Rolls-Royce introduced the absolutely groundbreaking Silver Shadow in 1965, following it with the Silver Shadow two-door saloon in March of 1966 and a drophead coupe in September. Built in-house by Rolls-Royce’s own coachbuilder, Mulliner Park Ward, the exceedingly modern new Rolls-Royce lineup answered the call from a growing swath of new, younger customers to produce vehicles that weren’t so cumbersome to drive, often calling for chauffeurs. Rolls-Royce not only hit the nail on the head, but knocked it out of the park completely with the new Silver Shadow. It was exquisitely modern, not only in style, but in engineering and materials, catapulting the company into the modern era and beyond. Despite all the freshness, Rolls-Royce retained various traditions, including hand-built construction right down to the paints and pinstriping, Wilton wool carpeting, superbly varnished Burr walnut woods, spectacular Connolly leathers and beautiful brightwork throughout. Of course, should a customer want specifically personal touches, nothing was out of reach, even for the drophead coupe and two-door saloon, which could cost as much as 50% more than a standard Silver Shadow right from the start. Largely because of this exclusivity, and in part to lend brand recognition, Rolls-Royce would rebadge the two-door Silver Shadows as Corniche in March of 1971. The car, even before it was called Corniche, was one of the most exclusive and expensive cars ever made, and an instant legend. Production would cease in 1995 with roughly 7,000 examples produced. Finished in a unique hue of blue, this 1983 Rolls-Royce Corniche Drophead Coupe hails from the Corniche I line spanning from 1971 to 1987. Powered by a 6.75L V-8 engine and an automatic transmission, the Corniche is fitted with the infamous Spirit of Ecstasy radiator mascot atop the equally famous grille and a grille guard adorned with various Rolls-Royce Owner’s Club badges. The blue interior is shielded by a black, power- operated convertible top and fitted with wood trim, bucket seats, air conditioning, Jaeger gauges, power windows and other amenities that placed Rolls-Royce absolutely at the summit of the automotive pyramid. To complete this Corniche, steel wheels are dressed with whitewall tires, beauty rings and the small-diameter Rolls-Royce hubcaps.
