AGELESS ELEGANCE: Two 2002 Rolls-Royce Corniche “Final Series” Convertibles

September 25, 2019
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Written by independent automotive journalist Dave Neyens

Not one, but two examples of the final 45 Rolls-Royce Corniche Series V models produced (Lot #744 and Lot #772) will be offered with No Reserve at the forthcoming Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction, October 3-5.

Lot #744 is finished in Milk White paintwork over Light Gray Connolly leather upholstery.

While Rolls-Royce automobile design and production adhered to a tradition of “evolution over revolution” since the company’s landmark foundation in 1906, the introduction of the Silver Shadow (and Bentley T-Series) in 1965 marked a clear break from the past for the venerable company. As the first Rolls-Royce model with unitized construction, the Silver Shadow also featured modern disc-type brakes all around and hydraulic self-leveling rear suspension. While the Silver Shadow carried a highly exclusive and luxurious presence as expected, more demanding and well-heeled buyers could select limited-production hardtop coupe and glamorous cabriolet versions. Designed by Bill Allen and hand-built by Rolls-Royce coach building subsidiary Mulliner Park Ward, these elite models stood proudly as Britain’s most expensive automobiles at launch.

A look under the hood of Lot #744.

By 1971, these coach-built beauties were given their own unique identity, named “Corniche” after the roads along the exotic French Cote d’Azur. While the Silver Shadow/T-Series and elegant yet sporting Corniche models collectively represented a new direction for Rolls-Royce as a company, their captivating presence, legendary quality and luxurious appointments left no doubt as to their maker. Unexpectedly, the Corniche was also crucial to the ongoing financial health and success of Rolls-Royce in the wake of the financial difficulties experienced by its jet-engine division, which nearly spelled the end of the company during the early 1970s. The Corniche coupe was eventually discontinued in 1982, yet the convertible or Drophead Coupe remained in production through 1996. Model development spanned Series I through Series IV, with each series benefiting from select refinements and updates applied to keep the excellent basic design relevant throughout production.

From launch, the Corniche was an instantly recognizable cultural icon worldwide, with buyers sometimes happily waiting up to four years to take delivery of their new Corniche. A veritable media fixture, Corniches appeared regularly on hit TV series and movies, including “The Bionic Woman,” “Magnum P.I.,” “The Karate Kid,” “MacGyver,” “The Dukes of Hazzard,” “Matlock,” “Secretariat,” “Frost/Nixon” and dozens of other high-profile productions. Delivering greater performance than the basic Silver Shadow with a special exhaust system, tuned engine (6.75 liters after 1970), GM 4-speed automatic transmission and select appearance updates, the powerful and refined Corniche weighed about 5,000 pounds yet was capable of nearing 130 mph on demand. Series IV Corniche production continued at Mulliner-Park-Ward’s Hythe Road, Willesden, location until 1991 when the coachbuilder was finally closed, and Corniche production transferred to Crewe.

Lot #772 has a black-on-black livery.

During the late 1990s, a new-generation Corniche – the fifth and final series – was developed by Rolls-Royce engineers, with its public debut in January 2000. Sharing its basic platform and structure with the Bentley Azure and rigorously strengthened internally for open-air coachwork, the Corniche shared many of its basic styling cues with the contemporary Rolls-Royce Seraph. Powering the Corniche was the renowned Rolls-Royce V8 engine, displacing 6.75 liters and developing 325 horsepower at 4,400 engine revolutions with turbocharging, digital engine management and port-type fuel injection. While weighing some 6,800 pounds, the Corniche was an outstanding performer, capable of well over 130 mph and remarkable acceleration, thanks to its immense torque output of 544 ft/lbs at just 2,100 rpm. A low center of gravity, computerized ride control and adaptive shifting provided spirited driving dynamics. The crowning flourish was a fully lined and insulated soft-top providing all-weather comfort and flexibility.

The plush interior of Lot #772

Production of the Series V Corniche was quite brief, ending August 2002 with just 374 built in all. The final Corniche produced was retained by Rolls-Royce. Of historical importance, the Series V Corniche stands as the last model produced at the venerable Rolls-Royce factory in Crewe, England, in the wake of the landmark purchase of Bentley by Volkswagen AG and BMW taking sole ownership of Rolls-Royce. Famously, the Series V Corniche was a hand-built product of uncompromising quality, priced from nearly $400,000 new. In commemoration of the end of Corniche Series V production in 2002, a limited run of 56 “Final Series” cars was envisioned, with the number honoring the 56 years of Rolls-Royce production from 1946 to 2002 at Crewe. However, only 45 Final Series cars were actually built in all.

Setting them apart, these special Corniches were fitted with front-fender badges reading “Rolls-Royce Cars, Crewe, England,” together with a Union Jack insignia, plus chromed mirror housings, restyled and chromed Azure-type wheels, a “Spirit of Ecstasy” hubcap motif and Red Rolls-Royce badges on the grille and trunk lid. Inside, special wood interior trim featured an inlaid “Spirit of Ecstasy” and a numbered commemorative plaque was affixed to the center console. Given their top-level specifications and features, end-of-the-line status and sheer rarity, the Final Series Rolls-Royce Corniche V is a highly sought-after collector car today.

Not one, but two examples of the final 45 Rolls-Royce Corniche Series V models produced will be offered at the forthcoming Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction, October 3-5. Lot #744 is finished in Milk White paintwork over Light Gray Connolly leather upholstery and Lot #772 is resplendent in black-on-black livery. Interestingly, both cars bear consecutive VIN suffixes, 040 and 041, marking an excellent and uncommon opportunity to acquire and own two of the last cars ever to have been hand-built by the Rolls-Royce craftsmen at Crewe. Less than 1,900 miles have been traveled from new by both vehicles – an average of under 112 miles annually. Rightly, the Rolls-Royce Corniche continues to rank among the most-recognized modern Rolls-Royce models ever made. Without doubt, the Corniche V and, in particular, these two of the 45 Final Series cars, continued to uphold the mystique with immense style and grace. Ready for enjoyment or continued preservation, these fabulous examples will certainly continue to amaze all who experience their grandeur firsthand.

For up-to-date information on these and other vehicles on the docket for the 2019 Las Vegas Auction, click HERE.