“Bertha” is a spectacular and rare 1972 Rolls-Royce Corniche 2-Door Saloon (FHC) that was coachbuilt by H.J. Mulliner-Park Ward. This had been owned from 1974 until 2021 by a well-known collector car family that are dear friends of ours. The owner for 47 years was Bertha Lutfy; thus, we are naming this Rolls “Bertha”.  This car has been well maintained and cared for through its life.

Interesting Fact: The MPW 2-Door Saloon is one of the rarest models, representing a mere 1.9% of Rolls-Royce’s already meager production. These hand-built beauties have numerous custom features only available on the coupes and convertibles. Over the eleven-year production period, Rolls built about 100 coupes per year for the global market.

Ms. Bertha Lutfy was the mother of world-renowned Mercedes-Benz collector Phil Lutfy, MD, who is a good friend of Classic Promenade. This Rolls was acquired for Bertha from Reedman Chevrolet in Pennsylvania in December of 1974, when the car was nearly new. It was then transported to Phoenix, Arizona, where it spent the rest of its life. The car was used as Ms. Lutfy’s daily driver, residing in the same garage of their family estate for most of its life. The Rolls has been well maintained and serviced and comes complete with 50 years of service history, registrations, etc.

The livery is nearly perfect in its original Golden Sand (ICIM 151-3293) with its Dark Brown (5567 DH) Everflex top. In 1985, the Rolls benefited from a bare metal repaint in its original color. The paint today looks absolutely showroom new. Dr. Lutfy had the same painter care for his mother’s Rolls as he used for his first-place winning car at the Pebble Beach Concours, and it shows. The paint is devoid of any scratches, dents, chips, etc. The windshield and the rubber seals were all replaced at that time and then again more recently and are in excellent condition.  This car cosmetically is about as close to new as you’ll find for a 51-year-old car that is substantially original (except the repaint and Everflex top replaced).

The original Dark Brown (658) leather interior is nearly all original and in beautiful condition. Ms. Lutfy had immediately installed sheepskin seat covers to protect the leather and for added comfort. The sheepskin covers were regularly replaced, and the car comes complete with a set of dark brown covers (not shown). The leather was periodically conditioned and is beautiful today. There are no cracks or splits, and the leather has never been dyed. There are very fine little scratches from normal use (fingernails, etc) which are shown well in the photo gallery. Because of Ms. Lutfy’s very petite stature, the seat supports are tight and full, belying the age and mileage of the Rolls.  The present owner had the driver’s seat cushion reupholstered and it looks perfect complement with the rest of the interior.

The original Wilton wool carpeting is beautiful and as-new as well. The mouton sheepskin overlays have been regularly replaced and also look nearly new today. The beautiful burl walnut wood veneer is all original and completely without any cracks or fading, a result of a life spent inside a garage. It is quite rare to find wood in this condition. Equally remarkable, the white lettering used for the labels for switches and buttons are all in excellent condition without any noticeable wear, yet another sign that this motorcar has been pampered its entire life.

The Rolls comes complete with all its books and records dating back to 1974. The records show that this motorcar has received regular service, mostly at Rolls-Royce dealers or independent specialists. There is a wonderful file of faithful oil changes and normal maintenance and repairs. Covering 109,000 miles since new, this Roll has led a charmed life.  The present owner has invested about $18,000 to rebuild the suspension and leveling systems and various other services.  These services were also performed by Rolls-Royce specialists and the invoices are available for review.

The air conditioner works great, and the car runs and drives beautifully. We have had the pleasure of driving Bertha several times, and it drives and handles beautifully. There are no rattles or unusual noises, and it really feels tight and responsive.

For more information and details, call, text or email Harry Clark at +1.602.245.7200 or sales@classicpromenade.com. We are pleased to share our inspection report and we offer live video inspections of the car. Bertha is available for inspection at our Phoenix showroom.