Describing any unrestored classic as a show car is bold, but the seller listing this 1972 Rolls-Royce Corniche adopts that strategy. It certainly presents exceptionally well, from its beautiful paint to its spotless interior. The seller has invested a significant sum in recent work, ensuring that the buyer can slip behind the wheel of a turnkey classic. They have listed the Corniche here on eBay in Burbank, California. They set their BIN at $65,000 with the option to make an offer.
After first appearing on a 1939 prototype, Rolls-Royce released its first production vehicle wearing the Corniche badge in 1971. The First Generation remained on sale in mildly updated form until 1987, with our feature car rolling off the line in 1972. Pinning down an exact paint shade name is almost impossible with Rolls-Royce, as it has long embraced what it calls its “Bespoke Programme”. This Corniche features Black paint with a matching vinyl top. I have seen documentaries tracing the production of various Rolls-Royce models, and the painting process is fascinating. Once technicians have massaged the panels until they are laser-straight, the paint shop applies the shade chosen by the customer. From there, the painted surfaces are hand-rubbed and polished before undergoing a final inspection to identify any flaws. Marked with a wax pencil, these areas become the focus, and if the faults defy remedy, the entire body is stripped and sent back for a complete refinish. This process produces what has become known as the “piano finish,” free of orange peel or other imperfections that may spoil the car’s first impression. This Corniche presents exceptionally well, with the paint sparkling and the trim showing no evidence of problems. The vinyl is in as-new condition, but the seller identifies one fault that raises concern. They indicate the development of bubbles beneath the vinyl, which could be the first signs of rust. If the bubbles aren’t too large, early intervention might be possible to prevent future problems. Otherwise, this Rolls-Royce looks like a winner.
Powering this Corniche is the company’s venerable 6.75-liter V8 engine. For many decades, Rolls-Royce refused to quote specific power and torque figures for their motors, preferring to use words like “adequate” or “sufficient” instead. However, it is widely believed that this classic should send approximately 200hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission. Power steering and power brakes were standard fare, as befits a classic of this caliber. If we ignore the hydraulic system that controls features like the suspension, the Corniche’s drivetrain components aren’t complicated, meaning that routine servicing and engine tuning should be within the reach of a competent enthusiast in a home workshop. The seller provides a long list of parts they recently replaced to ensure this is a turnkey proposition. They rebuilt the transmission, with the cooling system, brakes, carburetors, and exhaust all receiving significant attention. The car rolls on fresh, narrow whitewalls and is ready to hit the road with its new owner behind the wheel.
If you’ve never sat inside a classic Rolls-Royce, you have missed one of life’s great pleasures. The attention to detail is staggering, with everything produced by skilled artisans. Every piece of Red leather inside this Corniche would have been hand-stitched by the same person for consistency, but I’ve always considered the timber veneer dash the highlight. The company utilizes a practice called “book-leafing” to produce an almost perfectly symmetrical grain pattern on the dash. It does so by selecting alternating veneer slices from the same piece of timber, reversing each piece as the technician works from the center of the dash. The fact that the timber is natural means there will always be slight variations, but the visual impact is truly spectacular. This classic’s interior presents at a standard you would expect from a show car. There is no evidence of wear or abuse, and the timber finish hasn’t cracked or decayed. The dash currently houses an aftermarket stereo, but the seller includes components to return the interior to its factory form.
I once heard a motoring journalist say that older examples of the Rolls-Royce, like this 1972 Corniche, are almost perfect for enthusiasts who wish to be hands-on in the ownership experience. I initially questioned that belief, but he provided a strong argument supporting his case. He rightly pointed out that these cars are hand-built, meaning that anything attached by hand could be removed in the same way. He acknowledged that the hydraulic system is a mystery best left to experts, but the remaining mechanical components aren’t complicated. Some parts are expensive, but adopting a DIY approach will eliminate labor costs. I’m not completely convinced, but it does sound interesting. Do you agree with that sentiment, or do you think that classics like this Corniche deserve specialist attention? More importantly, would you consider pursuing this Rolls-Royce further?
One of these is on my bucket list. I have owned multiple SY sedans since 1983, and currently have 2, but have never owned a coupe. This car is an excellent example. Other than the aftermarket stereo and (wrong) tool kit from a later car, I would change nothing.
The only problem is the asking price….. The market for these cars is drifting downwards. Two years ago this car may have sold for $60+K, but not today. This very car was offered on BAT last month and was only bid up to $30K, and did not sell. A number of these have also failed to sell at other recent major auctions. The buyers pool for these cars is fairly small, and many want the convertible. version. Really nice coupes are currently trading in the $40-$50K range.
I tend to think this one is a bit overpriced, too.
A modern stereo is a must (both of my classics have it) and who cares about the tool kit? You aren’t going to use it anyway.
When a car is advertised as “Show Quality” (at top dollar), I interpret that it is is official “show” condition. A cheap looking $200 Amazon Nakamichi and 80’s Alpine would not be welcomed by show judges. Many collectors get around this by having the original stereo modified with modern internals or adding a hidden system. The wrong tool kit will also cost “show points”. While they don’t look it, the original kits for these cars can be quite expensive. I would hate to (over)spend $65K on a “show car”, and then have to spend a few $K more on stuff like this.
Never lusted for anything like this. Comfortable, obviously, but so is a Buick. If you have to pay to show class or status, do you really have it?
It’s a good looking, maintained coupe! I just think the owner wants some of his investment back. I agree on the above comment…it’s a teeny buyers pool!
That price makes sense for a drop head (convertible).
A classic case of “Rolls-Royce math” – spending way more on a ride than it will ever be worth. The older guys that really like these and can afford them (I resemble that remark!) are aging out of the hobby making the buyers pool even smaller. The other reality is that these half-century old cars are somewhat primitive by modern standards. They often don’t handle todays heavy traffic and high temperatures particularly well. Many buyers looking for a prestige coupe in this price range are opting for modern cars like the Bentley Continental GT. A friend recently did that, and has his old Rolls up for sale.
BWAHAHAHAHA ~ my 1970 Chevy pickup and my 1962 Impala SS have absolutely no problem handling highway traffic or high temperatures, as in 95 degree days at 80 MPH. You can keep your modern computerized car with a gazillion doodads to go bad and cost a fortune to fix. Simple is better.
EXPENSIVE. worth much less.
Speaking of power/torque traditionally being listed as “adequate”, that reminds me when the Bentley Mulsanne Turbo appeared, they listed it as “more than adequate” — quite the understatement for a whopping 50% power bump over the Mulsanne S! Later on, the Turbo R finally started listing actual figures.
Beautiful classic but overpriced.
Once again, the Rolls reminds me of a ‘79 Corniche some American/European rock star tried to trade in when I was selling new Chevys in the mid 80s. He wanted a high-line van conversion for his Mom. Told me he paid $120k-ish and was not thrilled with the mid $20k offer we made him. Great write up, Adam.