1990 Rolls-Royce Corniche III Convertible

Lot details
Registration No: G545JSG
Chassis No: SCAZD00A8LCH30109
Mot Expiry: Aug 2017

- Part of private collection since 2011

- Lovely order, Red with Magnolia hide, original decanters and glasses

- c.64,800 miles, 300 miles since service (including brakes) by Harwoods

Rolls-Royce registered the Corniche name in the 1930s and assigned it to a prototype based on the Bentley MK V, but the model was never progressed due to the onset of war. The moniker was finally first employed in 1971 on the Coupe and Convertible versions of the Silver Shadow. Power was provided by the company's long-standing 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. The most significant upgrades brought by the Corniche II and III models were a more advanced suspension system, ABS, airbags and MK-Motronic fuel injection.

This most eye-catching of right-hand drive Rolls-Royces was reputedly built to the special order of a Scottish laird, and its distinctive hue of Red chosen to match that of his family tartan - it is therefore the only Corniche likely to be found in this shade. The sumptuous lounge-like interior sports Red-piped Magnolia-coloured hide upholstery and Red carpeting complemented by a walnut facia and door cappings. The original cut glass decanters and matching glasses remain in place to this day and, at 64,900, the mileage is pleasingly low for what is now a 27 year-old motorcar. It was acquired by a private collector in 2011 and the most recent service (including full brake overhaul) was carried out in July 2015 by a branch of Harwoods Bentley at a cost of £5,500, since when the Corniche has travelled just 300 miles. The vendor has little hesitation in declaring the Rolls' bodywork, paintwork, brightwork, interior trim, V8 engine and three-speed automatic transmission to all be in 'excellent' condition, and is offering 'G545 JSG' complete with an MOT valid until August 23rd.