Guide for Prospective Buyers of Rolls-Royce Corniche

The Rolls-Royce Corniche, introduced in 1971, was a luxurious two-door replacement for the Silver Shadow's convertible and coupe versions. Named after a French term meaning a road cut into the side of a cliff or mountain, the Corniche's glamorous design has been a favourite among car enthusiasts for over five decades.

Corrosion and Maintenance

Corrosion is a major concern when buying a Corniche, particularly in the lower body, front valance, front arches, rear of the front wings, sills, rear wheelarches, and rear valance. It's essential to inspect these areas carefully, as corrosion can indicate more serious issues. Rust in the rear of the front wings, the front floors, the base of the windscreen pillars, or the boot floor points to more extensive corrosion.

Convertible hoods, originally made from Everflex, deteriorate over time. Look for splits, cracks, tears, or signs of the multiple layers coming apart. Many Corniches have been upgraded with mohair hoods, which are a desirable improvement, although they can be costly.

Mechanical Issues

Uneven running or misfiring is often due to life-expired ignition components or issues within the carburettors/fuel injection system. These are relatively easy to address but point to a lack of proper care. Knocks, rattles, excessive crankcase pressure, or blue exhaust smoke suggest the need for a full rebuild, which is possible but prohibitively expensive.

The GM automatic gearboxes fitted to the Rolls-Royce Corniche are reliable and straightforward to rebuild. However, many gearbox troubles are actually electrical in nature, usually stemming from the selector mechanism. A rebuilt transmission should not be feared in a strong Corniche, provided the unit operates without unpleasant noises.

Special Editions and Pricing

Twenty-five 25th Anniversary editions were built in 1992, all finished in Ming Blue with cream hoods, unique trim, and numbered plaques, priced at a staggering £165,270. The Corniche IV, launched in 1992, gained yet another seat design, an improved version of the Ride Control system (defaulting to a softer setting), a four-speed automatic gearbox, and a heated glass rear window for the hood.

At launch, the Corniche Saloon was priced at £12,829, with the Convertible carrying a £600 premium. Values vary widely depending on condition and body style, with fixed-head coupés being more affordable and Convertibles fetching a premium.

Features and Upgrades

In 1972, suspension was upgraded to 'compliant' specification, improving ride comfort and reducing road noise. Standard-fit radial tyres and ventilated front discs were also introduced. By 1974, the wheelbase had been extended fractionally to 120 inches, while wider wheels and tyres increased the track, necessitating subtly flared arches.

The Corniche III, launched in 1990, gained the Spirit II's Automatic Ride Control system, adjusting suspension behaviour for optimum comfort or handling depending on conditions. Later models equipped with Automatic Ride Control (ARC) can suffer from a stiff-legged ride if the system is faulty.

Mechanical upgrades included electronic fuel injection and ABS. The Corniche uses a Citroën-style hydropneumatic system for self-levelling and ride control, with conventional steel springs doing the real work. However, faulty spheres in the hydropneumatic system can cause a noticeably jiggly ride on the move.

Final Considerations

Before starting the engine, check the condition of the oil and coolant, and look for any signs of head gasket failure. Juddering under way is usually the result of seized or poorly balanced driveshaft joints. Brightwork is another costly area, with chrome and other fittings being expensive to refurbish or replace.

A comprehensive service history is essential for a Rolls-Royce Corniche. A good engine should run smoothly and almost silently. If the valvetrain doesn't quieten down within 30 seconds of start-up, the hydraulic tappets are likely worn and will require replacement. The transmission fluid should be clean and clear, while the gearchanges themselves ought to be near-imperceptible.

In conclusion, the Rolls-Royce Corniche offers a unique blend of luxury, style, and performance. With careful inspection and maintenance, a well-maintained Corniche can be a rewarding and enjoyable addition to any collection.