1982 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible

At its outset, the Rolls-Royce Corniche convertible was without question the most expensive car of its age (other than head-of-state style limousines), costing close to one and half times more than the “standard” Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, which, in 1965, had spearheaded Rolls-Royce’s thrust into unitary construction, presenting coachbuilders with a new challenge. The fact that the bespoke two-door convertibles by Mulliner-Park Ward on the Silver Shadow platform took more than 20 weeks to hand craft and transform into something altogether far more select went some way to justifying the enormous price tag; add that the walnut burl veneers, Wilton carpets and custom Connolly leather upholstery were all of the very highest order, and it’s easy to see why discerning clientele clamored for the exclusive Corniche with its seductive and subtle kinked coachline that kicked up over its haunches. With an increase in displacement and power from the uprated 6750cc version of the alloy V-8, the Corniche also received myriad upgrades and refinements.