1980 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible

Registration No: LEO 88
Chassis No: DRH 50189
MOT: Exempt

• In single ownership since 1983
• Substantially renovated by the late owner, including a complete repaint
• Excitingly offered in 'garage find' condition
• Potentially a candidate for mild recommissioning and use as-is

SALE ROOM NOTICE: The vendor has now decided to include the registration number 'LEO 88' in the sale of the car. The V5C has not been supplied, so prospective purchasers may have to be apply for a new one.

In production between 1971 and 1982, the Rolls-Royce Corniche is the epitome of sophisticated motoring. Fabled for its extravagantly sumptuous interior and hushed drivetrain, it was powered by a tuned version of Crewe's staple 6,750cc V8 engine mated to an automatic transmission. Equipped with firmer springs, thicker anti-roll bars, and revised steering geometry, it proved a more satisfying drive than its humbler saloon car siblings. The presence of olio-pneumatic suspension and a plethora of electric motors ensured that it remained a singularly cosseting experience. The Corniche received its first major revision in 1977 and included new rack-and-pinion steering and alloy-and-rubber bumpers, which replaced the earlier chrome bumpers, along with an oil cooler, aluminium radiator, and bi-level air-conditioning system.

Exhibiting a splendid degree of originality, this elegant Corniche Convertible represents an ideal candidate for sympathetic restoration or even just mild refurbishment, having been well preserved in single ownership for more than forty years. Originally registered ‘GMD 52V’ on May 2nd, 1980, we believe the Rolls-Royce was sold new through H. R. Owen Ltd. in Greenford, which took care of servicing between 1980 and 1982. The first owner appears to have been Nathaniels & Dicker, an import business based in Malta, but with an address on Kensington’s Gloucester Road. It was subsequently sold in 1983 by Mr. P. Munns of Tetbury Estate Ltd., at the same Gloucester Road address, to the late recent owner, who kept a mews address in Bayswater.

For several years, the owner very much enjoyed the Corniche, and at one stage treated it to some extensive refurbishment, which included a repaint. However, it was eventually retired from service and placed into storage in a garage in Teddington, and it has now spent more than twenty years off the road. It was very well cared for while in use, however, as the service book contains no fewer than sixteen stamps, mostly by Jack Alpe of Bayswater. Despite its time in storage, the Corniche does not look the worse for wear beneath its layer of dust, and the interior in particular stands out for its exceptional state of preservation. While this car could be treated to a full restoration, we do not think anything more than mild refurbishment will be necessary. It is supplied with its original book pack including the owner’s handbook, service record and warranty sheet.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
[email protected]
07484 082430