This is a low-mileage, apparently unmolested 1983 Rolls-Royce Corniche convertible “in top-notch shape” here on eBay in Venice, California (perfect habitat), with bidding that has only reached about $18,000. Alas, not enough to meet the reserve.
That’s Honda Fit money, which I know because that’s about what I paid for mine. Somehow, this car will make a bigger splash at the country club.
The Rolls has only 35,000 miles on it and is well maintained. The current owner has had it for a year. We don’t learn much. It runs and “looks great” and has three-way black seats with red piping. Luckily, the Los Angeles sun doesn’t appear to have fried the interior. All service records from the new are with the “fully loaded” car, and there are now electrical issues. The top and windows work fine. The Rolls has been “lightly driven.” And that’s about it. No engine or underside photos are included. It would be nice to see the top.
These are coveted, exclusive Rolls-Royces. The company produced the Corniche convertible (there was a coupe, too) from 1971 to 1995 and then again from 1999 to 2002. It was initially developed from the Mulliner Park Ward two-door Silver Shadows. There was also a Bentley version.
The first Corniche was a prototype of the Bentley Mark V chassis, built in 1939. Amazingly enough, this car is no longer with us because it was blown up by a bomb on a dock in France while awaiting its return to England. A recreation was made by Bentley in 2019.
The first version of the Corniche, including the 1983 model, was powered by a 6.75-liter overhead-valve aluminum-block V-8, coupled to a three-speed GM-sourced Turbo Hydramatic transmission. Available was, perhaps, 237 horsepower. The car originally used twin SUs, but a Solex replaced that layout in 1977. Bosch fuel injection came in 1980, which means this car has it—keeping the Grey Poupon safe as a four-wheel independent suspension with hydraulic self-leveling (borrowed from Citroën).
Rolls built 3,239 of these Corniche 1 convertibles, triple the 1,090 two-door coupes. Bentley managed 77 Corniche 1 convertibles, so that’s the rarer car by a mile. The Rolls Corniches from this year average $54,912 on Classic.com, and maybe this one will go that high. But, on the other hand, perhaps it will remain a bargain. It’s a lot of style for the money, even though the gas and repair bills won’t be fit for mere mortals.
Take $25k, or whatever the reserve is, go to Vegas, bet on “black” (or one hand at blackjack, the “pass line”, whatever your game). If you win, buy it and keep the winnings to service it. if you lose, well, it’s probably break even at the end of the day. What a beautiful car. Wish I had the nerve to buy it.
The current Rolls convertible is called ‘Dawn”. Go figure.
Is there a Tony Orlando edition? The car is a bargain until the tires need replaciong.
I saw a 79 triple black Corniche coupe a few weeks ago at a local car show. It was in outstanding condition…take it over the convertible.
“There’s nothing more expensive than a cheap Rolls-Royce”. A quote I read some years ago.
This is the post I was looking for.
Money pit they’re expensive enough to run here in the UK never mind overseas, tires are the least of your worries.
At least it’s got the great GM turbo 400 trans.
Second hand BMW …. If you can’t afford a NEW BMW you sure as hell can’t afford a second hand one
You would need to keep the car wizard on speed dial to keep it running.
Hmmmm…This car was sold on BAT 3 months ago for $40K. It was in Illinois with a New York title. The car was described as not being driven in 10 years, needing complete recommissioning. Proper recommissioning for one of these typically runs $10-$20K, and can be a lot more if major issues are found.
I have owned a number of SY and SZ Rolls-Royces, and have experience recommissioning these cars myself. They typically require (at least) several weeks of labour.
Corniches with deferred maintenance needs are not that uncommon, and for many inexperienced buyers turn out to be a regretful purchase.
ALWAYS get a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified RR expert before buying one of these.
Arguably one of the worlds most beautiful cars and it probably doesn’t matter to a serious buyer but those might be the poorest ‘nice car’ photos I’ve ever seen. A dusty parking lot at sunset is a big disservice to a black Rolls-Royce.
My late brother,a successful business man first bought a 62 Cloud in the mid 70s. Refurbishing cost $25,000 included new correct hides shipped from England. Keeping the Cloud, he purchased an 82 Corniche. The Corniche road as if the highway was just slipping beneath. As to the top, it was fully lined hiding the mechanism. For some reason I never understood, he kept the Cloud, but sold the Corniche ( for $18,000 ) and moved to Mercedes, owning several before his passing. It does take a lot of $$ to keep a ROLLS rolling!
It would be really something if those door vent windows dont swing open or retract down. I’ve seen even Yugos with optional swing open vent windows.
The body style reminds me of the red one in the Elton john music video Nakita. As for this thing at that price they can keep it because I would have to put a LS in it with more modern suspension