Rolls-Royce Corniche

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Rolls-Royce Corniche

Manufacturer	Rolls-Royce Limited/Rolls-Royce Motors
Also called	Bentley Corniche Bentley Continental
Production	1971–1996
Predecessor	Silver Shadow Coupe
Successor	Rolls-Royce Corniche Bentley Azure
Wheelbase	119¾ in (3042 mm) 120 in (3048 mm) 120½ in (3061 mm)
Related	Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
Designer	Bill Allen

For the fifth-generation Corniche, see Rolls-Royce Corniche (2000).

The Corniche was Rolls-Royce's coupé and convertible version of the Silver Shadow produced between 1971 and 1996.

The model was assembled and finished in London at Mulliner Park Ward as continuation of the 1965 Silver Shadow coupe and 1967 drophead, with the Corniche name applied in 1971. The Corniche was also sold as a Bentley, though that model became known as the Continental in 1984. The first car to wear the Corniche name was a 1939 prototype based on the Bentley Mark V which was never produced because of the onset of World War II.

The Corniche was available both as a coupé and convertible, with the former discontinued in 1982.

The car used the standard Rolls-Royce V8 engine. It had an aluminium-silicon alloy block and aluminum cylinder heads with cast iron wet cylinder liners. The bore was 4.1 in (104.1 mm) and the stroke was 3.9 in (99.1 mm) for a total of 6.8 L (6750 cc/411 in³). Twin SU carburettors were initially fitted with a single Solex 4-barrel carburettor introduced in 1975. Export models retained the twin SU's until 1980, when Bosch fuel injection was added.

A 3-speed automatic transmission (a Turbo Hydramatic 400 sourced from General Motors) was standard. A four-wheel independent suspension with coil springs was augmented with a hydraulic self-levelling system in the rear. Four wheel disc brakes were specified, with ventilated discs added for 1972.

The car originally used a 119.75 in (3042 mm) wheelbase. This was extended to 120 in (3048 mm) in 1974 and 120.5 in (3061 mm) in 1979.

1 Corniche II
2 Corniche III
3 Corniche IV
4 Corniche (2000)
5 Production
6 See also

[edit] Corniche II

The car was mildly reworked in 1986 as the Corniche II. Alloy and rubber bumpers replaced earlier chrome ones. An aluminum radiator was substituted and an oil cooler was added. Anti-lock brakes were standard but air bags were not available in the Corniche II. Other changes included new style rims, a new reverse warning lens type and pattern around the rear license plate, as well as newly designed seats and a redesigned dash.

The Bentley version was updated in 1984 with a new name, the Continental. The Bentley model had lost its closed coupe option in 1982, and all Corniche II's of the era were convertibles.

[edit] Corniche III

The Corniche III was introduced at the 1989 as a 1990 Model. Frankfurt Motor Show as a continuation of the Corniche line. The only significant change from the Corniche II was that Air Bags were standard. Otherwise the cars were very similar except for minor interior changes.

[edit] Corniche IV

The car was reworked in 1993 as the Corniche IV. By this time production had moved to Crewe after the closure of Mulliner Park Ward. A glass rear window was now used, a major upgrade from the old plastic one. The rest of the top mechanism was improved as well, and now required no manual latching. CFC-free air conditioning was specified, as was driver and passenger airbags.

[edit] Corniche (2000)

Main article: Rolls-Royce Corniche (2000)

The fifth car to bear the Corniche name made its debut on January 2000. At the time of its release, it was the most expensive vehicle offered by Rolls-Royce, with a base price of US$359,900.

[edit] Production

Rolls-Royce Corniche: 4347
- Saloon (1971-1982): 1108
- Convertible (1971-1987): 3239
Bentley Corniche: 140
- Saloon (1971-1982): 63
- Convertible (1971-1984): 77
Rolls-Royce Corniche II: 1226
Rolls-Royce Corniche III: 452
Rolls-Royce Corniche IV: 244
- Corniche IV (1993-1996): 219
- Corniche S (1995-1996): 25
Bentley Continental (1984-1994): 421
- Bentley Continental Turbo (1992-1995): 8