Fully restored bespoked FHC. Show-class example from the best; Park-Ward Motors

1972 Rolls-Royce 2-door coupe FHC Additional Info:

Rolls-Royce Corniche

Fixed Head Coupe (“FHC”)
1972

Detailed restoration only possible by true Rolls-Royce experts

This is a very nicely restored and beautifully presenting Rolls-Royce Corniche Fixed Head Coupe (“FHC”) finished in Masons black, black leather interior and matching black Wilton wool carpets. The body waist-rail is accented with a single grey hand-painted fine-line delightfully finishing off the elegance. In any setting the car takes on a very formal appearance. Once you open the doors, the matching black with the contrasting richness of the burl walnut wood throughout makes her striking in a very masculine manner. She is simply stunning.

This Corniche was originally purchased in Texas as part of a bespoke restoration for one of Park-Ward’s most esteemed clients. The project was completed some 6-7 years ago and is now back in our collection for sale.

When Park-Ward first purchased the car, prior to the restoration, it was straight and dent free. The paint was lightly blistered and faded but the body very straight, rust free and “dry”. The interior was dirty and dusty but complete. The car was a complete and running example – an original car that was just tired. Although an all-together example, this did not matter as our job was to “redo everything” and make her look new again. She did receive the full treatment which included a bare metal repaint, new interior to include leather, carpets (in the boot as well), new headliner, wood refinished and making sure everything worked both mechanically and operationally throughout.

The paint job is stunning. The car was stripped of all its fittings to include all windows (including side and door window frames) out and then prepped to bare metal. This revealed a rather straight motor car with no rust or previous accident repair. The car was meticulously repainted using modern 2-stage paint technology in Masons black. Upon reassembly we fitted all new body gaskets, clips, boot seal, and edge finishers. All the bright work was removed and machined polished and then hand polished upon finally reassembly. This included the grille, headlight brows, bumpers, side mouldings, rocker mouldings, door handles, hub caps, inner sill mouldings and door entry scuff plates including the fitment of new rubber treads. Some items, like the door handles and C pillar demarcation mouldings for the vinyl top were rechromed. The existing vinyl top was in excellent condition and retained.

The overall finish is as good as you would hope for. To complete the "new-look", new tail lamp lenses and correct Lucas style headlights were fitted. A factory correct badge bar fitted to the front bumper. On pre 1977 Rolls-Royces, matching right-hand side door mirrors were not available. A door mirror from a right-hand car cannot be simply attached as the angle of reflection does not work, so a factory right-hand spec mirror was carefully modified and set so it performs as it should. The car now displays what would like a factory pair of right and left side mirrors.

The final touch being the pin-striping down the side of the car and hubcap beauty rings. Applied by the original hand-painted technique using only the finest squirrel hair brushes and performed by an artisan with the steadiest of hands. The fine lines were done in light grey to accent the light grey broad cloth headliner and provide a distinctive contrast to the new black paint.

The interior was subject to similar attention to detail. All new leather front seating in black was completed. The leather door panels were retained and the rear seat as these were in very fine condition. Specification correct light grey broad cloth wool was used for the headliner and all new Wilton wool carpets were fitted. This process also included new underlay. All the Italian burl walnut wood inside the car was stripped and refinished with no less than 20 coats of clear lacquer, each hand-rubbed between coats to provide a final glass-like finish. This includes the dash, front doors, rear seat inner waist-rails, door and window surrounds, rear ash-tray surrrounds and centre console. On the dash, the “Mulliner Park-Ward” badge was finished with the woods so as to create a flat glass like feel and finish. In the middle centre dash, a modern Blaupunkt stereo with all the modern features of blue-tooth and such like was fitted, whilst below, a small cubby storage was hand-crafted. This turned out beautifully and is the only non-original presenting part of the car. It was done very tastefully but should you want factory original, please enquire as we can do so. The door cubbies were fitted with factory correct style leather wrapped crystal drink flasks (new old-stock) with 2 matching hand-cut crystal shot glasses on each door. These were not available on the 72 year (later in 76) and so all had to be hand-crafted to match what the factory did in later years. In between the seats, a purpose-built cup-holder was installed. And, the final touch, black lambswool over-rugs were made and fitted throughout.

