1. Photos
  2. Rolls-Royce
  3. Rolls-Royce Corniche
  4. I

Rolls-Royce Corniche I gallery (1971–1977)

The first generation of the ultra-luxury two-door Rolls-Royce Corniche developed from the Silver Shadow.

All photos 4 I 0 1971–1977 II 1 1977–1989 III 0 1989–1993 IV 0 1992–1995 V 1 2000–2002

The first-generation Rolls-Royce Corniche debuted in 1971 as a dedicated nameplate evolving from the two-door coachbuilt derivatives of the Silver Shadow, hand-crafted by Mulliner Park Ward in London. Built on the monocoque platform of the Silver Shadow, the model was offered in two body styles: a two-door hardtop coupe and a two-door convertible. Power came from the iconic 6.75-liter Rolls-Royce V8 engine featuring an aluminum cylinder block and heads, paired with a GM-sourced Turbo Hydramatic 400 three-speed automatic transmission. The Corniche featured an advanced hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension system licensed from Citroen, along with four-wheel ventilated disc brakes. Each vehicle was painstakingly assembled by hand, taking months to complete and featuring premium Connolly leather, fine wood veneers, and deep-pile Wilton wool carpeting. The model was distributed globally to prestigious markets including the United Kingdom, continental Europe, North America, and the Middle East.