Introduced in 1971, the Rolls-Royce Corniche arrived as something rather special and It quickly established itself as one of the most desirable cars to emerge from Crewe.

Under the bonnet sits Rolls-Royce’s renowned 6.75-litre V8, featuring an aluminium-silicon alloy block, aluminium cylinder heads and twin SU carburettors.

Power is delivered through a three-speed automatic transmission, while independent suspension at all four corners, complemented by hydraulic self-levelling, provides that unmistakably magic-carpet ride.

The Corniche was more than simply a Silver Shadow in evening dress.

It received a host of distinctive details of its own, including stainless steel-trimmed half wheel covers designed to assist brake cooling, an elegant three-spoke wood-rimmed steering wheel and, notably, Rolls-Royce’s first standard-fit tachometer.

Small touches perhaps, but precisely the sort of thoughtful details that made the Corniche feel suitably special.

And special it certainly was.

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