1978 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible, Registration no. AWD 20M Chassis no. DRH32629 Engine no. 32629

Odometer reading: 35,500
MOT: 01/11/2022

*Exclusive coachbuilt soft-top model
*Unusual colour combination
*Present ownership since 2009
*Maintained with no expense spared

Recalling the firm's glamorous Grandes Routières of pre-war days such as the Phantom II Continental, the coachbuilt variants of the new Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and T-Series Bentley were limited to just two: a two-door coupé or similar convertible, which were priced some 50% higher than that of the standard Silver Shadow. Nevertheless, demand for these more glamorous alternatives to the much more numerous four-door model was strong right from the start, a state of affairs that resulted in them being given their own model name - 'Corniche' - in March 1971. In Corniche form Rolls-Royce's well-tried 6.7-litre V8 produced around 10% more power than standard and proved capable of propelling the car to a top speed in excess of 120mph with sports car-beating acceleration to match.
This Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible is finished in the rare colour combination of Caribe Aqua with original Savoy Parkatex Velvet interior, with suede door cards and dashboard trim to match. A non-standard steering wheel is fitted but the original is in the boot together with a £550 custom-made hood cover.
The Corniche was purchased in 2009 for £34,550, and the vendor's father subsequently spent over £43,000 on maintaining and servicing the car with Rolls-Royce specialists Hillier Hill. In addition there are bills on file dating back to 1981 and lots of hand-written correspondence between the then owner and Rolls-Royce. Currently showing 35,500 miles on the odometer, and MoT'd to November 2022, the car also comes with leather-bound handbooks, etc; its original specification sheet; a copy of the build timeline sheets; and a quantity of old MoTs.

Vendor Score Total: 75 /100

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Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 18 /25
Body Work: 4
Paint: 4
Glass: 4
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 4
Wheels/Tyres: 4

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 12 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 4
Axles: 4
Suspension: 4
Brakes: 4

INTERIOR TOTAL: 12 /20
Seats: 4
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 4
Headlining: 4
Trim: 4

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 6 /10
Main components: 4
Ancillary components: 4

ENGINE TOTAL: 12 /20
Starting: 4
Running: 4
Under Bonnet: 3
Mechanical components: 4

Car History File: 5