Lot details
Registration No: HGD897X
Chassis No: CRH0050641

- Once owned by Kenny Baker ( R2D2 ) of Star Wars fame

- Compreshensive history file

- Sumptuous blue hide interior

The first production Rolls-Royces to bear the Corniche moniker were the Coupe and Convertible versions of the Silver Shadow launched in 1971. In common with the Saloon, the newcomers were penned by in-house designer John Polwhele Blatchley and the underbody and floorpan crafted by Pressed Steel Fisher. Initial assembly was then carried out by Mulliner Park Ward of Willesden, London - by then a wholly-owned division of Rolls-Royce. At this stage the cars were transported to the main factory in Crewe for the installation of the running gear, before returning to London for the trimming, painting and finishing. Power was provided by the company's venerable all-alloy 6.75-litre V8. This was mated to a GM Turbo Hydramatic 400 three-speed automatic transmission. Suspension was independent by coil springs all round, augmented by a Citroen-originated hydraulic self-levelling system. Braking was by discs, with ventilated units being phased in for 1972.

Though not immediately dubbed as such, the Series II version of the Corniche arrived in 1977, bringing with it rack and pinion steering and alloy and rubber bumpers in place of the previous chrome items. It was also notable for a switch to alloy for the radiator manufacture and the addition of an oil cooler. Running changes included the adoption of the rear suspension from the Silver Spirit, Flying Lady mascot and Bosch fuel injection.

The apparently very tidy Mulliner Park Ward-bodied Corniche II Fixed Head Coupe now offered is a May 1982 example reputedly once owned by the English actor Kenny baker; best known for portraying the character R2-D2 in Star Wars. It features Metallic Blue coachwork teamed with sumptuous Blue hide interior trim, Blue Everflex roof and near new lambs wool blue overmats. The car's total mileage to date is understood to be 76,000 and it comes complete with an MOT valid into March of next year.