It’s not often that a Rolls-Royce Corniche comes along that still presents the way this one does. Listed on eBay, this 1986 Rolls-Royce Corniche II Convertible is being described as a near-concours example, and based strictly on the seller’s details, it appears to have been carefully preserved rather than restored or heavily altered.
This Corniche II shows 55,813 original miles and is a two-owner car, retaining its original Acrylic Silver Sand paint and Beige Connolly leather interior. According to the seller, both the exterior and interior remain in exceptional condition, with the original leather seats showing no creasing or cracking, and the interior wood trim still in excellent original shape with virtually no cracking. The car also retains its original Everflex convertible top, which is said to be near perfect and rarely used in the raised position. The matching tonneau cover has reportedly stayed on the car consistently, preventing fading or discoloration.
Mechanically, this Corniche has recently undergone an extensive recommissioning after spending roughly 10 years in humidity-controlled storage. The seller states that approximately $16,000 in service work was completed, covering brakes, hydraulics, electronics, the fuel system, and new tires. The 6.8-liter V8 is described as running smoothly with no leaks, and everything is said to function as intended. The air conditioning has been converted to R134a and recently recharged, providing cold air as expected.
Cosmetically, the car reportedly received a professional paint correction and ceramic coating, enhancing the original finish without replacing it. Chrome trim is described as bright and free of pitting, while the underside is said to show no corrosion. The seller emphasizes that this Corniche remains clean both above and below, which is often a major concern with cars of this size and era.
While originality appears to be a major focus, a few subtle updates have been made for usability. A RetroSound Bluetooth radio that visually resembles the factory unit has been installed, along with Infinity speakers, allowing modern connectivity without dramatically altering the cabin’s appearance.
Documentation seems to be a strong point here as well. The car reportedly comes with full Rolls-Royce build records, service documentation, and a clean Carfax tracing ownership history back to 1986. It was also run through the Mecum Kissimmee auction in January 2026, where it reportedly achieved a high bid of $74,000 before seller fees led to it being retained.
For buyers seeking a Corniche that hasn’t been over-restored or modified beyond recognition, this example appears to prioritize originality, condition, and careful ownership. Would you leave a Corniche like this exactly as it is, or would you actually put miles on it and enjoy it as Rolls-Royce intended?
Had a boss that bought a new Rolls every year. One like this came up for auction so I told him about it. He said if you didn’t start the car once a week, it wouldn’t start and would have to go back to the dealer at 2500 a pop, back then…
The Rolls Royce owner is so tight he didn’t want to pay the seller’s fees?? He probably never tips on his Door Dash orders either..or maybe he hates to see this beautiful car go? Such attractive and simple, and yes classic styling.These are far better looking than the later Teutonic turkeys that were made under BMW’s direction.
MSRP for this car in 1986 was around $164,000, which is $485,000 in today’s dollars. For that kind of money, I would have expected much better execution from RR on integrating the design of the third brake light. It looks like a pimple on the trunk lid.
Rolls’ don’t do much for me and maybe it is because I am not in that league …financially. What I really don’t understand about these cars is the ‘spartan’ steering wheel! I would like that wheel in a ‘gruffer’ car but not in this! It just doesn’t fit, appearance wise!!
That style of steering wheel became a sort of a “trademark” of Rolls’ from the mid-1960s until they started to incorporate air bag wheels in the early 1990s. They definitely improved their appearance like in this car – it’s wrapped in leather – where the originals were not. I can’t say with certainty, but it may have been due to budget constraints, and they outsourced multiple parts, as these cars were manufacturered, each by hand, when Rolls-Royce and Bentley (the same company at the time) were much smaller and not owned by the conglomerates that they are now (BMW & Audi respectfully).
Joey Mec – I’m thinking ‘trademark’ spartan wheel carries over back to olden times when more Rolls owners had chauffeurs.
This is a great looking Rolls. I have ridden in a few, actually with very nice philanthropic owners. The cars def had a different feel to them from the Ford I was driving at the time. Not for me but still a pretty car.
Unfortunate the way the top stacks up tall behind the rear seat like a Beetle convertible. I understand not wanting to intrude on trunk space, but still..
ditto,
I was NOT going to link it
to the Bug, tho
$16;000 in service work , not talking repairs here , but regular service!
And those silly 5 mph bumpers and over size top down storage.
No thanks.
My neighbor had one and all it did was sit in a garage and leaked oil. No one wanted to by it for 30,000 he sold it for 15,000.
I was going to ask about the top down position being so odd compared to other convertibles, but in a way I guess it was answered by Poppy.
I never understood it myself. Every car manufacturer could get a flat top down look except VW bug (the fastback design of the car) and the RR. And while we are discussing VWs, the rear and taillights remind me of the VW Square back of the 70s. A Volkswagen is probably not a good reference point for a Rolls Royce.
Joey Mec is on point with the steering wheel as well. I never understood such a high end car with such a blah steering wheel. All years and all models of Rolls are like this. An Oldsmobile has a nicer steering wheel.
This is a very beige car. Not to nit pick but it’s just kind of blah. It received new tires but IMO the whitewalls should have been a bit wider. 3″ at least.
All in all a nice car, but Rolls was never my aspiration.
Rick W who hasn’t been around the barn much should weigh in on this.
Rick, how are you feeling, my friend? Hope you’re well.
This is a,very pretty, but unreliable (if the regular $$$$maintenance$$$ is not kept up.. A,few years ago a local Rolls showed up for sale. It was $3,500 as the engine was junk, the paint was a little on the “used side” AND it needed tires. The body was straight and didn’t appear to have ever been bent. I honestly thought about buying it, installing a 351 Windsor engine and turning it into a Ute. As I needed a small pickup at the time. I currently have 6 pickups right now. (4 are project trucks) The more I researched the car and what I would have to do to it. The more it didn’t make sense. Even if I had done a first class build/modification the rest of the maintenance requirements and/or the selling price would NEVER make sense. (I’m generally all about total cost of ownership) GLWTS but it won’t be to me.
It’s been said here before on this site but I’ll say it again- There’s no more expensive car than a cheap Rolls Royce.
Where’s “KILLER” ? Flip Wilson’s car.
I’ll stick with old American cars than you very much.
God Bless America
Yeah. No. Seller should have taken the auction result. Market is soft. These cars are not rising in value. Besides, who wants one of these tug boats? Maybe some Palm Beach real estate agent? It is kind of embarrassing.