Before interior reassembly, everything was serviced to be fully operational; windows, seats, lights, gauges, etc. Every single instrument, switch, knob, handle was cleaned and polished before refitment. In some case, replaced if scratched or marked unacceptably.

The interior is stunning and its only down-side is the fear to sit in it!

The boot trim was replaced using correct early square-weave carpeting. Even the underfelt was changed. There was none of the typical rust scaling in the trunk so minimal refinishing was required.

Mechanically, the car was gone through top-to-toe and I could not possibly list everything here. Engine was top-end rebuilt, carburetors, all electricals, cooling system and the entire hydraulic system and brakes completely redone. For those who know this era of Rolls- Royce, this is a huge exercise and included; brake pumps, accumulators and valves, all brand-new hoses (both high and low pressure), reservoir cleaned out with screens replaced, brand new rotors, calipers, pads, emergency brake and height control. The system was then fed new 363, pressure tested and bled accordingly. The hydraulic/brake-work alone was some $15,000.

Nothing was left unattended; exhaust, suspension, steering, ignition, the electrical charging system, fuel tank, pump, filters and lines, I could go on for paragraphs. Of course, brand new whitewall tyres were fitted. Everything done has been documented. The car is ready to be driven and enjoyed.

As you would expect with a detailed restoration, all features and functions are working; electric windows, electric seats, central locking, etc. The air conditioning blows icy cold with the new alloy body 10 piston compressor which far out-performs the original GM A6 unit. Then with new hoses and valves having been fitted.

This Corniche drives very well, considerably smoother than you would normally expect for this model. Mileage is not verifiable but, given the monumental amount of work carried out, what does it matter?!

Every single feature and function is operating as it is supposed to and electrics have been checked right down to the smallest and insignificant dash and courtesy light. A total of some $130,000 has been spent. The major areas are:

• Bare metal repaint & finishes - $40,000
• Interior restoration - $30,000
• Mechanical service and repairs - $40,000

The previous owner has exclusively used Park-Ward Motors for the maintenance of all his Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars for many years. This Corniche was no exception so all maintenance has been kept up to date by us.

As you would expect of a Rolls-Royce motor car to this standard, all correct tools, jack, owner manual and keys are complete and included.

~~ The Rolls-Royce Corniche is a rare and collectable motor car as few were made in comparison to the convertible. This particular example is one of those super rare finds where a huge amount of money has been spent on restoring her to correct and original specifications. It is an excellent purchase for a buyer who simply wants a top level example that is completely turn-key; ready to "go and show". ~~

International buyers always welcome ~ we have sold and shipped 100's world-wide.

~~ **Please note: All Park-Ward Motors’ cars, once sold, undergo a process known as “Predelivery Commissioning” which is a detailed procedure for bringing all service and maintenance up to date before shipping to you as the new owner. As an experienced and professional restorer and collector of some 45 years, we have our own in-house Rolls-Royce dedicated service facility with qualified craftsmen on hand. Although our cars have already undergone workshop inspection PRIOR to being offered for sale, once sold, it will be put thru our workshop to ensure all major and minor services are up to date, is mechanically maintained in good shape and all major features and functions are operating as they should. The “Predelivery Commissioning” process ensures your new Rolls-Royce is t

urn-key. This is all done at NO CHARGE. We do this even though the car is contractually being sold "as-is". As a passionate collector of the marque I take great pride and pleasure in passing on any of these great cars to its next owner (“caretaker”). Who else selling a Rolls-Royce on eBay does this?! Depending on our work load, please allow approximately 21 business days for this process. For more information on the Park-Ward Motor Museum and our skills, please eBay message me and I would be happy to show you some 200+ Rolls-Royces restored to varying levels over the last few years ~~

For extra photos on this fine example go to the link below.

