71,151 Actual Mile Corniche II Convertible 6.75 V8

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever. Its loveliness increases, and it will never pass into nothingness.” – John Keats

That phrase was the punch line of Rolls-Royce 1987 marketing campaign for this captivating Corniche II. And here we are over two decades later still admiring the car, and still confirming what Keats said so many years prior. Fast, competent and stylish, vintage cruisers like this expertly maintained convertible are the choice of many collectors who like to both show and drive their classics. As one of only 312 Corniche IIs built for the 1987 model year, this rock solid Rolls is a perfect combination of luxury, exclusivity and collectability. If you're one of those old school diehards who's looking for the ultimate sunny day parade car, this three owner carriage is an incredible find!

This pristine, road-ready tourer is an exceptionally maintained classic. Its subdued white paint carries just the right amount of refinement worthy of an old world luxury badge, and looking at its solid flanks, there's no question it was constructed with some fine workmanship. That slick clearcoat finish, which is as flat and smooth as volcanic glass, comes courtesy of six weeks in the paint booth, 14 to 20 coats of urethane and a series of very picky owners. And with what amounts to just 'break-in' miles in planet Rolls time, the car's solid body is virtually blemish-free. Fit, finish and panel gaps are exactly what you would expect from a carriage that spent six months in Mulliner Park Ward being hand-built. And for a car that's almost 30 years old, has been driven steadily on weekends, and has never been fully restored, this luxurious drop-top is simply remarkable!

Like most vintage Rolls, this Corniche's styling is brilliantly executed with tall, slab-sided proportions which recall the days when automakers didn't have to worry about wringing the efficiency out of every single drop of gasoline. At the front of the car, a prominent grille centers The Spirit of Ecstasy between large headlights, vertical parking lamps, three small plaques and a body-matched and chrome-trimmed bumper. At the sides of the car, swept body lines are only interrupted by straight rocker spears, chrome fender finishers, elegant chrome door handles, mandatory marker lamps, and body-matched mirrors. At the top of the car, a stainless-trimmed hood leads stainless trimmed glass which is capped by a tan convertible top. And at the back of the car, a small center high mount stop lamp rides above vertical, two-color tail lights, a chrome trunk handle, simple “ROLLS-ROYCE and “CORNICHE II” emblems and a second body-matched and chrome-trimmed bumper.

There's no question this is an aesthetically impressive car, but that's only half the equation. Stuffed with heavy, hand crafted materials and all the luxury amenities anyone could ever imagine, the Corniche weighs in at just over 5,500 pounds. In an ordinary luxury car, that would create an acceleration nightmare, but not for this Rolls. Flip the switch for the car's power operated hood and you'll find a stalwart 6.75 liter V8 creates a solid 238 horsepower on its way to an impressive 120 MPH top speed! The bottom line: this heavily refined pushrod, which the company called the “six and three quarter” engine”, sports a first class valvetrain and a high quality Bosch K-Tronic fuel injection system which matches the car's old world comfort with impressive performance. The big engine literally makes the substantial curb weight of this car feel like it doesn't exist as it charges forward with such creamy smoothness you'll think there's an electric motor mounted under the hood. Naturally the subdued powerplant fires up easily, idles as softly as a whisper, and is as happy cruising along at gated neighborhood speeds as it is performing sweeping, P51 Mustang-style distance runs. Cosmetically everything here looks like a well preserved time capsule, which isn't surprising given the car's meticulously kept exterior and interior. And since this mill was produced long before the OEM's questionable obsession with plastic engine covers, you can plainly see how well-maintained every seal, nut, bolt and electronic component really is.

Shifting that massive 412 cubic inch powerhouse is a buttery 5-speed automatic transmission which plays a perfect companion for open roads and mountainous torque. At the sides of that stalwart gearbox, there's a fully independent suspension which features Rolls' built in Auto Height Leveling System. At the corners of that suspension, a four wheel disc brake system provides confident cornering and safe stops. And on the outside of those disc brakes, spotless 15 inch painted steel wheels spin 235/70 Arizonian Silver Edition tires around pristine stainless trim. The floor of this road-ready drop-top is clean, solid and ready for thousands of miles of exploring, boasting and generally enjoying the sunshine. And everything from the car's brake hoses and exhaust system to its fuel tank and fuel lines looks to be in good working order.

Rolls' legends of fabulous interior workmanship and materials are absolutely true—there's not a single man-made fiber anywhere in this interior. Instead, it's all natural, including Connolly leather hides that are specially selected to match not only in color but texture, deep-pile wool carpets, 0.75 inch thick Circassian walnut paneling, and brilliantly polished chrome knobs and vents. The car's tan leather seats are exquisitely stitched and more comfortable than, well, any piece of furniture in your home. On the dash and console, every detail is beautifully finished as someone actually took time to hand-make most of the pieces; and those that are not hand-made are carefully inspected, polished, and buffed to ensure everything is just as perfect as it can be. In front of the driver, a classy wood steering wheel frames three aluminum spokes and a Rolls Royce horn button. You'll be pleased that the convertible top mechanism, stashed behind the cockpit, is as simple to use as a light switch; just push the button and the top unlatches and stows itself beneath a matching boot. When the car's roof is up it hangs wool fabric and insulation between the car's occupants and the outside world, resulting in a convertible that's quieter than most closed cabin cars. The trunk, which is as carefully stitched as a fine custom suit, carries its stowable picnic gear. And everything from this Corniche's automatic bi-level air conditioning to its door-mounted cocktail requisites literally defines the term “luxury”.

Included with the sale of this world class luxury car is a small stack of original dealer brochures.

Both luxurious and capable, this 1987 Corniche II is a substantial classic that's been expertly maintained throughout its entire existence. Thanks to Rolls' reputation for excellent automobiles, these cars continue to hold their value and enjoy a large group of dedicated fans. If you're looking for a great cruiser that has a touch of class, you simply can't go wrong with this slick drop-top!