Harry's Thoughts
THE ESSENTIALS
SOLD to Rancho Santa Fe, CA!! We’re proud to offer one of the most important Corniches in existence. This is a 1973 Rolls-Royce Corniche Drophead Coupe coach built by Mulliner-Park Ward with two Southern California owners since new and the first owner being a major collector of classic cars. Having accumulated 22,170 miles since new, the original wood and tan leather are in fantastic condition. More specifically, nearly every detail of this car is almost as new. This motorcar is ready for the most demanding concours events, as is! And the convertible top has been down twice since leaving the factory.
In every respect, this Corniche is nearly as new. From the engine compartment to the undercarriage, this is a gorgeous original example. Based on readings from our paint meter and close inspection, the Corniche was repainted decades ago in its original livery of white and is in excellent condition today. The tan coach stripes accent the white paint perfectly. In our photo gallery we show the few defects in the paint. This is about as perfect as you’ll ever find for a early Corniche. Everything else about this car is original from the factory.
The tan leather is soft and supple and in absolutely breathtaking condition. There are no rips, tears, cracks or other defects. The original dye is still fantastic. The wood is absolutely gorgeous with no cracks or defects. The carpet and sheepskin overlays are perfect. Of course, the top headliner is without wrinkles or blemishes. The off-white Everflex exterior of the top is fantastic as well. The chrome and stainless are excellent. The Rolls has an upgraded elegant wood rimmed steering wheel and the original wheel is in the trunk, wrapped in felt.
Ordered new in October of 1973 by the Morton Salt Company, DRB15744 was delivered to Import Motors of Montclair, New Jersey and the Rolls was then driven to the famous salt company headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. It was ordered for Mr. Steve Morton who was (and still is) a collector of fine motorcars. By 1974, the Rolls was relocated to its new home in Beverly Hills, CA. Mr. Morton enjoyed the motorcar sparingly and used it more as a fixed head coupe. According to him, he had NEVER had the top down during his ownership of 24 years!
Mr. Morton has been a judge at events such as Pebble Beach and had shown DRB15744 once at the Rolls-Royce Owners Club National Meeting in Long Beach in 1987. It placed first in its class and was runner up for Best in Show. The Rolls remains in comparable condition today.
In August of 1996, the Rolls was acquired by the present owner, Keith Smith from Newport Beach, CA. Keith pretty much had to attest that he would not use the Rolls with the top lowered. Mr. Morton had said to Mr. Smith, “if you’re going to put the convertible top down, this car is not for you!” And it has been lowered exactly twice in the 23 years that he has enjoyed the motorcar, and each time for just a few minutes.
Mechanically, this Corniche is excellent. It has been regularly driven by both owners, not for many miles, but frequent short trips. Mr. Smith has faithfully driven the Rolls twice per month and it has never seen any rain. It has been loved by both owners, with regular oil changes and major service and repairs performed by Rolls-Royce experts at Ronnie’s Garage. As far as we know and can tell, everything works as it should on the motorcar.
We believe this to be one of the most important Corniches in existence. This would be an incredible addition to any collection. For more information, please call or text Harry Clark at +1.602.245.7200 or email us at harry@classicpromenade.com.
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