Guide to Purchasing a Rolls-Royce Corniche

The Rolls-Royce Corniche, named after the French term for a road cut into a cliff or mountain, was a luxurious two-door model that served as the pinnacle of the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and Bentley T-Series from 1971 to 1995.

The Classic Corniche (1971-1995)

All Corniches built until 1995 were two-door coupes and convertibles. They featured unique changes, such as suspension upgrades in 1972 and 1979, and cosmetic and mechanical updates in 1988 and 1990.

The Later Corniche (2000-2002)

The last generation of the Corniche, launched in 2000, was based on the Silver Seraph platform and was offered exclusively as a convertible. Production ended in 2002 with the acquisition of Rolls-Royce by BMW and the introduction of the new Phantom.

Corniche in Germany (2010-2020)

Between 2010 and 2020, no new Corniches were sold in Germany as they were not produced during this period. However, used Corniches, particularly the Corniche III-V models from the 1980s to 2002, are regularly offered by specialised luxury dealers, old-timer dealers, and auctions in Germany. The last Corniche V models (2000-2002) are highly sought after as rare collector's items.

Buying Tips

If you're looking for a contemporary luxury convertible from Rolls-Royce, the Rolls-Royce Dawn (models from 2016 to 2023) is the current recommendation. For collectors and old-timer enthusiasts, the Corniche, especially the more recent models from 1995 to 2002, is one of the most coveted Rolls-Royce models.

Recommendations:

Official Rolls-Royce Retailers in major cities like Munich, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg
Specialised old-timer and luxury dealers (such as Mechatronik Frankfurt, Geyrhalter, Oldtimer Garage Laupheim)
Online marketplaces like mobile.de, autoscout24.de (Filter: "Rolls-Royce Corniche", production year up to 2002)

Key Points

Corniche was not produced between 2010 and 2020.
Used Corniches are available in Germany.
For new models from this period, see Dawn, not Corniche.

If you have any questions about Rolls-Royce models or the buying process, I'm here to help!

Transmission

Transmission fluid should be clean and clear, and gearchanges should be near-imperceptible.
Higher-mileage units or those overdue for a fluid change tend to feel grabby.
Many gearbox troubles are actually electrical in nature, usually stemming from the selector mechanism.

General Inspection

Ensure the hood mechanism and cover operate smoothly, as repairs here are another major expense.
Convertible hoods were originally made from Everflex, which deteriorates over time. Look for splits, cracks, tears, or signs of the multiple layers coming apart.
Another known weak spot is the rear spring seats, which on cars of this age are prone to rusting out, potentially leading to sudden and alarming rear-end collapse.
Corrosion is the real danger when buying a Corniche, particularly in the lower body, front valance, front arches, rear of the front wings, sills, rear wheelarches, and rear valance.
Brightwork is another costly area, with Chrome and other fittings expensive to refurbish or replace.

Engine and Drivetrain

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.
No common weaknesses are typically found elsewhere in the drivetrain, but any intrusive noise or vibration is a red flag.
Juddering under way is usually the result of seized or poorly balanced driveshaft joints.
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.
Before starting the engine, check the condition of the oil and coolant, and look for any signs of head gasket failure.
The Corniche uses a Citroën-style hydropneumatic system for self-levelling and ride control, with conventional steel springs doing the real work. Replacement spheres for the hydropneumatic system cost around £40 each and fitting is a straightforward job for any Rolls-Royce or Citroën specialist.
Knocks, rattles, excessive crankcase pressure, or blue exhaust smoke suggest the need for a full rebuild, which is possible but prohibitively expensive.

Gearbox

A rebuild of the gearbox is not necessarily a concern if it operates without unpleasant noises.
The GM automatic gearboxes fitted to Rolls-Royce Corniches are reliable and well-supported for parts.
Higher-mileage units or those overdue for a fluid change tend to feel grabby.
Transmission fluid should be clean and clear, and gearchanges should be near-imperceptible.
Many gearbox troubles are actually electrical in nature, usually stemming from the selector mechanism.

Price Guide

Usable, presentable examples tend to command £30,000-£45,000 for coupés and £50,000-£70,000 for Convertibles, while the finest, low-mileage or exceptionally restored Corniche Convertibles can exceed £100,000.
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.
Rolls-Royce Corniche values vary widely depending on condition and body style, with rough project cars starting around £15,000-£20,000 for coupés and £25,000 for Convertibles.
Later models equipped with Automatic Ride Control (ARC) can suffer from a stiff-legged ride if the system is faulty.
Many examples will have been resprayed at some point to freshen them up, but few have been refinished to Rolls-Royce standards.

Additional Features

Convertible hoods were originally made from Everflex, which deteriorates 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. Expect to pay around £500 for a new Everflex hood and £800 for mohair, plus fitting.
Another known weak spot is the rear spring seats, which on cars of this age are prone to rusting out, potentially leading to sudden and alarming rear-end collapse.
Brightwork is another costly area, with Chrome and other fittings expensive to refurbish or replace.

History

The Corniche was named after the French word for a road cut into a cliff or mountain, fitting for its glamorous two-door design.
In 1979, the Corniche received unique changes to its rear suspension, serving as a test bed for the forthcoming Silver Spirit.
The Corniche IV followed in 1992, with improvements like an improved version of the Ride Control system, a four-speed automatic gearbox, and a heated glass rear window for the hood.
The Corniche III, launched in 1990, gained the Spirit II's Automatic Ride Control system, adjusting suspension behavior for optimum comfort or handling depending on conditions.
By 1974, the wheelbase had been extended fractionally to 120 inches, while wider wheels and tyres increased the track, necessitating subtly flared arches.
In 1972, suspension was upgraded to 'compliant' specification, with improved bushings that enhanced ride comfort and reduced road noise.
The Corniche II finally arrived in 1988, with cosmetic changes and mechanical upgrades such as 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.

Misconceptions

A common misunderstanding about Rolls-Royce is that the Corniche was produced between 2010 and 2020. In reality, the last Rolls-Royce Corniche was built in 2002. The model history in brief:

Corniche I–IV (1971–1995): The "classic" Corniche was the top model of the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow/Bentley T-Series. All Corniche up to 1995 were built as two-door (Coupé and Cabrio).
Corniche V (2000–2002): The last Corniche Generation was based on the Silver Seraph platform and was offered exclusively as a Cabriolet. Production ended in 2002 with the acquisition of Rolls-Royce by BMW and the introduction of the new Phantom.

Guide to Purchasing a Rolls-Royce Corniche