1971 Bentley Corniche Convertible

Technical Specifications: 

Mark & Model: Bentley Corniche Convertible

Year: 1971

Registration plate: Jersey registered

Chassis Number: DRH 11211

Engine Number: 1014251

Engine Capacity: 6750 cc

Transmission: 3-speed Automatic

Mileage: 81,200

Body style: 2-door Convertible

Interior color: Red leather

Exterior color: Silver

Seating capacity: 4196

Wheels and Tyres: Original steel wheels

Overall Comments

A model much loved in its time by the rich and famous, this Corniche does indeed look ‘a million dollars’ and drives equally well. Accompanied by a history file which includes an outline of its early life, together with a copy of the original R-R build documentation and full details of all restoration and renovation work carried out since its return to Jersey in 2012. The car is Jersey registered and we can assist with (worldwide) shipping and importation processes if required.

History

The introduction of the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow (and its Bentley-badged sister, the T1) in 1965 marked a major departure from its predecessor, the Silver Cloud, being the first model from the company to use unitary construction rather than a separate body and chassis. The more efficient use of space made possible by this enabled the car to offer increased passenger and luggage accommodation, whilst reducing both the length and width of the vehicle. The new car was designed by John Blatchley and provided a much cleaner, more modern appearance.

Amongst the numerous other modernisations introduced with the Silver Shadow were all-round disc brakes and independent rear suspension, making use of a high-pressure hydropneumatic suspension system licensed from Citroën, with dual-circuit braking and hydraulic self-levelling suspension, offering a high quality ride. Initially, the car made use of the same engine and gearbox as the outgoing Silver Cloud – a twin carburettor, 6.2 litre V8, coupled to a four-speed automatic gearbox – but both engine and gearbox were modified during the long production run, which included a subsequent Silver Shadow II model (and Bentley T2), and ended in 1980. In all, around 25,000 4-door cars were manufactured. Far rarer was the 2-door variant – the Corniche – introduced in 1971 and available in coupé or convertible form, with less than 4,500 manufactured and the equivalent Bentley model managing less than 150 examples.

This car was built in 1971 as a Rolls-Royce Corniche – we have a partial copy of the R-R build history. It appears it found its first owner in Jersey later that same year and spent some time in the island before returning to the UK and being re-registered there in March 1978. We have an outline of the car’s history for some years after that, with a mileage record of 43,000 in 1997. It looks like it changed colour (from Gold) to Silver in March 2000, with around 56,000 miles recorded at that time. The first mention of it having been re-badged as a Bentley Corniche appears in 2006 and the last MOT certificate held shows 78,889 miles in April 2011.

In 2012, the Corniche returned to its first home in Jersey with a new owner who embarked upon considerable refurbishment/restoration works in June of that year, finishing in April 2013 with attention given to the interior; hood mechanism; bodywork repairs; electrics and braking system – over £40,000 spent. It was formally re-registered in the island (as a Rolls-Royce Corniche) in March 2013 and has had limited, careful use over the last decade, with the current mileage not much over 81,200.

Body

The underside of the car is sound and quite clean. The silver paintwork is in good condition and is nicely offset by the red hood and hood cover. Brightwork is all present, correct and in good condition with a Bentley radiator and Bentley wheel trims fitted. Detracting only a little from the overall picture, the hood has a couple of small tears and the inside headlining could be better – but this is a ‘top-down’ type of car!

Mechanical

The car is running and driving very well as might be anticipated with a well-cared for vehicle – the autobox changes smoothly, no unwanted noises from the suspension and the brakes pull the car up without fuss. The setup of the vehicle has been undertaken with assistance from a Rolls-Royce-trained specialist. To complete the change to a Bentley Corniche, Bentley-badged rocker box covers have been fitted.

Interior

The red leather interior trim is in a lovely patinated condition – the driver and passenger seats show signs of use, but the leather has clearly been well cared for. The carpets, wooden cappings, dashboard and instrumentation are equally in very good condition – the instruments are still badged Rolls-Royce. The boot interior looks hardly used.

Asking Price

£ 49,950