The Rolls Royce Corniche was a development of the Mulliner Park Ward two-door Saloon versions of the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. These were designated as the 2-door Saloon and Drophead Coupé, introduced in 1965 and 1966 respectively. Production remained in London at Mulliner Park Ward; the new name was applied in March 1971. A Bentley version of the Corniche was also produced. It became known as the Bentley Continental from 1984 to 1995. The Corniche draws its name from the experimental 1939 Corniche prototype. The name originally comes from the French word corniche, a coastal road, especially along the face of a cliff, most notably the Grande Corniche along the French Riviera above the principality of Monaco. The Corniche, available as coupé or convertible, used the standard Rolls-Royce V8 engine with an aluminium-silicon alloy block and aluminium cylinder heads with cast iron wet cylinder liners. Twin SU carburettors were initially fitted, but were replaced with a single Solex 4A1 four-barrel carburettor introduced in 1977. De-smogged export models retained the twin SUs until 1980, when Bosch fuel injection was added. A three-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 (using the same system as did Citroën, but without pneumatic springs, and with the hydraulic components built under licence by Rolls-Royce), at first on all four, but later on the rear wheels only. Four wheel disc brakes were specified, with ventilated discs added for 1972. The Corniche was different from other Silver Shadows in that it had exclusive half wheel covers with stainless steel trim (for brake cooling), a 3-spoke steering wheel with a wood rim, and Rolls Royce's first standard tachometer. The Corniche received a mild restyling in the spring of 1977. Difference included rack-and-pinion steering, alloy and rubber bumpers, aluminium radiator, oil cooler and a bi-level air conditioning system was added. Later changes included a modified rear independent suspension in March 1979. In March 1981, after the Silver Spirit had gone on sale, the Coupé version of the Corniche and its Bentley sister were discontinued. For 1985 there were also cosmetic and interior changes. This stunning gentleman's grand tourer was first delivered to the USA market in left hand drive format, where it was enjoyed in the warm States. The car was returned to Europe where it has undergone a total strip down inspection by the most conscientious and skilled craftsman too determine the best options to make this car into one of the finest and good looking examples. Following a total refurbish, repaint in stunning and well suited Champagne and Brown exterior paintwork and new Fawn interior finest Leather trim and Mohair hood covering, new chrome and bright metal finishing the car is now sits with so much style, you have to walk around to take in the outstanding fit and finish. The car is quite exceptional in looks but also drive so well. Still on the original SU Carburettors (and one of the last) the car drives as it looks, a find example.