A truly great design never grows old. Rolls-Royce’s Corniche Drophead Coupe was introduced in 1970 as a convertible variant of the popular Silver Shadow, and it would last in production for a remarkable 25 years. Each was built to individual customer order at Rolls-Royce’s Mulliner Park Ward coachworks in London, taking over a month to handcraft to magnificent standards. Only the finest Connolly leather was used within, and the top alone was crafted so perfectly that it fit like the roof of a coupe.

Not only was the Corniche Drophead Coupe long-lived, it was also as desirable at the end of those 25 years as it was at the beginning. It was a magnificent rolling status symbol that signified its owner’s superb taste and success, which allowed him to enjoy the greater things in life.

It is natural, then, that such a car would be acquired by prominent, successful Michigan businessman Richard Kughn, who purchased this Corniche new from Estate Motors, of Birmingham, Michigan. The sleek Rolls was finished in Silver Sand over Chestnut, with a corresponding beige tan leather interior that was piped in black and surrounded by beautifully handcrafted burled walnut. It was equipped with factory air conditioning, an AM/FM radio, and, of course, an eight-track tape player.

Mr. Kughn took delivery from salesman Horst Ruschke on July 27, 1978, and he undoubtedly enjoyed driving it during that Michigan summer. It eventually made its way to his winter home in Naples, Florida, and there, it would be occasionally driven and carefully maintained for the next 36 years. Today, it remains in excellent, largely original, and well-preserved condition.

The car has covered only 5,500 original miles, and it still appears virtually “new” in every regard, with well-preserved paint, upholstery, and top fabric. All the correct serial number tags are still present, and the air conditioning has been converted to modern refrigerant. Accompanying the car is a wonderful collection of original documentation, which includes its original leather-bound owner’s handbook, with the salesman’s business card stapled inside; the original sales and service handbook and its supplements; its original delivery card; Mr. Kughn’s owner identification card; delivery information; and a factory tire information sheet.

It is rare to find such an attractively well-maintained, thoroughly documented Corniche, and it is rarer still to be able to acquire one from its original gentleman owner. This is that rare opportunity.