Motorcars from the Estate of Dean S. Edmonds Jr.
1980 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible
Chassis no. DRH 0050380
6,750cc OHV V8 Engine
Bosch K-Jetronic Fuel Injection
Est. 220bhp at 4,100rpm
3-Speed GM Automatic Transmission
Front with Coil Springs, Rear Independent Suspension with Coil Springs and Hydraulic Self-Leveling
4-Wheel Ventilated Disc Brakes
*Originally purchased by HRH The Sultan of Brunei
*In this collection ownership since 1982
*Dean S. Edmonds Jr.'s European touring car
*Just over 31,000 miles from new
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Travel was very much part of Dean Edmonds' life and he would routinely make forays to Europe and particularly the United Kingdom. In 1982, as one does, he would stop in on Jack Barclay's Berkeley Square showrooms and meet long time salesman Anthony Hibbert. Their meeting would precipitate the purchase of the Rolls-Royce Corniche offered here and begin a relationship that would last for more than 30 years and long after Mr. Hibbert had retired!
This Corniche was purchased by Mr. Edmonds in June 1982 and according to a copy of its period British Registration it had originally been bought by one of the most noted yet elusive car collectors of all time, His Royal Highness, The Sultan of Brunei. The Rolls was built to U.K. specifications, and despite being a 'second-hand' car when Dean elected to bring it home to the U.S., this resulted in a protracted discussion regarding registration for road use here. Since Mr. Edmonds would go to the U.K. almost every year with his wife, the ultimate result was that in 1987 the car was returned to the U.K. and for the next 30 years would be maintained, stored and serviced by Jack Barclay Ltd. while being available for his use.
Correspondence on file recounts preparation for a testing day at the Millbrook Proving Ground in the U.K., use touring Europe, travelling to the Portuguese Grand Prix and further afield. At all times the trusty Rolls was his chaperone.
Eventually, long after the expiration of its embargo to the US, the Corniche was shipped to Florida where it would continue to be maintained now by Manfred's Automobile Specialties Inc. in Naples. Inspection today shows that while looked after, the car has never been restored.
On file is its original service book, confirming the order in the Georgian Silver hue that it wears to this day. This is now well aged, with some flat spots, crazing and light loss on some body seams. Its upholstery is the original grey leather, while it seems likely that the top has been renewed in blue fabric at some point to judge from its current condition.
With its simple ownership, extensive history file including even the original sales brochure, this is a well recorded example of the model.