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Details
Photo credit: Jay Hirsch
1978 ROLLS-ROYCE CORNICHE CONVERTIBLE
COACHWORK BY MULLINER PARK WARD
Chassis No. DRG 31735
Engine No. 31735
Maroon with magnolia leather interior piped in burgundy and cream soft top
Engine: V8, two overhead valves per cylinder, electronic fuel injection, 6,750cc; Gearbox: three-speed automatic; Suspension: front and rear independent with coil springs; Brakes: four wheel disc. Left hand drive.
The Corniche model was announced in early 1971 and, based at the time of its launch on the coachbuilt two door Silver Shadow, began a new era of using names to designate specific coachwork designs. As always, the car was sumptuously appointed and the traditional coachwork by Mulliner Park Ward was beautifully finished.
This Corniche Convertible was originally one of a two car order placed by agents Doug Willey Rolls-Royce of Birmingham, Alabama in June 1976. The order letter asked for the car to be supplied in cardinal red with cream leather interior piped in burgundy with matching top and knee rolls. A white top was requested, although cream would suit if necessary. However, Rolls-Royce Motors Inc. had to advise that cardinal red was not available on the Corniche and thus the order was changed to Carnival Red with compatible interior. Following a three month strike at the MPW Works, the new car was only ready for shipping in March 1978 when it left the UK bound for the Miami dealers Freeman & Sons, Inc. for delivery to Transco Inc. of High Point, North Carolina with a retail price of $97,725. The car was then sold to its first retail owner Mr. Sanders H. Wallick of the Bronx, NY. Then ownership changed in September 1978 and again in 1979 to a Berkeley, CA owner. We believe the car was still in this ownership in 1982. The next known transfer of ownerhsip was in December of 1998 to a dealership in Nevada from whom the current owner purchased it in January 1999 when the recorded mileage was just 46,676.
In its current ownership the Corniche has been superbly cared for and has been entrusted to Automotive Restoration of Stratford, CT for some major work. In the early part of 1999 the car was repainted with Glasurit acrylic urethane paint in correct Rolls-Royce maroon to match the interior piping. At the same time a new top boot was fitted, while the interior door and rear wood cappings were stripped, colored and refinished. The air conditioning compressor and fan were repaired and recharged and the system now operates properly. The original 8 track stereo system was replaced with a modern Alpine in-dash AM/FM with cassette/CD player (the original radio is in situ and the 8 track comes with the car). In late 1999 new Michelin 225/75R 15 tires were fitted. Early last year the fuel pump and related hardware was replaced, as was the steering rack and pinion. The brakes were also serviced. Also last year the left rear ride height control mechanicals were replaced and then, in February 2002, the Everflex top was replaced together with a new top bow molding. At the same time an ignition difficulty was diagnosed and repaired. There are invoices amounting to in excess of $40,000 for the work undertaken during its current ownership as well as copy letters confirming the history for the car.
Now showing only 49,425 or so miles, as one would expect, the Rolls-Royce presents extremely well. The car also comes with the owner's manual, both the large and small tool kits and full lambswool floor mats. If the model was still available new today, it would surely retail close to $200,000 thereby making this example seem excellent value by comparison.
1978 ROLLS-ROYCE CORNICHE CONVERTIBLE
COACHWORK BY MULLINER PARK WARD
Chassis No. DRG 31735
Engine No. 31735
Maroon with magnolia leather interior piped in burgundy and cream soft top
Engine: V8, two overhead valves per cylinder, electronic fuel injection, 6,750cc; Gearbox: three-speed automatic; Suspension: front and rear independent with coil springs; Brakes: four wheel disc. Left hand drive.
The Corniche model was announced in early 1971 and, based at the time of its launch on the coachbuilt two door Silver Shadow, began a new era of using names to designate specific coachwork designs. As always, the car was sumptuously appointed and the traditional coachwork by Mulliner Park Ward was beautifully finished.
This Corniche Convertible was originally one of a two car order placed by agents Doug Willey Rolls-Royce of Birmingham, Alabama in June 1976. The order letter asked for the car to be supplied in cardinal red with cream leather interior piped in burgundy with matching top and knee rolls. A white top was requested, although cream would suit if necessary. However, Rolls-Royce Motors Inc. had to advise that cardinal red was not available on the Corniche and thus the order was changed to Carnival Red with compatible interior. Following a three month strike at the MPW Works, the new car was only ready for shipping in March 1978 when it left the UK bound for the Miami dealers Freeman & Sons, Inc. for delivery to Transco Inc. of High Point, North Carolina with a retail price of $97,725. The car was then sold to its first retail owner Mr. Sanders H. Wallick of the Bronx, NY. Then ownership changed in September 1978 and again in 1979 to a Berkeley, CA owner. We believe the car was still in this ownership in 1982. The next known transfer of ownerhsip was in December of 1998 to a dealership in Nevada from whom the current owner purchased it in January 1999 when the recorded mileage was just 46,676.
In its current ownership the Corniche has been superbly cared for and has been entrusted to Automotive Restoration of Stratford, CT for some major work. In the early part of 1999 the car was repainted with Glasurit acrylic urethane paint in correct Rolls-Royce maroon to match the interior piping. At the same time a new top boot was fitted, while the interior door and rear wood cappings were stripped, colored and refinished. The air conditioning compressor and fan were repaired and recharged and the system now operates properly. The original 8 track stereo system was replaced with a modern Alpine in-dash AM/FM with cassette/CD player (the original radio is in situ and the 8 track comes with the car). In late 1999 new Michelin 225/75R 15 tires were fitted. Early last year the fuel pump and related hardware was replaced, as was the steering rack and pinion. The brakes were also serviced. Also last year the left rear ride height control mechanicals were replaced and then, in February 2002, the Everflex top was replaced together with a new top bow molding. At the same time an ignition difficulty was diagnosed and repaired. There are invoices amounting to in excess of $40,000 for the work undertaken during its current ownership as well as copy letters confirming the history for the car.
Now showing only 49,425 or so miles, as one would expect, the Rolls-Royce presents extremely well. The car also comes with the owner's manual, both the large and small tool kits and full lambswool floor mats. If the model was still available new today, it would surely retail close to $200,000 thereby making this example seem excellent value by comparison.