1967 Rolls-Royce Corniche

This is an amazingly well restored Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Fixed Head Coupe (“FHC”) by HJ Mulliner, Park-Ward. Finished in dark blue, a deep midnight blue non-metallic colour, she is paired up with beige Connolly leather interior. The car is finished with a single hand-painted grey fine-line on the body waist-line and hubcap beauty rings. It is an extremely handsome colour combination with the dark blue presenting as a rich blue under sun light but then transforms into a deep midnight blue and almost black hue in lower light and at night time, giving the car a very formal look. The light tan leather contrasts the rich blue exquisitely. Rolls-Royce FHCs are becoming a rare find in any condition let alone like this one, and are becoming more and more sought-after by collectors. This one is an extra fine, fully restored example that would suit both the connoisseur driver and collector. Our museum purchased the car in early 2022. It was a very straight, clean body and interior example that had been out of action but professionally stored for many years. We embarked upon a sympathetic restoration to bring her to what she is today. The car was completely stripped and body prepared for repaint. In that process, we came across zero rust in the body panels with no signs of previous repair. The repaint was done in modern paint methods of clear over base and correctly (*and painstakingly) wet-sanded to the correct factory-look flat-as-glass appearance. We could not be happier with the final result. In re-assembly all new rubbers and gaskets were used including those for windshield & rear glass and tread steps. Along with brand new bumpers and over-riders, factory correct Lucas head lights and lenses (the rear lamps are brand new old stock). All bright work was polished before re-fitting. In contrast, the interior of the car was already in excellent original condition. The leather has never been replaced or repaired and remains soft and supple. The leather was/is so perfect, we have not touched it other than add hide-food. It displays a very warming patina that is very natural in its presentation ("patina" does not mean tired, worn or ripped!), elegantly presenting the natural creases in the leather and regularly used areas like arm-rests and seat edges. Very much like an expensive and antique chesterfield couch. There can be no question that nicely patina’d factory Connolly Vaumol hide with Luxan grain is deliciously beautiful. (If you like 'as-new' leather like that in a new Lexus, then this not for you. And please; do not ask us to refinish this as, very respectfully, we will not do so. Purists would pay good money to have restored cars with leather like this!) The only interior aspect we restored was the wood, and what a fantastic result this choice has returned. The richness in the burl walnut throughout leaves me in awe and aghast to the point I can say, with all confidence; it is the best interior wood I have seen in any of my Rolls-Royces over the last 45 years! It is simply exquisite and is singularly the most outstanding interior feature of this coupe. Every single part was refinished; the dash, door cappings, window surrounds front & rear, and rear ¼ glass surrounds and ashtray units all refinished to the highest gloss and glass-like finish. They are literally flawless presenting with such richness and truly blessed by an amazing contribution of Mother Nature offering the best of rich detailed knots, grains and diversity of burl walnut like no other. All presented and finished by artisanship at its finest. All gauges, instruments and switch gear are in superb condition. The car sports its original specification Motorola push-button radio. The interior is finished off with a brand new set of lambswool mouton overlay rugs to the front and rear. The brand new rich royal blue Wilton wool carpeting we added to the boot area is a lovely touch that adds a sense of formality to an otherwise somewhat utili