The ultimate goal of a car enthusiast.

*This is a translation done by a machine.

A car that is the goal of your life. It is different for each person. If you ask any car enthusiast, you'll find that every person is different. The answer will be varied. However, there are some models that are described as "cars I can't give up" by many enthusiasts, and the Rolls-Royce Corniche is the ultimate example of such a car.

Corniche. The name sounds great already. Needless to say, the name is derived from a scenic road along the Gulf Coast of the Côte d'Azur in the south of France, and was originally used for a prototype Bentley (built in 1939). Bentley was already under the Rolls-Royce umbrella as early as 1931.

In the late '60s, Rolls and Bentley had Coachbuilder Mulliner Park Ward build a two-door coupe or drophead coupe (open) based on the four-door saloon Silver Shadow and T1. Like the Italian carrozzeria, the pre-war Rolls Royce was built by the manufacturer on the inside (chassis and powertrain), while the body panels were built by an outsourced coachbuilder to the customer's liking. Mulliner Park Ward (MPW) was the pinnacle of coachbuilders' technology, with over 200 in the UK at the time.

In 1971 Rolls-Royce and Bentley use the name "Corniche" for their two-door coupe and open model. From 1982, the Corniche became an open model only, and from 1984, the original name "Continental" was given to the Bentley, and the Corniche became the exclusive model name given to the open Rolls-Royce model.

The engine is a traditional 6747cc aluminium alloy V8 OHV, hand-built by skilled craftsmen.

The mechanism of the Corniche is basically the same age saloon, but the body panels are made by MPW, and although the image is similar to that of the Silver Shadow, there are almost no same parts. In other words, the end result was a very different work.

There were four types of Corniche series at that time (although the 1st series can be further subdivided into six or seven types). The Corniche I is a carbureted version, the Corniche II is a modern interior and exterior with injection specifications since 1986, the Corniche III is a 1990 or later model with airbags, and the Corniche IV is a 1992 or later model with fully electric open and 4-speed automatic transmissions (Before that, it was 3AT with a partially electric powered hood.). As you can see, the car evolved while maintaining its exterior image, and in 1995 years, it has sadly ended its production.

In terms of production numbers, 437 units of the I, 1226 units of the II, 452 units of the III, and 244 units of the IV, including 25 units of the special Corniche S turbocharged model. The final models, Corniche IV and III, are now becoming collector's items.


Jun Nishikawa's Highlights!

This car is a 1988 type American Corniche II. Apparently it was barely driven and stored by the previous owner and has only 7000 miles on it. Even though the current owner has thoroughly maintained it, he has rarely had a chance to ride it. On the day of the interview, he turned on the engine for the first time in six months, but the traditional V8 OHV engine woke up immediately.

This is what I mean by impeccable. I would say it is a miracle car. It is a characteristic of Corniche that many of the cars have low mileage, but it is also unusual to have such a low mileage. I checked every detail, and the more I looked at it, the more I was able to confirm that it was in good condition.

The interior is also excellent. The Connolly leather, which is so precious nowadays, retains its unique scent and gives the room an air of heaviness. The two latches are removed manually and then opened and closed electrically. When I opened the hood with a very thick wooden frame, the gorgeous interior was emphasized and I was very nervous. The now precious top cover (used when open) is in excellent condition.

The Corniche II is produced in large numbers and is a little less valuable as a collector's item than the III and IV. However, it's also a testament to its popularity, and it's a great series to enjoy driving. In fact, the carburetor version I is too maniacal (iron bumpers would be cool), and the modern impression (airbags and fully automatic opening) becomes stronger when it comes to III and IV. In the first place, the car with less mileage is a waste, and it is not likely to be able to drive.

In this respect, the II has a number of good points. And these interior and exterior colors are great. I bought this car for the time being, and later on, my dream of becoming the right person for this car only grew.

Vehicle Specifications

Model Year1987
Year of PurchaseJul 1987
Engine Capacity6,747cc
Mileage7,100km
Transmission3AT
Steering WheelLeft
ColorBeige
Chassis No.SCAZD02A8HCX20990
Engine No.
InspectionAugust 2021
AreaTokyo, Japan
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