Rolls-Royce Corniche II gallery (1977–1989)
The second generation of the Corniche introduced rack-and-pinion steering, impact bumpers, and updated engineering.
The Rolls-Royce Corniche II was introduced in 1977 following the mechanical overhaul of the Silver Shadow platform into the Silver Shadow II. Key engineering upgrades included the adoption of precise rack-and-pinion steering to replace the recirculating-ball setup, as well as recalibrated independent front and rear suspensions with hydraulic self-leveling. Cosmetically, the second iteration was identified by new rubber-faced impact-absorbing bumpers, an updated radiator shell, and refined exterior trim. Power was provided by an updated 6.75-liter V8 engine, which transitioned from SU carburetors to Bosch electronic fuel injection during the production run, mated to a three-speed automatic transmission. The fixed-head coupe body style was discontinued in 1982, leaving the convertible as the sole offering, which featured an electrically operated multi-layer soft top. The Corniche II was marketed worldwide, with significant customer bases in North America, Great Britain, Western Europe, and Japan.
