Nothing says “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” like a 1985 Rolls-Royce Corniche convertible. Of course, you have to exclaim it with a low, thick voice like you’re about to hock up a wad of caviar, but I’m digressing. This example is stunningly beautiful with a low claimed mileage reading of only 48K miles. This “very, very nice example,” as the seller suggests, is located in San Antonio, Texas, and is available here on eBay for a current bid of $22,655 with the reserve not yet met.
I’ve heard of Rolls’ Corniche (’71-’95), of course, but what I didn’t know is that it was only manufactured in two-door form, coupe or convertible, and the production output reached only 6,800 copies. From 2000 to 2002, there was a reincarnation under BMW management that yielded about 380 units. Styling, as I often say, is subjective, but I’d wager that this Rolls-Royce era produced some of their finest-looking cars, unlike the current lineup, which looks like a brick with a grille. The seller describes the exterior as, “It’s in near factory new condition as you can see. I believe the paint color is fairly rare too……”Horse Chestnut.” It’s really pretty, especially when the sun hits it.” Yup, it’s a stunner; cruising through the images, I can’t find a single thing that appears to be out of place or needs attention. Being that this Rolls hails from Texas, I’d suggest strapping some Texas Longhorns onto the hood, but that’s about it (relax, I’m just kidding…). One last observation, the trim tag lists this car’s date of manufacture as 6-84, but the seller has it pegged as an ’85 model – I’ll assume that he’s correct and the ’85 model year started early.
The interior is as nice as the exterior; the high-quality Connolly leather hides show just a modicum of wear, but that’s to be expected. The instrument panel is what I would expect of a car of this caliber, informative and all business. This is an A/C equipped car, but it has issues, as the seller tells us, “The Air Conditioner is not blowing cold but holding freon. The AC compressor clutch is not engaging. Rolls used GM AC compressors. It’s likely a fuse, or relay, or an AC pressure switch. ” Whatever the case, assume we’re talkin’ lots of $$$ to effect repair.
A 4,800 lb. automobile needs a big powerplant, and this Corniche manages with a 6.7 liter, V8 engine, but its power output, at only 170 net HP, is rather middling. Acceleration estimates put zero to sixty times at about 13 seconds – not exactly inspiring. Gear changes are handled by a GM Turbo-Hydramatic 400, three-speed automatic gearbox, and the seller adds, “I drive the car several times a week. It’s a joy.” Powerful or not, I imagine this convertible would be a joy to drive. Also noted is, “The car had $8965 in service back in August, to include a new power steering rack, wheel alignment, new starter, and new battery.” Anyway you cut it, this will likely be an expensive car to maintain.
While a beauty to view and a joy to drive, I imagine it will take deep pockets to own this Corniche convertible – even if it does sell for a reasonable price. Then again, this is high-end motoring at its finest and not for one on a constrained budget. An automobile for the rich and famous? I don’t know about that famous business, but sitting on a pile of denaro would certainly make ownership a less fretful experience, wouldn’t you agree?
If it had nearly 9k of recent service, why didn’t they fix the A/C? Huge red flag, probably bad compresser. Easy to tell, just turn over and listen.
It is a GM A6 compressor, no big deal or expense.
AC problem? No big deal. It never gets hot in San Antonio.
Appears someone put that steering wheel back where it belongs…
Read your comment and had another look see at the steering wheel. Pretty ho-diddly-hum for a car of this caliber.
You can’t buy a Kia, for $22,000! Buy this , just to look at it in your driveway!
Would I be wrong to want to drop an LS in this? Asking for a friend.
If my “hyperthetical” friend was to ask me that question then he would no longer be a friend. Ha, ha.
I just passed an elderly lady driving her Rolls convertible through town today. Top down, digging the 80° Ohio October weather! Probably because the A/C quit on hers, too.
I always agree on the steering wheel comments! How does a car of this caliber warrant such a ‘plain-jane’ steering wheel? Most of them are like this! I like that wheel but not on a car like this……..
At the very least put an RR emblem in the center
I believe the word for the steering wheel is “understated”
Or perhaps understeered?
I’ve seen this on other Rolls and Bentleys shown here. They all look like they were off a Uhaul rental truck.
Burt Reynolds traded in a similar RR back in 1987 on a Buick GNX. I checked out the RR while it was on a lift. The thing looked like a John Deere tractor in the steering department. That is some heavy duty pieces under the front end.
They used the GM compressor, GM radio and GM steering gears.
My dream car is a Rolls Royce Corniche convertible like tgis one but in ivory colour! Not going to happen but still a dream.
@Solosolo UK
Solo! My man! Always a pleasure to see you here. How have you been, hon?
Have you ever seen the movie “Down and Out in Beverly Hills?”
There’s a scene where Little Richard and Richard Dryfus pull up to a stop light. Both driving identical white Rolls Royce Corniche convertibles.
You’d look fabulous driving one.
Hi Angel. I’m fine thank you and hoping you are as well, just living life as it comes, so far at 86 it’s been fantastic. No, I have never seen the movie as I’m not really into movies as, like you, my life has revolved around cars and motorcycles, however, thanks for the info, I’ll give it a look. I spend most of my time watching car/bike related videos on You Tube/ Bring-a-Trailer/ Barn Finds etc. from America and British shows like Shed and Buried/Smallest Cog/Bangers and Cash etc. and when the weather is good I take my motorcycle out for a 50-60 mile ride around the countryside near me and always stop in at Goodwood’s cafe for a cup of tea, and to see what is going on trackside. I even take pictures and videos of cars and bikes that I like that are on my laptop screen! My laptop regularly informs me that I am running out of space mainly due to it storing about 10,000 car pictures and about 20 of my family! When I croak my kids will have a lot of difficulty in finding a photo of me to show at my Wake as I’m the one that always takes the pics! As you say, I’m sure I would look good driving a Rolls Royce Corniche soft top. I have had a couple of Shadows but never a convertible Rolls Royce and time is running out fast! In the meantime, have a lovely day.
wanted a 63-73 tivi electra 4dr ot wildcat but Id put this in my garage
I would love to have it most of the repairs I can do myself so it would just be borrowing from fort Knox to buy the parts I think it would make a fun cruiser and it’s a convertible so it doesn’t need AC
“This listing was ended by the seller on Sat, Oct 4 at 4:01 PM because the item is no longer available.”