the Royce is Right
Sir Bruce Forsyth’s old Corniche comes up for auction
A1971 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible once owned by the late Sir Bruce Forsyth is due to go under the hammer at H&H Auctions’ 15 November sale at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford.
The TV star owned the car from new and drove it throughout the 1970s as he rose to increasing prominence. He eventually sold the Corniche in 1978.
After Sir Bruce’s ownership, the Rolls passed through a number of keepers, including Alpine Grant, brother of musician Eddy Grant, during the 1980s. The current vendor acquired the car in 2006.
Dry stored ever since, the Corniche has been maintained by marque specialist Ghost Motor Works. It was given a £4800 service in October 2015, which saw the brakes overhauled including the accumulator spheres, valve bodies and hoses.
The Rolls-Royce wears a triple blue colour scheme, with the bodywork, hood and interior leather all dark blue. All are said to be in very good condition, as is the wooden dashboard, with some very minor marks on the paintwork the only blemishes. As such, the car is expected to sell for £40-50k.
Nick Lumby, auctioneer at H&H, says: ‘The Corniche oozes elegance and luxury and we are delighted to offer this cosseted example. The quality and craftsmanship that appealed to the much-missed Sir Bruce Forsyth remain to be enjoyed by its new custodian.’
An MGB GT Jubilee once owned by Sir Bruce was also offered at auction in August. Requiring light restoration, it fetched £2000.