1968 ROLLS-ROYCE DROPHEAD COUPE BY MULLINER, PARK WARD Chas...

Hammer

£30,804

1968 ROLLS-ROYCE DROPHEAD COUPE BY MULLINER, PARK WARD

Chassis Number: CRH5027         
Registration Number: BAN 224G
Recorded Mileage: 65,000 miles

- Privately owned by just two families from new until 2021
- Originally delivered on Ming Blue with complementing blue leather
Subject to older refurbishment 

With the drive towards lighter integrated unitary vehicle construction, as adopted by Rolls-Royce for its new Silver Shadow model, by the mid-1960s the choice for those seeking traditional coachbuilt bodies dwindled rapidly. Whereas in the pre-war years there would be an array of many competing coachbuilders, by the time the Shadow was launched in 1965 the choice was reduced to just James Young and H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward Limited. Rolls-Royce’s final coachbuilt models, by Mulliner, Park Ward, were the stylish two-door coupé and convertible versions of the newly launched Silver Shadow saloon car. The Fixed Head version was launched in March 1966, with the convertible arriving in late 1967.

Hand-built in the finest British coachbuilding tradition with best materials such as Wilton carpeting, Connolly hide and burr walnut veneers, these bespoke models took around 5 months or so each to complete. As such it was little surprise that the retail price was around 50% higher than the standard Silver Shadow. Demand for these glamorous versions of the Silver Shadow was always strong, little surprise then that by early 1972 the model adopted its own moniker, ‘Corniche’, which it wore until finally ending production in 1995.

Delivered on 17th October 1968, this early Drophead Coupe was purchased by Mr. Percy Myers of Portland Place, London W1 via agent Mead of Maidenhead. Mr. Myers specified his new Rolls-Royce in Ming Blue with a complimenting blue leather interior, piped in red. A Radiomobile 980 radio, Dunlop tyres, Sundym glass, refrigeration, a hood bag and cover, side repeater lamps, rectangular wing mirrors and safety belts completed the selected options.

Wearing the cherished registration ‘PM 15’, Mr. Myers commuted with his Rolls-Royce between London and his home in Berkshire, using his local service agent Mead of Burnham for regular maintenance. A number of bills are on file for various maintenance and minor repairs by Mead during the 1990s. Having owned his Rolls-Royce for over 30 years, in 1999 Mr. Myers sadly passed away and his beloved motor car was bequeathed within the family to a nephew, who dry stored the Rolls-Royce for some years before passing title in 2005 to the second and final private owner. Upon acquiring the MPW, the new owner undertook some cosmetic refurbishment works, refinishing the car’s coachwork in non-metallic red, and reupholstering the interior with black leather, again piped red.

The vehicle is said to start and run very well, with a very quiet motor and smooth transmission. The outer panels remain in very good order, the paintwork refinishing in 2005 has held up well, and the chromework and grille are in very good order. The original Ming Blue paint is visible upon close inspection, which should assist in colour-matching should the next owner wish to return the car to its original finish. The interior presents well with some patina to the leather, and the carpets are in good order. Whilst the walnut dash is well preserved however the wooden door cappings will benefit some attention. The electric convertible roof works well, although will need attention to the headlining in places, as will one or two rubber seals. Notably there is an invoice on file (£12,024) for replacement hood, headlining and woodwork in 2005.

The Rolls-Royce is offered various bills from Mead of Burnham in the 1990s, a number of previous MoT certificates dating back to the change of ownership in 2005, a letter from the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club with a copy of the original build sheet, its original factory handbook and manuals. With a shade under 65,000 miles from new, and with potential for further improvements as and when desired, this early coachbuilt Drophead Coupe is, we feel, an excellent prospect for the Rolls-Royce enthusiast.