Rolls-Royce's target towards a more conservative clientele in the 1970s arguably produced some of the best cars from the British automaker in the 1970s. The Rolls-Royce Corniche is one of these cars, and like the Rolls-Royce Camargue, it received its fair share of unfavorable judgments as it also deviated from Rolls-Royce's traditional styling through its coupe design. However, unlike the Camargue, the Rolls-Royce Corniche was accepted more, with Rolls-Royce producing it in five generations spanning over two decades. Rolls-Royce is synonymous with luxury, and the Corniche is no exception. Its elegant design, which has aged gracefully over the years, attracted buyers, and Rolls-Royce made a convertible version of the Corniche in every generation, making it even more desirable. Inside, it was built with the utmost attention to detail and craftsmanship, achieving a cabin ambiance not remotely close to what the Camargue offered. The 237 horsepower from the behemoth of an engine sitting under the hood made the driving experience pleasant and smooth in the Rolls-Royce Corniche. However, it didn't remain that way. By the time Rolls-Royce was retiring, the Corniche badge power had been amped up to around 320 horsepower from an engine with similar displacement as the one in the first Rolls-Royce Corniche. With production spanning five generations, deciding which Corniche generation or model year to buy takes time. Hardcore enthusiasts resonate more with early generations, but the modernity in later generations is also appealing. Market prices average between a few thousand dollars and half a million, depending on your preferred generation. Older generations tend to have a collectible nature, contributing to their higher value.
Based on the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, the Rolls-Royce Corniche entered production in 1971 in Mulliner Park in London after being unveiled alongside the Bentley Corniche in March of that year. With the same intention as with the Rolls-Royce Camargue, Rolls-Royce's intention with the Corniche was to introduce new styling and technique ideas, hence leaving coachbuilders to design and fabricate bodywork, which was controversial at first but was later accepted by patrons of the brand. Early production units were produced between 1971 and 1987 and are often known as Corniche. They depict the first-generation Rolls-Royce Corniche. Following generations, Corniche II, Corniche II, and Corniche IV and its subvariant, the Rolls-Royce Corniche S, followed the Corniche I's design to the very inch, only changing a few elements such as the bumper bar design. However, none of the generations adopted the design of the 1939 Experimental Corniche that Rolls-Royce nameplated based on the Bentley Mark V. It was only in 2000 that Rolls-Royce Changed the Corniche's design, adopting a rounder look and a redeveloped powertrain for the Rolls-Royce Corniche V. Yet, it still retained a similar wheelbase to its predecessors showcasing a connection to its roots despite there being a slight five-year production hiatus after the discontinuation of the Corniche IV. During its 24-year production run, Rolls-Royce produced an estimated 6,823 examples of the Rolls-Royce Corniche, with data from third-party sources claiming that most of them were convertibles. The production number is far more than competing luxury sedans and even coupes from other manufacturers.
Performance figures in a Rolls-Royce aren't topics that are brought up often, even for newer models, since it's the driving experience and luxury that matters. Despite its age and the typical weight of nearly 5,000 pounds for the first four generations and 6,031 pounds for the final generation, the Rolls-Royce Corniche effortlessly glides the road with an exceptionally smooth driving experience. The lack of acceleration is compensated by a velvety ride, providing a serene enjoyment of the journey rather than the exhilaration of sheer speed. Dominating the front end of the chassis is a 6.75-liter V8 nested within the elegant elongated hood. Rolls-Royce used this engine in various cars, but in the Corniche, it made 237 horsepower to the rear wheels via a 3-speed GM automatic transmission until 1992, similar to the one on the Rolls-Royce Camargue. The Corniche employed the 6.75-liter V8 until 1995, when Rolls-Royce added a turbocharged 6.75-liter V8 that was more or less a turbocharged variant of the naturally aspirated V8. Benefitting from forced induction, the new 6.75-liter turbocharged V8, used in the Corniche IV and Corniche V, made 321 horsepower, sending it all to the rear wheels via a 4-speed automatic transmission that replaced the older 3-speed. However, during the Rolls-Royce Corniche IV's production, the turbocharged V8 was only used on the last 25 units of the Corniche IV, badged as the Rolls-Royce Corniche S, with each unit having an individually numbered plate on the dashboard. It was only exclusively used during the Corniche V's tenure.
