Corniche I (1971–1987)
The Corniche, available as either a coupé or convertible,[8] used the standard Rolls-Royce V8 engine with an aluminium-silicon alloy block and aluminium cylinder heads with cast iron wet cylinder liners. The bore was 4.1 in (104.1 mm) and the stroke was 3.9 in (99.1 mm), with a displacement of 6.75 L (6,750 cc/411 cuin). Twin SU carburettors were initially fitted, but were replaced with a single Solex 4A1 four-barrel carburetor introduced in 1977.[9] De-smogged export models retained the twin SUs until 1980, when Bosch fuel injection was added.
A three-speed automatic transmission (a Turbo Hydramatic 400 sourced from General Motors) was standard. A four-wheel independent suspension with coil springs was augmented with a hydraulic self-levelling system (using the same system as did Citroën, but without pneumatic springs, and with the hydraulic components built under licence by Rolls-Royce), at first on all four, but later on the rear wheels only. Four wheel disc brakes were specified, with ventilated discs added for 1972.
The car originally had a wheelbase of 119.75 in. It was extended to 120 in in 1974 and 120.5 in in 1979. The Corniche was different from other Silver Shadows in that it had exclusive half wheel covers with stainless steel trim (for brake cooling), a 3-spoke steering wheel with a wood rim, and Rolls Royce's first standard tachometer.
The Corniche immediately became a status symbol for celebrities upon its release. Paul McCartney, Frank Sinatra and Tom Jones all bought one. David Bowie, Michael Caine, Elton John and Dean Martin put their names on two-year-long waiting lists.[2] It has been seen in countless films and television shows from Beverly Hills, 90210 to Dynasty, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels to The Player.[10][11][2][3]
The Corniche received a mild restyling in the spring of 1977. Mechanical differences included rack-and-pinion steering,[12] alloy and rubber bumpers, an aluminium radiator, an oil cooler, and a bi-level air conditioning system. Later changes included a modified rear independent suspension in March 1979. In March 1981, after the Silver Spirit had gone on sale, the fixed-roof version of the Corniche and its Bentley sister were discontinued.[8] For 1985 there were also cosmetic and interior changes.
Corniche models received Bosch KE/K-Jetronic fuel injection in 1977.[12] This engine, called the L410I, produced approximately 240 PS at just above 4,000 rpm for a top speed of 190 km/h.[13]
The Bentley version was updated in July 1984 with a new name, the Continental.[14] It received revised and color-coded bumpers, rear view mirrors, a new dash, and improvements to the seats.[8]
Production totaled 1,090 Rolls-Royce Corniche Saloons, 3,239 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertibles, 69 Bentley Corniche Saloons and 77 Bentley Corniche Convertibles.[6] While the classic styling of the Corniche remains a symbol of wealth, Jeremy Clarkson mocked James May's Corniche as "just a Ford Zephyr with a chrome nose" during a 2009 Top Gear competition between his Mercedes 600 Grosser and May's 1972 Corniche I.[15][16][17]