The photos are of super high resolution so if you right click on any, you can zoom in and see every little detail and defect in considerable detail.

Click HERE to see some 200 high resolution photos

Click HERE to see some 200 high resolution photos

A note from RRMOTORSINC:

For those Rolls-Royce enthusiasts who have followed my auctions in the past I welcome you all.
For those who are new to my adverts and/or the marque, please note that as a serious collector of some 40 years, all my cars are truly described examples. I have my own private Rolls-Royce workshop of some 25,000 sqft with trained Rolls-Royce craftsmen who are proficient in all aspects. As a team, we are dedicated to the preservation of the marque and as such, any car that leaves the stable is completely inspected and work-shopped to ensure mechanical and operational items are maintained appropriately. This process is known as “Predelivery Commissioning”. This is a process that ensures all major and minor services are done and any maintenance the car needs is attended to. This is not just limited to mechanical items bit operational items and features as well, such as AC, heating, electric windows, seats etc. The Predelivery Commissioning process occurs once a car is sold and can take a few weeks. We ask you be patient but it’s all for the benefit of you as the new caretaker.
We adopt a “keep it original” mentality with pride and confidence, offering after sales technical support and assistance well beyond the sale. Because most of my cars are offered for the pleasures of driving enjoyment it is not always possible or practical to seek perfection (in the true sense of the word) but we do always uphold excellence in whatever we do. Our cars are by no means cheap priced cars but we like to think they are amongst the best. To this end, I firmly believe in the famous adage; “Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten."We hope you do to.
We at Park-Ward Motors – the things we do.

When our Rolls-Royces are commissioned for resale, they are indeed professionally and correctly fully work-shopped through a process called “Predelivery Commissioning”. No corners are cut. And it is all addressed in true Crewetradition. There is way too much to list here but to give you an example of our commitment to excellence ofthe various processes, this is one such example of what we do:

Doors and windows:-

Every car has its interior door panels removed. If the wood is in need of repair (as many do) it is refinished in-house by trained and talented craftsmen at Park-Ward Motors. This is a detailed process of stripping the wood of its old lacquer, repairing the veneer if there is damage, staining the top surface as per Rolls-Royce methodology and refinishing with no less than 25 coats of clear lacquer. Hand wet-sanded and polished between all of its last 15 coats. New window felt guides and wood-to-glass foam seals are fitted. All window mechanisms are checked and serviced for smooth and efficient up and down movement. This sometimes includes an electrical modification to rectify the typical “slow window syndrome”. All tracks, chains and gears are lubricated. Where central locking is fitted, these are all serviced to ensure no “solenoid sticking”, another common problem. Units are repaired and or changed as required for refurbished units. Door wiring and door-to-body wiring is checked, repaired and/or replaced as required. The splash plastic on the inside of the doors to protect the leather panels from rain splash from inside the door is replaced with correct specification black plastic as used by the factory. Cut to shape and glued in position as per original. All door hardware is checked and repaired as required including locks, handles and scuttle finishes. The door is reassembled with all items cleaned and polished. The wood refitted and the leather panels are re-Connollised before final fitment.
Take this example and apply it to the many, many different aspects of Rolls-Royce restoration, service and maintenance and you have our dedication to correct and professional vehicle pre-delivery preparation and commissioning.

**PLEASE read auction terms and conditions below BEFORE bidding.**

~~ Important note: the $2,000 deposit is due within 24 hours.

