The purchase of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd. by Volkswagen in 1998 may have raised a few eyebrows but it secured the future of not just Rolls-Royce but also Bentley, a roaring success that surely would have pleased W.O. himself. The licensing and production agreement between Volkswagen and BMW came to an end in 2003, and the two brands went their separate ways with Rolls-Royce production moving to the new BMW-owned factory in Goodwood, launching the V12-powered Phantom later that year whilst Volkswagen spearheaded Bentley's new chapter, one of the most significant relaunches of a brand in living memory. Only one new Rolls-Royce model was produced under Volkswagen holding ownership, the Corniche V, and the last Rolls so named. Launched in 2000 with a list price of £300,000, the most expensive car then offered by Rolls-Royce, the Corniche V has many unique distinctions, not least being the last V8 powered Rolls-Royce, with the 6.75 litre engine enhanced by a turbocharger borrowed from Bentley. Whilst sharing design elements with the Silver Seraph, it was based on the Bentley Azure's platform. The Corniche V remains one of the rarest models produced by Rolls-Royce, and out of 329 cars handbuilt at Crewe, just 38 were produced in right hand drive. Interior refinement and build quality remained as high as ever with lashings of leather and the finest of wooden veneers, and Rolls-Royce still remained the watchword for excellence.

Our vendor purchased this example brand new from Broughton's of Surrey (now H.R. Owen) in 2001 and specified it beautifully in Peacock Blue with a Parchment hide interior piped Dark Blue, as well as Dark Blue lambswool rugs. The car has only ever been used for special occasions in the summer, for trips to Ascot and so on, so the mileage has been kept remarkably low at just over 6,000 and the condition is virtually as new. The coachwork gleams, as does the brightwork and the blue hood is in remarkable condition too. The interior looks almost unused, and the car is ready to grace any collection. These cars are very highly specified with front and rear heated seats, electric front seats, cruise control, and climate control, to name just a few features. Maintenance and servicing have been carried out exclusively by the supplying dealer, Broughton/H.R. Owen Surrey since new. Matt Cooper the Bentley Surrey service manager, confirms that he's delighted to answer any questions on this beautiful Rolls-Royce. This is a true collector quality example of one of the rarest Rolls-Royce's ever produced and one that carries the distinction of being the last Rolls-Royce model manufactured at Crewe. Supplied to auction with an MoT test certificate valid until March 2026 and a recent service carried out earlier this year, viewing in person is highly recommended to appreciate the quality of this remarkable Rolls-Royce. Consigned by Fraser Smith

Lot details
Year: 2001
Make: Rolls-Royce
Model: Corniche V
Registration: DE51 KRZ
Chassis No: SCAZK28E1YCH68071
Odometer: 6,020

* One of just 38 RHD examples built
* Just one owner from new
* Hugely desirable Peacock Blue with Parchment hide piped Dark Blue