75-litre V8 engine of the Corniche produced some 218hp with a revised camshaft profile and larger-diameter exhaust system. While weighing roughly 5,000 pounds, the Corniche was a very capable performer, with acceleration from rest to 60 mph in less than 10 seconds and a top speed nearing 130 mph. According to marque authorities, just 1,108 Rolls-Royce Corniche coupes were built from 1971 through 1982, representing roughly one-quarter of total Corniche production. A highly desirable example from the last model year for the preferred slim chrome bumper design, this 1972 Rolls-Royce Corniche was previously owned by an avid enthusiast of British automobiles. During his tenure, extensive preservation work was performed, including a professional repaint in the original color and a recently completed reupholstering of the roof, with both continuing to show very well, complemented by original-appearing chrome and bright trim. The luxurious passenger cabin retains its original navy blue Connolly leather upholstery with smart white piping and wooden accents. Recent service work includes the installation of new brake-system components and a complete system flush.