If not paid, or if no contact is received within that period, we reserve the right to offer the car to any other party.~~

~~oo00oo~~

This Rolls-Royce is part of a private collection of the Park-Ward Motors Museum. Although licensed and bonded, I am not a main-stream retail car dealer or broker; I am a professional car collector of some 45 years with considerable experience and knowledge of Rolls-Royce and Bentley Motor Cars. I have a long standing reputation being associated with the marque which I take seriously. I take pride in my cars and have fun in collecting and restoring them. However, auctions are not a game so when you place a bid or offer, and you are the winning bidder, please understand you have entered a binding contract. You cannot bid and win the auction and expect not to meet the terms and conditions. Bidding and/or winning does not mean you are expecting me to “hold” the car until you have the opportunity to inspect it. Any inspection contemplated must be undertaken BEFORE you bid or make an offer and I openly welcome any potential buyer to come and personally inspect the car. Please note, however, we do NOT allow 3rd party inspectors because history has sadly proven, they are not worth their weight in salt. Do not waste your time nor money - come yourself and we will go over the car in detail with you. Once you bid or make an offer, you are doing so to buy WITHOUT conditions. Your bid can not be subject to anything. A $2000.00 deposit (non-refundable) is required within 24 hours of the close of the auction and payable by PayPal. The balance of funds are required within 7 days of the close of the auction and must be provided by cashier’s check or bank wire (unless, and only, if agreed otherwise in writing). I cannot accept PayPal for the balance unless you are willing to meet the cost of transfer fees or you are happy to pay via "pay a friend". Full payment must be made (and payments cleared) before the title and/or the vehicle is released. All payments are non-refundable. Payments as described above form an important part of this purchase contract and so, if all the funds are not received as outlined above, I reserve the right to terminate the transaction without notice. If there has been any deposit or other part payments received and I elect to terminate the contract and/or if you fail to complete the transaction, I reserve the right to keep any such deposits or payments and resell the vehicle to another bidder or interested party or re-list the vehicle at any time. To be clear, if you change your mind for ANY reason and do not complete the transaction in the time-frame required, you will forfeit your deposit and any other monies paid. And, to make it very clear, paying by credit card, if so accepted, does not mean you can unilaterally elect to seek a refund from your credit card provider and/or lender. I am happy to assist with shipping arrangements on a national and worldwide basis but the winning bidder takes full responsibility for pickup and/or shipping and at his cost.

As a collector and experienced restorer of the marque, I make every effort to bring my cars to a high standard, both before and after the sale. By comparison, my cars are generally far superior to others available but they are by no means perfect. You must expect some issues. Unless specifically stated, the car is not of show standard but of nice "driver" condition. Please understand, show cars of this model cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to achieve and sell for prices commensurate, so the sale price of this car reflects its relative condition. You are buying "condition" accordingly. Buyers should not expect to receive concours quality or "perfect" cars at these prices. Please also understand, the very nature of these classic Rolls-Royces is such that it is not always possible to attend to every item, or perhaps I may have inadvertently overlooked items. Further, and very importantly, these cars are classic cars also because they are old. So this means if a car is 45 years old, then it is predominantly comprised of 45 year old parts. And old parts will fail. All buyers must understand and expect that things can or will wear out, break and/or stop functioning without notice, even if we have inspected it. This is even more likely with hand-built English cars of early technology when compared to the typical American car of the same vintage. Please note, fitted radio/stereo systems are usually subject to upgrade by purchasers so I do not ensure operation of these. Similarly, cruise control systems fitted to these classics were of an inferior design and I do not check or warrant the operation of these. Suspension and brakes on these cars are complex. We thoroughly check them and replace things that are identified faulty. But please understand, by example; if we refurbish or replace a brake caliper because it appears aged or faulty, we do NOT at the same time refurbish or place all other brake calipers because they are of similar age. This is considered "preventative maintenance". We do not do this unless specifically requested and is not included in the purchase price. Feel free to ask for this additional service. Further, a feature or function that is working perfectly one moment, may decide to play-up the next. After all, it is several decades old. This is the nature of any classic car and especially a Rolls-Royce which was very "complicated" for its era. For this reason it is necessary for the following condition:
The vehicle is being sold "as-is/where-is" with no warranty expressed, written or implied. Any descriptions or representations are made with reasonable judgment and all efforts are made to ensure fair assessment and accuracy but they are for descriptive and identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. The seller shall not be responsible for errors in description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein and makes no warranty in connection therewith. If any aspect of the description contradicts what can be seen in the photos, then the photos shall prevail as the reference point. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, unforeseen imperfection, defect or damage. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have satisfied himself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgment solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects at the buyer’s request prior to the close of the auction. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any written or oral statements about the vehicle.Being a classic car in excess of 10 years of age, in mostUSstates, the mileage may be recorded as “exempt”. In this regard the seller makes no warranties as to the accuracy of the mileage indicated or shown and accepts no responsibility for any discrepancy with independent reports such as Carfax, AutoCheck, etc.In this regard the seller makes no warranties as to the accuracy of the mileage indicated or shown. I can hold the vehicle up to 30 days while you arrange shipping but you must immediately insure it. I will not bear any responsibility for any additional costs including storage, transportation, or repair after the close of the auction. Whereas I am happy to store the car in excess of 30 days from auction end, a cost of $35 per day shall apply beyond 30 days of auction end. Also, you must remember that this is a classic +45 year old vehicle, and while it is up to you, I do not recommend that you just “hop in and drive it across the country”until you have familiarised yourself with the car. At least, I have never done that. I have always professionally transported the cars in enclosed carriers from where I bought them to my home.

