Pure elegance in Ice Green a colour only used three times.
It truly is a stunning piece of automotive art. The Rolls-Royce Corniche Drophead Coupe represents a bygone era of pure, unadulterated luxury, where cars weren't just manufactured on assembly lines but sculpted by hand.
Named after the breathtaking, winding coastal roads of the French Riviera (les corniches), the Corniche was built to offer the ultimate open-air grand touring experience—allowing its passengers to glide effortlessly from Cannes to Monaco without a single hair falling out of place.
By 1984, Rolls-Royce had discontinued the fixed-head (hardtop) coupe version, leaving the Drophead Coupe (convertible) to stand alone as the ultimate open-air flagship cruiser for the international jet set.
Beautiful details too. Stiff bristle design that functions like a tiny broom on the headlights.
I had the absolute honour of photographing this beautiful automobile for a dear friend. He tells me these points of interest I’d like to share with you.
“This car was supplied to the dealer in 1984 and then found its long-term family in 1985, it stayed with the family till February 2024 (39 years). She then found a short-term home for 18 months and I bought her in June 2025 with 43350 on the odometer. This Rolls-Royce Corniche, Series 2 is fitted with the Spirit features which improves the ride and handling qualities. Another feature is a full tonneau from boot top to dashboard with a section for the inner windscreen, this was an option specified at purchase by the owner. This is separate from the normal hood cover which is all in matching Everflex in original condition. She is painted in Roll Royce Ice Green - only three ever painted in this colour)”.
The Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament. Often nicknamed "The Flying Lady" or "Silver Lady", the iconic statuette was sculpted by Charles Robinson Sykes and has been gracing the front of Rools-Royce vehicles since 1911.
What Makes the 1984 Corniche So Special?
Hand-Built Artistry –Unlike the standard four-door Silver Shadow platforms, the Corniche was hand-finished by Mulliner Park Ward in West London. Each vehicle took months to complete – in fact, two full weeks were dedicated solely to crafting, fitting, and tailoring the flawless, multi-layered power-operated soft top.
Effortless "Wafting" – The massive 6.75L V8 was engineered not for drag racing, but for near-silent torque. It could comfortably propel its massive 5,000+ lb frame up to 120 mph with an incredible lack of drama.
The Ultimate Cabin – Inside you are insulated by book-matched walnut or burl elm veneers, deep-pile Wilton wool carpets and top-tier Connolly leather hides meticulously piped in contrasting colours.
Elite Provenance – In 1984, these cars commanded an astronomical price tag and years-long waiting lists. They were purchased exclusively by icons of the era—from Hollywood elites and rock stars like David Bowie and Paul McCartney, to royal families across the globe.
Built to glade effortlessly with smooth lines.
This beautiful Rolls-Royce Corniche Drophead Coupe has been a dream to photograph! Hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I have compiling it.
Do you or someone you know have a car worthy of creating provenace? If so I’d love to hear from you.
