Rolls-Royce Corniche V 6.8 Convertible

Driving less than 5,000 km with a car in 23 years sounds completely nuts. But at the same time does it make our Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible incredibly unique. And no, not just because of the extremely low mileage! The overall condition, configuration and history are also very special. The RR Corniche was newly added to the exclusive collection of the renowned Parisian Rolls-Royce dealer Jacques Savoye before it went to its first and only owner. We cannot emphasize enough how exceptional that is.

History
Original European, French delivered and a shape as rare as the mileage. This Rolls excels in all ways. Something that completely matches the model itself: in 1971 the Corniche was presented as a coupe and convertible, based on the Silver Shadow. The 2-door version of the classic top class sedan was given the highest price tag of the Rolls-Royce line-up at the time, making it highly exclusive and a true rarity. The Corniche V – also known as Corniche 2000 – is one of the generations with the lowest production numbers, with only 384 units built between 2000 and 2002. Ours started his life in a showroom in Paris where Rolls-Royce dealer Jacques Savoye delivered it to the one and only (!) owner who added it to his collection. Does that name ring a bell? That may be the case: Savoye was also famous in the racing scenery and praised for its 10-time (!) Le Mans participation between 1935 and 1955.

Exterior
Few cars have been in production for as long as the Rolls Royce Corniche. The British had given their ultimate flagship the most timeless design ever. Over the years, the changes of the different generations have been kept quite subtle. Until the 5th and last Corniche series a.k.a. ‘2000’ was introduced. From then on, the characteristic headlights were clustered behind glass and the ‘kink’ behind the doors was no longer a fact. As a result, the iconic pinstripes on the sides were now extended in almost a straight line from the headlights to the rear lights, which were also modified for series V. Furthermore, the bumpers and trunk lid changed big time, making it even more distinctively. The charismatic British styling and class remained fully intact though. Naturally. Ultimately, the model was succeeded by the Phantom Drophead Coupe. However, this car never had the same traditional class as the Corniche. Speaking of which: the Double Off-white fine lines or pinstripes contrast brilliantly with the deep dark blue lacquer, which in the sunlight is clearly inspired by the Mediterranean Sea. In our opinion, the soft-top color couldn’t have been chosen better. The mighty, chromed Rolls-Royce grille and white finish on the tires complete the nostalgic feelings. What a wealth. What an exclusivity. What a timeless British beauty this is!

Interior
Doubts about the ultra-low mileage? Take a seat in the cream leather captain seats and come to the conclusion that this classic is like new, from the cream roof trim all the way to the blue carpets! The wooden finish and dark blue leather on steering wheel + top of the dashboard have lost none of their originality and cachet. In 2024, the appreciation of the traditional character is higher than ever. Where do we see so much craftsmanship, quality, style and finesse these days? No modern Rolls-Royce or other exclusive car has been assembled with as much passion as the ‘good old’ Corniche Convertible.

Technique & performance
The drivetrain is just as classic and masterful as the rest of this Rolls-Royce: 325 smooth horses are unleashed on the rear axle and do their work almost imperceptibly. Underneath the immense engine compartment there’s a 6.75 liter V8 jewel with extremely few flying hours. The natural aspired 8-cylinder is ready for the museum, but not before you have experienced the power of 738 Newton meters yourself. The fully automatic transmission changes gears seamlessly; the Corniche 2000 has 4 of them. And still the 2,735 kg Convertible is able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h within 8.5 seconds. The stated top speed of Rolls-Royce is 225 km/h, but the next owner will probably not let it get to that point. After all, the enchantingly beautiful coastal areas are mainly intended for cruising…

Kind regards,
team Prins.