Rolls-Royce Corniche 1972

Partial Service History, This Rolls-Royce Corniche is an impressively original example of the luxury convertible from the very first year of production, boasting unrepeatable rock-star provenance.Power comes from a 6.75-litre alloy-block V8 with twin SU carburettors, coupled to a three-speed automatic transmission.For the 42 years from 1976 until 2018, the car was owned by founding member of The Moody Blues, Ray Thomas. He enjoyed around 15,000 miles behind the wheel from the late 1970s through to the 1990s.It had been laid up in Thomas' garage for around 20 years prior to be discovered by classic car restorer Simon Browse, who subsequently inspected and recommissioned the car to make it safe for road use.This example has had just three registered keepers from new.The five-digit odometer indicates 37,174 miles, which is believed to be correct.EQUIPMENT AND FEATURESAs a 'first series' Corniche, it boasts arguably the most handsome appearance of the model, with slim chrome bumpers and the elegant early interior.This Rolls-Royce Corniche is finished in the rare Black Cherry colour with hand-painted gold coachline, with bright chrome accents and a black soft top.The cabin is trimmed in beige Connolly Vaumol leather, complete with wooden inlays and Cumberland Stone carpets.It rides on a set of 15-inch wheels with polished centres and recent Avon Radial tyres.Equipment includes electric windows, Lucas fog lamps, automatic speed control, an internally-adjustable driver's door mirror, and a Radiomobile 'Stereo 8' tape player.Accompanying the sale is the owner's handbook, service book, various invoices and MOT certificates, a copy of the factory build file, and jack.Please note: the cherished registration is not included. It should revert to the age-related plate of 'TNE 477K' SERVICE HISTORY The car was serviced in August 2023 at 37,022 miles by Rolls-Royce specialist Shadow Motorcars, who cleaned the spark plugs, checked the operation of the fuel pumps, freed-off the rear callipers, overhauled the front brake callipers with new seals and pistons, adjusted the master cylinder gap, bled both brake systems, and replaced the ignition leads, ignition condenser, carburettor inline filters, inlet manifold gaskets, coolant gauge sender unit, and steam valve, seals, and gaskets.In 2019, Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialist Overton Vehicles was commissioned to replace the brake pump seals and rebuild the accumulator valves and spheres.Prior to this, various recommissioning work was carried out. The carburettors were removed, cleaned out and fully reset, and the double-acting SU fuel pumps were rebuilt. The fuel tank and lines were also flushed.Having been driven out of its long-term garage storage under its own power, all of the Corniche's fluids were renewed as a matter of course. The specialist who did the work mentioned that, on condition alone, the old lubricants were remarkably clear and uncontaminated.Other maintenance on the Rolls-Royce has included fitting a new battery, a fresh set of spark plugs and replacing the rear running light bulbs.While the Corniche was still cocooned in its garage after around 20 years of no use, classic car restorer Simon Browse carried out various work to get the car running again. This included replacing the ignition, distributor cap, rotor arm, condenser and points, and removing the spark plugs to give them a light clean and resetting the gaps.SUMMARYThis Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible is a dignified 1970s luxury convertible, understood to have been preserved in remarkably original condition thanks to around 20 years of careful storage while in the care of Moody Blues member Ray Thomas. Extensive recommissioning and service work has been carried out over the last six years, and it has been driven sparingly since its last service completed by Rolls-Royce specialist Shadow Motorcars at a cost of over £3,600. Displaying just 39000 miles on the odometer, which is believed to be the genuine total, it would make a charming and storied addition to any collection, well-suited to warm-weather weekend jaunts and exhibiting at classic car shows. Also recent invoice of £1200 service by local Rolls Royce Specialist.Any Further questions call Anthony on 07802208193.Viewing by appointment only.Thanks for looking.