1993 Rolls-Royce Corniche Drophead Coupe

Rolls-Royce dropped the standard 6.75L L410 V8 into the Corniche and mated it to a General Motors Turbo Hydramatic 400 three-speed automatic transmission. The suspension system is a design that originally belonged to Citroen, a hydraulic self-levelling setup that was combined with a more traditional independent coil spring format. The car has a 119.75-inch wheelbase which was later extended another quarter inch in 1974, and another half-inch on top of that in 1979. One factoid that makes the Corniche unique for Rolls-Royce is that it contained the company’s first standardized tachometer. Today’s example is also a recipient of coach building by the people over at Mulliner Park Ward.

Finished in a light cream, today’s Corniche presents fantastically. Gold pinstriping adorns the crease lines going down both sides of the vehicle. The body panels are clean on the outside and the panel gaps are even everywhere aside from the doors which look slightly off-kilter. The OEM hubcaps clean up particularly well and look great with the car’s staggered suspension which has the front-end riding noticeably higher than the rear, making for a particularly sophisticated stance from the luxurious cruiser. The brown convertible top stretches beautifully over the body and shows no major damage on the outside. Overall, the exterior of this Corniche presents itself exquisitely.

The leather matches the metal on this Corniche, and the inside is loaded to the brim with cream leather. It presents wonderfully and there is very little obvious major damage to observe. The cream seats have very little creasing, which isn’t surprising considering the odometer reads less than 33,000 miles. Wooden inlays adorn the inside of the vehicle and add a great pop of color against the sea of cream. The underside of the convertible roof stretches effortlessly over the cabin and shows nicely.

Produced in 1993, this specific example is known as a Corniche IV. Corniche IVs were produced from 1992 to 1995 and received very little changes following the departure of the outgoing Corniche III. The greatest change between these two generations is the introduction of adaptive suspension to the Corniche IV. Considering this example’s peculiar ride height up front, we recommend that the bidder have the suspension examined by a professional post-auction. Under the hood lies a 6.75-liter V8 mated to a GM4L80 4-speed automatic transmission. Notably in 1993, Rolls-Royce were able to squeeze 20% percent more power out of the V8 as well.

History available on the vehicle is limited. We do know for certain that the seller purchased this in 2008 vehicle from Vantage Motorworks Inc. in Miami, Florida. Prior to purchase, it appears that Vantage Motorworks had the vehicle in their care from at least 2006 to 2008.

The Corniche’s executive styling made it highly popular among celebrities and pre-internet influencer types, but the Corniche unsurprisingly didn’t reach a massive audience. Rolls-Royce ultimately built 1,090 coupes and 3,224 convertibles. Today’s example has been impeccably preserved, and its handsome looks leave us feeling quite confident the vehicle will have few issues hitting its $60,000 - $100,000 estimate.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BIDDERS

It should be noted that this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.

We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

Due to California emissions laws, please note that this vehicle may only be sold to an out-of-state resident for use outside of California or to a licensed automotive dealer.

Please note that the title for this vehicle is in transit.