Want a lot of car for not much money? This 1975 Rolls-Royce Corniche coupe might fit the bill, with its big V8 engine and creamy handstitched leather upholstery. After long storage in a heated garage, this luxury car remains in excellent condition; in fact, the seller maintains that a bit of work could bring it to concours condition. It’s for sale here on eBay, with bidding at $13,988, reserve not met. Barn Finds has featured this seller’s cars in the past; he is located in Independence, Oregon, and his feedback is perfect.
The first generation Corniche was introduced as a two-door coupe in 1971, based on the Silver Shadow. The 6.75 liter engine breathed through two beefy SU carburetors until 1977 when a single four-barrel Solex was fitted. The transmission is a Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed; the entire 120″ wheelbase floats on a self-leveling suspension licensed from Citroën. The brakes are discs at all four corners. Top speed is estimated at 120 mph, but the number is less important than the car’s intensely refined disposition: while attaining whatever speed pleases you, the car’s job is to make you look good getting there. This car comes with its tool kit, jack, work receipts and manuals.
Nothing pampers its occupants like the finest British car, and this example is up to the task with a near-perfect interior. The burr walnut wood, Wilton wool carpets, blue Connolly leather upholstery, chromed trim – every speck is in fine shape. Simply building the interior took some 20 weeks per car, restraining production throughout the generations. The Corniche was equipped with power accessories including the seats, windows and door locks. The trunk is a match for the fine cabin. The seller notes that everything on this car works – a blessing since troubleshooting problems can be expensive.
Only 1090 Corniche coupes were made through 1987. Convertibles are more numerous – but more expensive. Speaking of value, prices have been ascending steadily for years now, from the mid-teens five years ago to the mid-twenties or more now. This white ’73 has a few critical needs, but still sold two weeks ago for $24k. The Corniche is the ultimate user-friendly luxury car from the company whose name is synonymous with the best, and this example is ready to drive or show.
Thank you Michelle. You have expanded my knowledge of these cars. I have seen these in person but have never driven one. However I think a drive would entice me to own. It would take a big push knowing how much upkeep is needed to keep these cars enjoyable to drive and experience. I might be happier with a Lincoln mark 3 or Cadillac of the period. Wafting on the cheap as they say.
Hi Michelle, it’s great to read where an American has written such a supportive article on the best car in the world, a Rolls Royce! This Rolls Royce motor car (as RR themselves always describe one of their vehicles) appears to have been so well looked after that the buyer should not have any problems with it for the foreseeable future. If you ever get the chance to drive a Rolls Royce motor car then you are unlikely to ever forget it. I once drove an pretty rough RR for 350 miles that gave me a lot of headaches because the radiator had a bad leak but it was still a great car to drive between the breakdowns. The next RR I drove was a Carmargue that nobody wanted due to it’s body being designed by Pininfarina which didn’t go down very well with the normal RR buyer, principally due to it’s silver radiator being angled 4 deg. forward, but it was a beautiful motor car to drive.
I have always wondered with all the work and attention to detail in these cars, why would you use a steering wheel that looks like it came off of a tractor?
I agree GaGPguy with that comment!! It even looks like a steering wheeloff of a Army type truck.
As we often see on Barn Finds, 2-door coupes are almost always strongly preferred over 4-door sedans. This is especially true with Rollers of this era.
This car has basically the same drivetrain as a Silver Shadow, so mechanical parts are widely available.
The body and interior of this car appear excellent. The engine area also presents well, with no modifications or missing emissions equipment. The seller mentions receipts, but does not provide detail. These cars do require extensive(expensive) specialized maintenance on the brakes, hydraulics, and suspension, so knowing what was done, and when is important.
If you want a coupe, this may be the car for you. If it were local, I would want to see it, and maybe make an offer.
I have looked at several cheaper ones, not nearly as nice as this, that would have cost double to come close.
Were I at home, I could be on their front porch in about an hour. I am actually glad I’m not as this is exactly what causes me to open my wallet and ask for forgiveness in the morning. I would bet the owners of these to be much like the Lincoln or Cadillac or Jaguar guys who generously share their collective knowledge. That’s what I call the honeymoon of ownership – when you start learning the quirks and special needs of your newest project. Only at 1/100th the membership. Monte Shelton (RIP) maintained a dealership here for 50+ years so I will guess this man has had at least a few tips from employees or mechanics. Independence is halfway to Depoe Bay so buy the car and make the day trip watching whales and eating crab your reward.
Monte was a great guy, generous with his time and his money. I think of him often
Ditto. I miss him. … once when I said I wanted to get a Model A, he said, incredulously, WHY! Of course he had a lovely one and was kidding, but he did remind me to buy a ’31, not a ’29, as the later cars were slightly better made, and a tad more stylish with those deep fenders. I wish he knew we followed his advice.
I’ve been to this seller’s home. I definitely wouldn’t buy w/o an expert’s inspection. Just sayin’ . . . regarding the late Mr Shelton – for years I sold more RR/Bentleys in Oregon than him, and never one to tbe Bhagwan!
Can you imagine us average Joe’s driving around in this? People, would think we were the chauffeur!
But few realize what’s under that transmission hump – IMO the best part of the car – courtesy of GM.
But manufactured by Rolls Royce, not GM.