Amazing unique Rolls-Royce headed to auction

ROLLS-ROYCE fanatics should start warming up their cheque books, as news has emerged that the very first Corniche ever made is about to head to auction.

Chassis number 001, built in 2000, is not just the first of its model, though. It was the first example of the very last model to be made in Crewe, at the firm's former facility and under independent ownership.

It uses the classic and much-loved 6.75-litre V8 that can trace its roots back to a Chrysler engine of the 1950s, and whose very real descendent is still kept alive today by the Bentley Mulsanne.

The once-in-blue-moon auction will happen on May 24 at Silverstone Auctions' facility at The Wing; part of the recently redeveloped Silverstone complex.

Corniche #001 is in fantastic condition and has been meticulously maintained, as might be expected of a car that was initially owned by Rolls-Royce itself. It is reported that the firm used it for developmental testing and promotional marketing.

The first five stamps in the service book were completed by Rolls Royce themselves at Crewe and the total mileage of the car today is just 24,926. Presented with the car is a substantial history file of service invoices and also the official sales brochure from Rolls Royce featuring the car itself.

It was bought by its current owner in 2001, but is now ready to be sold on to a new home.

Nick Whale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, said: “It’s a delight to be able to offer such a historically significant motor car for auction. Rolls-Royce is truly one of the world’s most admired car marques and it’s fantastic to be able to play a part in the history of a very significant example.”

For more information on the car web users are invited to visit http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/2000-rolls-royce-cornich-chassis-001

By Press Association reporter