In Brief:

  • A simply beautiful example of Rolls-Royce’s iconic two-door convertible
  • Finished in Finished in Tudor Red over a Beige leather interior with a Beige soft top
  • Accompanied by a great history file 
  • Over £40,000 of invoices on file - £30,000 since 2017
  • Service book with 21 stamps from main dealer and specialists

Auctioneer’s Notes:

A truly beautiful example of Rolls-Royce’s iconic two-door convertible, this 1981 Corniche I presents in outstanding order throughout. Finished in Tudor Red over a Beige leather interior with a matching Beige soft top, the car's provenance and exceptional documentation make it a particularly compelling example.

Maintenance & Condition:

Appearing to be in stunning condition both inside and out, this Corniche clearly has benefitted from consistent expenditure over many years. The extensive history file includes invoices totalling circa £40,000, evidencing long-term maintenance and preservation. This example is also complemented by the original factory literature and a well-stamped service book recording an impressive 21 service stamps, charting maintenance from 1982 at just 3,082 miles through to 2017 at 96,123 miles.

History:

Accompanied by a truly outstanding history file, this Corniche benefits from remarkable provenance. Included are the original Rolls-Royce Literature Pack, MOT certificates dating back to its very first test in 1984, previous V5 documents and numerous invoices spanning decades. Notably, the file contains a purchase invoice from 2017 showing the car was acquired for £62,526 from Hanwells of London, as well as an earlier invoice from 1998 when it was purchased for £32,000 from Colbrook Rolls-Royce & Bentley Specialists.

The Model:

The Rolls-Royce Corniche was produced as both a coupé and a convertible, evolving from the Mulliner Park Ward two-door versions of the Silver Shadow. Named after the famous coastal roads of the French Riviera, the Corniche came to symbolise effortless wealth and exclusivity during its long production run. The Corniche I was powered by Rolls-Royce’s renowned 6.75-litre V8 engine, paired with a smooth three-speed automatic transmission. With four-wheel independent suspension and a sophisticated hydraulic self-levelling system, the Corniche delivered remarkable comfort and refinement. Fuel injection was introduced in 1977, with later examples producing approximately 237 bhp and offering a top speed of around 118 mph.

Sale Insight:

With its elegant colour combination, exceptional condition and one of the most comprehensive history files you are likely to encounter, this 1981 Corniche I Convertible represents a superb opportunity to obtain one of Rolls Royce's most exceptional models.

Estimate:
£25,000 - £30,000

Key Facts


  • Lot 57

  • Thursday 29th January 26

  • ROLLS ROYCE CORNICHE I CONVERTIBLE

  • 6750

  • 1981

  • 122,046 Miles

  • TTT449

  • January 1982

  • May 2026


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