Sunday, 25 February 2007 |
Since English pride and joy became German money-maker, Rolls-Royce
has stumbled in trying to capture that essence of absolute pomp and
refinement that made the “flying lady” the pinnacle of automotive
luxury.
In the Phantom they cut down every Oak tree in the land and slaughtered
1000 cows to line the cavernous interior. But it lacked
something, it lacked the little eccentricities that said to you this
machine has been sculpted by hand. But, if sneak previews of the
new Rolls-Royce Corniche are anything to go by, we think we may have
judged too soon.
Inspired by the 100EX concept car that appeared at the 2004 Geneva
Motor Show, the two-door convertible oozes the bold lines of the
Phantom, but adds just a little tongue-in-cheek to that big-toothed
smile. With an exterior remaining faithful to the nautical theme
of the 100EX – sweeping lines broken by chromed trim and bulbous wheel
arches. The interior pays homage to the traditional English
Gentlemen’s Clubroom featuring a palette of design philosophies
including minimalism and Art Deco.
And with a 6.8 litre V12 engine under the bonnet, wistfully thundering down country lanes never felt so old-fashioned. By Matthew Hussey
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transportation 
Rolls-Royce Corniche 
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