2001 Rolls-Royce Corniche

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

*1 of only 374 examples built
*Fewer than 18,800 original miles
*MSRP when new - $363,565
*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. Purchased new by Gordon H. "Stumpy" Harris or Orlando, Florida, the Rolls was ordered in Black over Tangier hides with Black piping, Wilton wool Black carpets with Tangier trim (as well as a requisite set of black lambswool moutons) all covered by a Black top with Tangier headliner. Options specified included wood veneer on the steering wheel, a set of trunk mounted umbrellas, among others. Mr. Harris was assured of comfort inside thanks to the standard "finest leather upholstery". Arriving stateside in February of 2001, the car appears to have sat on the dealer lot for seven months—being driven just under 300 miles—before delivery to its first owner. The total suggested retail price was $363,565 but the copy of the certified invoice indicated that a generous discount of over 10% was given for a net result of $327,439.90.

Mr. Harris would keep his Rolls, regularly servicing it at Rolls-Royce and Bentley of Orlando according to the CARFAX report and service handbook stamps, for five years and just under 14,500 miles before selling it to its next owner. Passing through a few more keepers, the current owner acquired the Rolls in July of 2010 with 18,698 miles on the ticker.

Since acquiring the car, only 46 additional miles have been added, bringing the total to 18,744 at the time of catalog. Given the past 13 years of minimal usage, it is recommended that Corniche is serviced prior to any wafting about. Among the final Rolls-Royces to emerge from the factory at Crewe, this Corniche, which is accompanied by it's build records, clean CARFAX report, and handbooks, is one of only 67 produced in 2001 and a rare bird indeed.