The Rolls-Royce Corniche Series I was a luxury convertible car produced by Rolls-Royce Limited from 1971 to 1987. It was designed to be a more accessible and user-friendly alternative to the Phantom VI, while still maintaining the high standards of quality and craftsmanship expected from the Rolls-Royce brand.
Design and Features
The Corniche Series I had a lengthened wheelbase and a shorter rear overhang compared to its predecessor, the Silver Shadow. The body was based on the Silver Shadow's floorpan but featured a more luxurious interior with amenities such as:
- Leather-upholstered seats
- Wood trim
- Power steering
- Heated front seats
- Cruise control
- Air conditioning (optional)
Powertrain and Performance
The Corniche Series I was powered by a 6.75-liter V8 engine, which produced 200 horsepower. The power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic gearbox with an overdrive unit. This gave the car a top speed of around 110 mph (177 km/h) and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 11 seconds.
Interior and Amenities
Inside, the Corniche Series I featured a richly appointed interior with amenities such as:
- Premium leather upholstery
- Wood trim on the dashboard and doors
- Heated front seats with adjustable lumbar support
- Rear seat passengers enjoyed ample legroom and adjustable headrests
Safety Features
The Corniche Series I was equipped with advanced safety features for its time, including:
- Dual airbags (optional)
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was not available as a standard feature, but could be specified on certain trim levels
- Three-point seatbelts were fitted to all seats
Production and Sales
A total of 2,115 Corniche Series I cars were produced during its 16-year production run. The majority of these were sold in the United States, with smaller numbers being exported to other countries.
Model Variations
During its production run, the Corniche Series I underwent several minor facelifts and revisions. These included:
- A revised grille design
- Changes to the dashboard trim and switchgear
- Improved air conditioning performance
The Corniche Series I was eventually replaced by the Rolls-Royce Corniche Series II in 1987, which featured a restyled exterior and improved interior amenities.
