Rolls-Royce Corniche Series I
The Rolls-Royce Corniche I offers hand-built Mulliner Park Ward style in either coupe or convertible form, based on the proven Silver Shadow platform. It remains a surprisingly accessible entry into classic Rolls-Royce ownership, with values heavily dependent on condition and body style.
Rolls-Royce Corniche Series I sold for a median of $37,081 over the last 12 months, based on 14 auction sales; the middle 50% sold between $33,650 and $39,050. 59 currently for sale.
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Rolls-Royce Corniche Series I prices by year
| Year | Median (3 yrs) | Middle 50% | Sales (3 yrs) | For sale now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | $49k | $37k–$50k | 7 | 2 |
| 1972 | $27k | $25k–$35k | 5 | 3 |
| 1973 | $39k | $27k–$43k | 6 | 0 |
| 1974 | $26k | – | 1 | 1 |
| 1975 | $46k | – | 3 | 4 |
| 1976 | $42k | $26k–$43k | 5 | 4 |
| 1977 | – | – | 0 | 0 |
| 1978 | $51k | – | 2 | 4 |
| 1979 | $46k | – | 2 | 0 |
| 1980 | $35k | $33k–$40k | 4 | 3 |
| 1981 | $58k | $44k–$75k | 10 | 2 |
| 1982 | $57k | $35k–$63k | 5 | 2 |
| 1983 | $40k | $39k–$53k | 5 | 2 |
| 1984 | – | – | 0 | 6 |
| 1985 | $54k | – | 3 | 23 |
| 1986 | – | – | 0 | 3 |
Auction sales in the last 3 years; prices leave out salvage and other branded titles.
Listings
Introduced in 1971, the Rolls-Royce Corniche was an evolution of the Silver Shadow two-door coupe and convertible models bodied by Mulliner Park Ward. It retained the Silver Shadow's 6.75-liter V8 engine and its complex Citroën-licensed hydropneumatic suspension and braking system, but wrapped it in a more personal and stylish package. Available as a fixed-head coupe or a more glamorous drophead coupe, the Corniche represented the pinnacle of open-top British luxury for its time.
Collectors appreciate the Corniche for its hand-built quality and timeless design. It offers a more intimate, owner-driver experience than the larger four-door saloons while sacrificing none of the brand's legendary comfort and silence. Convertibles are especially sought after for their top-down elegance. The Corniche offers a significant amount of prestige and craftsmanship for the money compared to contemporary rivals from Aston Martin or Ferrari.
With an average sale price around $44,000, the Corniche I market is surprisingly accessible. The wide price range, from project cars under $1,000 to concours-level convertibles topping $129,000, reflects the huge disparity in condition and body style. Well-maintained drivers represent a strong value, but buyers should be aware that deferred maintenance on the complex hydraulic and electrical systems can lead to staggering repair bills.
Buying Tips
- Prioritize a complete and detailed service history from a marque specialist. A lack of records almost always signals expensive deferred maintenance.
- Thoroughly inspect the high-pressure hydraulic system for leaks and proper operation. Ensure the suspension self-levels correctly and the brake pumps don't cycle too frequently, as repairs can cost tens of thousands.
- Check for rust, especially in the sills, floor pans, wheel arches, and around the front and rear glass. Body repairs on these cars are exceptionally expensive.
- On convertibles, operate the complex power top several times. Check for smooth movement, a snug fit, and the condition of the fabric, headliner, and rear window.
- Examine the interior wood and leather. Cracked lacquer and dried, torn hides are common and very costly to restore to factory standards.
Prices for the Corniche I range from as low as $500 for major projects to $129,944 for top-tier examples.
500 Rolls-Royce Corniche Series I vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 59 currently live.
Data sourced from auction results and dealer and private listings, including Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, Mecum, RM Sotheby’s and eBay Motors. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Rolls-Royce Corniche Series I cost?
Over the last 12 months, Rolls-Royce Corniche Series I sold for a median of $37,081 across 14 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $33,650 and $39,050. There are 59 currently for sale.
How many Rolls-Royce Corniche Series I listings are for sale right now?
There are 59 Rolls-Royce Corniche Series I listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.