PLEASE; IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ABIDE BY THESE TERMS, CONTACT ME BEFORE YOU CONTEMPLATE DOING SO AS, RESPECTFULLY, THERE CAN BE NO EXCEPTIONS.
Finally, the advertised or "Buy it Now" price is a price whereby we are committed to do repair work on the car if we see something "not right". This may occur after the sale and before delivery. It is our commitment to excellence. So, to be clear, if the agreed selling price is less than 85% of the initial asking price, then the sale is considered a wholesale "as-is" sale. To put it simply, and to be fair, a buyer cannot expect to buy "cheap" and get all the benefits otherwise associated with a retail value type sale.
I am sorry if these terms seem harsh but there seem to be some very unrealistic buyers out there - fortunately, only few of these people exist but those that do can make life difficult, so it appears EVERYTHING needs to spelled out. Very simply put, this is an old car being offered for sale. It is not new and is subject to the perils of age. Further, Rolls-Royces are not without nuances, idiosyncrasies and they are renown for a host of design issues which can make them not inexpensive to maintain. This is well documented in many circles. You need to be a special and considerate type of purchaser to ownaRolls-Royce. Their down-side is part of the fun in owning them! As the old saying goes; "we love to hate them and hate to love them!" So, please respect the terms and conditions when you bid.

~~oo00oo~~

VALUES:

Rolls-Royce values vary wildly, entirely dependent on their condition. There are, of course, other aspects that add or subtract from their values – Long Wheel Base versus regular, the year which dictated certain technical changes, etc. The colour alone, for example can make a big difference. So for the benefit of new-comers to the marque please see the approximate guide to values based on a particular model below. Please remember, these are “plus-or-minus” figures:

Year: 1970-1973
Make: Rolls-Royce
Model: Corniche coupe

Show car: $100,000+
Exceptional: $75-100,000
Excellent: $60-75,000
Good: $50-60,000
Average: $30-50,000
Fair: $20-30,000
Basket case: < $20,000

Hopefully this will provide a reference point for the Rolls-Royce being featured in this listing as it compares to the range of different condition examples.Please note, a very poor condition example that is tired and not maintained can easily demand some $30,000 in restoration to make it a "nice" example but remember, it will be no longer original. So don't be fooled by "cheap buys". For any specific questions about this unique example of a Rolls-Royce, please do not hesitate to contact me.

According to the London based investment research firm; Historic Automobile Group International, classic cars have appreciated on average, 13% per year since 1980, whilst overall stock values averaged an 11% gain over the same period. The following graph charts the value of collectible cars vs. the S&P500.