Launched in 2000 with a list price of £300,000, the Corniche V was the then-most expensive car offered by Rolls-Royce. It featured many unique distinctions, not least that it was Rolls' final model produced with a V8 - a 6.75-litre engine enhanced by a Bentley-derived turbocharger. While the Corniche V shared design elements with Rolls' hard-topped Silver Seraph, its platform was based on its cousin: the Bentley Azure. Today, the Corniche V remains one of Rolls-Royce's rarest models; out of the 329 cars hand built at Crewe, a mere 38 were produced in right hand drive. The interior refinement and build quality retained Rolls-Royce's famously high standards, with lashings of leather and the finest of walnut veneers, while modern enhancements included front and rear heated seats, electrically adjustable front seats, and cruise-and-climate control, to name just a few features. These, along with computer-controlled dampers and automatic ride height control, make the Corniche V about as technologically advanced as this era of Rolls-Royce ever was.

This achingly beautiful example was acquired by our vendor in 2011. He is only the third owner and while he has enjoyed the Corniche thoroughly, its mileage still sits below 18,000 miles, leaving its future owner plenty of distance to enjoy without piling on the miles if one chooses. The fabulous Fountain Blue - paired with a dark blue hood - makes it perfect for summer motoring, while the Cotswold Beige leather, complemented by dark blue Wilton carpets, is comfy enough that you'll never want to get out, except to take a step back to admire the design. Should you be without an umbrella on a cloudy day, fear not, this Corniche comes with two and its original toolkit for good measure. This Corniche V comes supplied with a new MoT and the factory build sheet, as well as a comprehensive service history from marque specialists and main dealers alike. Enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the registration 'C20 MPW' - for Mulliner Park Ward, the Corniche's designer - is also included with the sale. Our vendor, a stalwart of the Rolls-Royce fraternity and a former dealership director for the marque itself, now feels the time has come to reduce his collection but will no doubt be bitterly disappointed to wave goodbye to such a magnificent motor car. Consigned by Charlie McCreery

Lot details
Year: 2001
Make: Rolls-Royce
Model: Corniche V
Registration: C20 MPW
Chassis No: SCAZK29E11CH68592
Odometer: 17,689

* One of just 38 produced in right hand drive
* Low-mileage example, with only two former keepers
* Desirable Fountain Blue over Cotswold Beige specification