Background
Upon introduction in 1965, the Silver Shadow marked a revolution as the first Rolls-Royce model with unitary construction, disc brakes all around, and hydraulic self-leveling rear suspension. Standard factory bodywork was handsomely styled and impeccably built, hastening the end of Britain’s time-honored custom coachbuilding industry. However, for more demanding Rolls-Royce buyers, the Silver Shadow line also included a limited-production hardtop coupe and cabriolet, designed by Bill Allen and hand-built by Rolls-Royce subsidiary Mulliner Park Ward. As Britain’s most expensive automobiles at launch, these coachbuilt beauties were given their own unique identity in 1971 and named ‘Corniche’ after the exotic roads along the French Cote d’Azur.
The Corniche coupe was eventually discontinued in 1982, with the glamorous cabriolet remaining in production through 1996. From introduction, the Corniche was an instantly recognizable cultural icon, prompting buyers to gladly wait up to four years for delivery. Delivering greater performance than the Silver Shadow, the 6.75-liter V-8 engine of the Corniche produced 215 horsepower at 4,200 rpm with a revised camshaft profile and larger-diameter exhaust system, although Rolls-Royce cannily refused to publicly advertise official power ratings. While luxuriously equipped, trimmed in leather upholstery and weighing about 5,000 pounds, the Corniche was a very capable performer with acceleration from rest to 60 mph in less than 10 seconds and a top speed nearing 130 mph.
This later-production 1993 Rolls-Royce Corniche IV is one of 219 examples produced 1993-1996 and as one of the last of the breed, it benefits from the improvements applied throughout production, including ABS, airbags, improved ergonomics, and minor styling changes, plus a power top with a glass rear window that required no latching, and improved air conditioning. Accordingly, the Corniche IV is the rarest, most sophisticated, and desirable of all.
