Lot details

Registration No: X163 NKP
Chassis No: SCAZK28E8YCH68150
MOT: May 2026

One of just 38 right-hand drive Corniche V cars produced

Recently recommissioned by marque specialists Prestige Services at a cost of over £4,700

High specification including lambswool over-rugs, RR-embroidered headrests and gold 'Spirit of Ecstasy'

A useable 79,729 miles on the odometer, with a 'no advisory' MOT

By the 1960s, Rolls-Royce had finally accepted that many owners might actually prefer to drive their own cars, launching the Silver Shadow with owner-driver comfort in mind, and no doubt appreciated by those chauffeurs still in service. The two-door convertible version of the Silver Shadow soon followed and has been without argument the most successful convertible ever produced by Rolls-Royce. First introduced in 1966 as the "Silver Shadow Mulliner Park Ward two-door, drop head coupe", it eventually became apparent by popular demand that this version deserved to have its own model name so, after a few cosmetic changes in 1971, the Corniche was born. Whilst the Coupe was discontinued in 1980, the Corniche Convertible was produced until 1995, remaining largely unchanged cosmetically, with a production total of 5,678 convertible cars.

The purchase of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd, by Volkswagen in 1998 may have raised a few eyebrows but it secured the future of not just Rolls-Royce but also Bentley, a roaring success that surely would have pleased old W.O. himself. The licensing and production agreement between Volkswagen and BMW came to an end in 2003, and the two brands went their separate ways with Rolls-Royce production moving to the new BMW-owned factory in Goodwood, launching the V12-powered Phantom later that year whilst Volkswagen spearheaded Bentley's new chapter, one of the most significant relaunches of a brand in living memory. Only one new Rolls-Royce model was produced under Volkswagen holding ownership, the Corniche V, and the last Rolls so named.

Launched in 2000 with a list price at of £300,000, the most expensive car then offered by Rolls-Royce, the Corniche V has many unique distinctions, not least being the last V8 powered Rolls-Royce, with the 6.75-litre engine enhanced by a turbocharger borrowed from Bentley. Whilst sharing design elements with the Silver Seraph it was based on the Bentley Azure's platform. The Corniche V remains one of the rarest models produced by Rolls-Royce, and out of 329 cars hand-built at Crewe, just 38 were produced in right-hand drive. Interior refinement and build quality remained as high as ever with lashings of leather and the finest of wooden veneers, and Rolls-Royce still remained the watchword for excellence.

This particular Corniche, UK-Supplied, is one of just 38 right hand drive cars produced. Specified in arguably the best combination for these cars: Fountain Blue Metallic with contrasting Oatmeal leather interior with Blue piping, the car features numerous factory options including a gold-plated Spirit of Ecstasy, RR-embroidered head restraints, lambswool over-rugs, Wilton carpeting, matching umbrellas concealed in the boot lid, and a factory-fitted centre-console mobile phone.

'X163 NKP' was purchased by its previous keeper in 2008, when it had covered a recorded 62,000 miles. Over the following 14 years, it saw limited but cherished use, reportedly attending events including Le Mans and continental touring trips to Spain and France. It was affectionately named "Mary" by the owner, in honour of a late family member.

Acquired by the current keeper in July 2022, the Corniche was in need of recommissioning and was initially returned to roadworthy condition by a local garage. In 2023, the car was entrusted to Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialists Prestige Services as well as a highly respected local bodyshop to bring the car up to standard.

In June 2023, the car received a comprehensive service, the interior lighting switches were checked and fettled along with the air conditioning switches. The centre console and air conditioning panels were removed and the wiring harness removed to repair the relevant switches, bulbs etc. Following this, the hood faults were investigated and rectified, along with further fettling. The total cost of this work amounted to £2,449.69.

Following this, the car went on to receive the necessary cosmetic attention. Minor dents were removed, corrosion on the passenger door was addressed, and both doors and the boot lid were resprayed to a high standard.

Having been in the workshop and seldom used, this Corniche returned to Prestige Services in April 2025. Works included a replacement alternator, a brake system overhaul, and additional attention to interior electronics, totalling £2,314.53.

Now with a useable 79,729 miles on the odometer at the time of consignment and offered for sale only to fund other projects within the current owner's private collection, this Corniche V has been sparingly used and well cared for, benefitting from recent specialist investment totalling nearly £5,000. Accompanying the car is a fully stamped service book, a large history file including past MoTs, tax discs and invoices, a digital workshop manual, and a certificate for the RAC Track Star tracking system installed in 2005. The car comes with an MOT valid until 11 May 2026 with no advisories.

Increasingly rare and widely regarded as the last of the true Crewe-built Rolls-Royces, this Corniche V represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a properly sorted example of a modern classic whose significance continues to grow.

For more information, please contact:
Andreas Hicks
andreas.hicks@handh.co.uk
07929 363573