1981 Rolls-Royce Corniche

Rolls-Royce Corniche (Saloon/Convertible), 1971-1995

The Rolls-Royce Corniche was in production from 1971 to 1995. Styled by John Blatchley, it is a front-engine, rear wheel drive saloon or convertible seating four adults.

The Corncihe was a development of the two door Mulliner Park Ward bodied Silver Shadows, with detail differences including slightly modified rear lights. But under the bonnet of the Corniche now sat a Solex carburettor boosting power by 10%. The car was technically launched by the receivers after Rolls-Royce was bankrupt, as a means of recouping funds to clear the company's debts. However, its success effectively saved the company. While the saloon was discontinued in 1981, the convertible continued in production until it was replaced. 6250 Rolls-Royce Corniches were built in total - a further 602 badged as Bentleys.

Cars from 1979 use Citroen's green LHM fluid, earlier cars use red LHS as used in early DSes. This can be hard to get now, and many have been converted to use LHM - check before topping up, as the two don't mix. Corniche IVs from 1992 used the Active Ride system preiered on saloons for 1989 - it's cheaper to remove the system than to repair if things go wrong, so don't be surprised if it's had standard shock absorbers retrofitted. Hire a professional to inspect any potential purchase thoroughly - but as a minimum you should check the lower extremities for corrosion and that the interior is in good condition. Mechanically, if the braking system works there's little else to get expensive.

Only Aston Martin's V8, Bristol's 412 and Ferrari's 400i came close to the new price of a Corniche in the 1970s - though today you might want to consider the pillarless Jaguar XJC and even the Mercedes SEC as viable alternatives. If you must have a Royce, consider the Silver Shadow and Silver Spirit 4 door saloons, which offer good value. Alternatively, the Camargue - intended originally to replace the Corniche - offers the same grand touring ethos in a more modern shell. Coachbuilt Silver Clouds and James Young 2 door Silver Shadows fetch considerably more money than Corniches, so make little sense as alternatives today.