Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 305
2001 Rolls-Royce Corniche VIN. SCAZK29E31CX68509
Estimate: US$120,000 - US$160,000
Lot 305
2001 Rolls-Royce Corniche
2001 Rolls-Royce Corniche
VIN. SCAZK29E31CX68509
VIN. SCAZK29E31CX68509
6,750cc Turbocharged V-8 Engine
Electronic fuel injection
325bhp at 4,000rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Long term enthusiast ownership from new
*1 of only 374 examples built
*Fewer than 7,000 original miles
*Incredibly maintained and presented example
*The last Rolls-Royce manufactured at the Crewe factory
THE CORNICHE
The original Corniche convertible had been a major success for Rolls-Royce, so the revival of the model in 1999 after a gap of five years caused considerable excitement. By this time, Rolls-Royce was owned by BMW, but the Corniche V had been developed while the British firm belonged to Volkswagen, which would keep both the Bentley brand and the Crewe factory. It is historically significant as the new Rolls-Royce developed under the auspices of VW, and the last built at Crewe. Thus, the Corniche used the 'old' Rolls-Royce / Bentley 6.75-liter pushrod V8 in its turbo-charged form with an astounding 544 ft. lb. of torque. A stiffer body shell, new hydraulic engine mounts, lighter steering, softer suspension and special Avon tires all contributed to characteristics more at home on the boulevard, which is exactly what its target market expected. At the time of its release, it was the most expensive Rolls-Royce on offer, with a base price of $359,900. When the last Corniche was rolled off the production line in August 2002, it marked the end of Rolls-Royce manufacture at the Crewe factory, which would henceforth only produce Bentleys. When production ceased in 2003 a total of only 374 Corniches had been built.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Of the 374 examples produced, this stunning drop top Corniche is one of the select few that made its way stateside. The car was purchased new at Manhattan Motor Cars in New York, NY in March of 2002. The car would remain in the care of its original owner for the next 17 years. Over those 17 years, the car would spend its time in the tri-state area as well as many of the colder months in southern Florida. At the time of cataloging, the car has covered fewer than 7,000 miles from new. Despite the extremely low mileage, the car was routinely serviced at the recommended intervals. A Carfax report documents the extensive mechanical care that the vehicle received throughout its life. Accompanying the car are its original manuals, service book, tools, gloves, extra fluids, and jack. The sale of this Corniche presents an opportunity to acquire a significant Rolls Royce at a fraction of its original price.
Additional information
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