1972 Rolls-Royce Corniche Fixed Head Coupe by Mulliner Park Ward

When Rolls-Royce launched the Corniche in 1971 the international jet set began to clamour for attention at the dealerships. With waiting lists measured in years, these iconic vehicles changed hands at vast premiums over list price and one can imagine the hushed negotiations over the green baize of the gaming tables of Mayfair. The Corniche saw Rolls-Royce for the first time dispense with the need for a chauffeur and was the first model to offer a rev counter. The Coupe by Mulliner Park Ward wafted to 60mph in 9.8 seconds, powered by the whisper quiet 6.7 litre V8 engine and it is widely regarded that the success of the Corniche saved Rolls-Royce for future generations. Of the 1,108 produced between 1971 and 1982 it is believed only 33 are currently on the road with six on SORN, making this important motorcar a rare sight on British highways.

The silhouette enjoys something close to cult status and this vehicle is in the best colour combination of Ming Blue, coach lined in gold, with a wonderfully original magnolia Connolly hide interior still fitted with a working,we are informed, Eight Track player. Impeccably maintained under current ownership with receipts of nearly £15,000 on file including recent repairs to the air conditioning. The detailed history file includes a raft of old MoTs. Previous owners maintained the car with no expense spared using marque specialists, latterly, Bentley Cardiff. The brightwork is immaculate and not a hint of rust sullies the elegant flanks thanks to early restorative works to the wheel arches and sills. However, as one might expect from a forty-three years old vehicle, the Ming blue paintwork is beginning to show its age, and would benefit from some cosmetic refreshment.

As a desirable early Corniche, that has aged with grace, this motor car offers the buyer a solid conveyance that no other marque could offer at this guide price in today's market. The leather however is beginning to show its 93,000 miles and the front seats would require some attention, should the buyer wish to correct forty-three years of patina. The cashmere headlining and coverings present beautifully today and the woodwork is in good condition for its age. Indeed, bearing in mind the build quality of Rolls-Royces of this period, the odometer reading is a mere footnote in the car's history, showing average usage of around 2,200 miles a year since manufacture. The engineering quality, even after all these years, shines through. The doors shut with the satisfying clunk synonymous with the "best car in the world". The vendor, its fourth owner, a discerning collector of Ferrari and Rolls-Royce offers this mechanically superlative Corniche for sale reluctantly. His busy schedule means the car remains forlornly underused. Offered freshly serviced and with a new MOT, this rare motor car offers incredible value and an ownership experience like no other.