Across its various generations, the Rolls-Royce Corniche's interior consistently showcases opulence, exemplifying Rolls-Royce's unwavering commitment to luxury and exceptional craftsmanship. The cabin layouts of all generations have a similar layout boasting an adornment of premium materials and meticulous attention to detail evident on the plush leather seats, polished wood dashboard trim, and aluminum accents. Every surface feels luxurious to the touch, and the controls firm to the press. Despite being a coupe, Rolls-Royce engineers carefully considered the seating arrangement in the Rolls-Royce Corniche, ensuring every occupant, including the rear seat passengers, relishes the opulent ambiance throughout the journey regardless of how long it is. The seats provide not just comfort but also a sense of tailored exclusivity. In convertibles, the cabin's open and airy layout allows occupants to soak in the sunlight on a warm day or stargaze during nights parked on a cliff, enjoying heartwarming conversations.
Even though designed by independent coachbuilders, the Rolls-Royce Corniche's design follows Rolls-Royce's classical design language. Most would describe it as a piece of art combining classical design elements and modern touches, exuding a timeless elegance. Its undeniable presence makes the Corniche captivating, turning heads decades after it first graced the automotive world. Upfront, an upright grille sits as the centerpiece, adorned with vertical slats and the famous Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, adding a touch of regal distinction. Behind it, a sleek and elongated hood exudes presence, commanding attention and establishing a distinctive presence on the road by symbolizing power and prestige. Flanking the grille are a pair of large, round headlights, emphasizing the Corniche's heritage as they were used across its production span, including in the Corniche V. The only difference is that in the Corniche V, the headlights adopt a slightly modern styling as with other elements of the car's design. Each Rolls-Royce Corniche generation showcases meticulously crafted body panels with smooth lines, subtle curves, and a subtle sense of luxury with bits of polished chrome that add a touch of opulence. Models with convertible roofs have more than that, with the convertible soft top elevating the aesthetic appeal when retracted as it accentuates the Rolls-Royce Corniche's sleek wheelbase.
Even during its early years, Rolls-Royce Motors, previously known as Roll-Royce LTD, pioneered automotive technology, one of the company's sales strengths. Benefiting from years of technological success, the Rolls-Royce Corniche boasts a host of innovative features that contributed to its overall excellence, setting unprecedented standards during its tenure. The auto-leveling suspension, first used on the Rolls-Royce Corniche I with hydraulic components, saw improvements during the Corniche's production span, advancing to a fully adaptive suspension by the time the Corniche IV entered production. ABS and airbags, among other driver assist and safety features, were not standard in cars during the 20th Century, but Rolls-Royce made an early effort, first equipping the Corniche II with ABS in 1988. Airbags would not be available until the Corniche III, which has dual front airbags, one for the driver and one for the front seat passenger. The final production, Rolls-Royce Corniche V, had the most advanced technological advancements, but most were related to occupant comfort. For example, it was the first Corniche to employ powered front seats, dual automatic temperature control, and heated front and rear seats. Other features that justify its nearly $400,000 price tag during production included a 4-speaker 120-watt stereo system with a tuner, cassette, and CD system with a six-CD changer, a powered retractable soft top, automatic dual headlights, and a powered trunk. Moreover, the Rolls-Royce Corniche V incorporated an Electronic Traction Assistance System (ETAS) and automatic ride control for enhanced ride comfort.
The Rolls-Royce Corniche I, Corniche IV and Corniche V are the most expensive, with prices averaging $100,000. Still, it's common to find units sometimes being listed for figures twice due to some factors such as rarity. For example, due to their limited production numbers, a Rolls-Royce Corniche V Final Edition and a Rolls-Royce Corniche S are highly sought after by collectors; thus, prices rarely go below $150,000. Commemorative editions such as the Rolls-Royce Cornice IV Anniversary edition are also covetable and sell for the highest prices. As an example, a 1993 Corniche IV Anniversary edition was purchased for $330,000 on July 11, 2023. In the case of other generations, pricing falls within the $30,000 to $90,000 range; however, certain factors may influence upward price variations. Should you be in the market for a Rolls-Royce, your favorite model in the ideal spec might be available among the Rolls-Royce listings on Exotic Car Trader.
A pinnacle of luxury motoring, the Rolls-Royce Corniche seamlessly weaves together heritage, innovation, and unparalleled craftsmanship. Its enduring charm cements its status as an icon in the automotive world and one that has left an indelible mark on the legacy of Rolls-Royce. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! Whether you're a classic car nut or just looking for the ultimate summer cruiser, the Corniche is worth the chase. It's a timeless beauty that turns heads wherever it goes.
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