2000 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible

The auction car shows 38,186 miles on the odometer, and is one of 250 built for 2000.

Though the car wears a nose treatment styled after the contemporary Silver Seraph saloon, its grand proportions, elegant, yacht-like profile, and distinct tail styling betray its Bentley Azure roots.

Built from 1995 - 2003, the Series 1 Azure was a large, beautiful convertible GT car styled and partially built by Pininfarina. Ignoring for a moment the Azure was itself based on an RR platform, one could say that the Corniche V was the only Rolls ever based on a Bentley, rather than the other way around.

The car shows a couple of small dents that may greatly benefit from paintless removal procedure, and both bumpers will need to be refinished–otherwise, the car’s cosmetics appear to be holding up very well.

At 18’ long and weighing nearly 3.5 tons, this is a very large car, the scale of which doesn’t quite come through fully in photos. Fortunately, it’s also a very elegantly styled car with well-chosen colors.

The interior presents similarly well to the exterior, underneath an automatically folding convertible top with thicker, more luxurious lining than found on most hardtops.

Materials are all top-notch, including rich veneers, Wilton wool, and Connolly leather, and charming quirks like the analog outside temperature gauge and polished metal “organ stop” ventilation controls add to the car’s deep character.

Motivation is provided by Rolls’s traditional “six-and-three-quarter liter” L-series ohv V8, but fitted with a turbo for 325 hp and a whopping 544 lb-ft of torque from just 2,100 rpm. The transmission is a 4-speed automatic, a world-class unit supplied by GM.

Fully sorted, these cars combine high refinement with a fantastically smooth ride and operation, though the auction example has been sitting for an extended time and will thus likely require some recommissioning.

The car is sold with limited documentation.

Though the first four Silver Shadow-based Corniches were quite exclusive in their own right, nearly 7,000 were made over a quarter century–by comparison, only 374 Corniche V’s were made over a brief three-year run.

Perhaps less objectively, the later, Pininfarina-styled cars are much prettier to boot. This one would be spectacular for fall coastal cruising with the heat up and top down.

Estimated $60,000 - $90,000.

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.

Buyers should expect the title within 30 business days following the sale; however, please note that for reasons beyond Bonhams/Market control, including any delays in lien releases by lien holder and/or delays by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) in certain states, there are instances where the Buyer may not receive the title within 30 business days and, in those circumstances, Bonhams/Market will work to provide the titles to the Buyer as soon as possible.

If a Lot is rendered “Title in Transit”, it is unlikely that the Buyers will receive the title in the mail within 30 business days following the auction/sale; however, Bonhams/Market will work to provide the titles to the Buyer as soon as possible.

The Buyer acknowledges that delays in transferring titles including, due to delays at government Motor Vehicle departments, happen from time-to-time and, the Buyer will hold both Bonhams/Market and the Consignor harmless from any allegations of damages arising out of government delays.

Please note it is the responsibility of the Buyer to transfer ownership in compliance with their jurisdictional rules and regulations.