1969 Rolls-royce MPW Coupé £44,995
If all your friends run Corniches, then go one better with this more exclusive Mulliner Park Ward Coupé, says Rob Scorah
If you’ve watched the film The
Thomas Crown Affair – the 1968 Steve Mcqueen original – you’ll know just how soberly elegant a Rollsroyce Mulliner Park Ward Coupé can look. This extensively restored 1969 example has that same grace.
The car comes with a history file showing £4500 spent between 2012 and 2015 alone on servicing and mechanical improvements – also new Wilton carpets and a stainless steel exhaust. In 2015, 70 NNX was also treated to a full bare-metal respray, while all chromework was replated, which cost another £12,000.
Walking round the car, there’s certainly no doubting the quality of the work done. The dark blue paintwork is consistent and retains a deep shine. Swage lines and joins with window frames and fittings are dirt and wrinkle-free. As expected from such a recent refurbishment, chrome and steel parts show no pitting or tarnishing.
Body panels look symmetrical side to side and the subtle curves match nicely across the shut lines. The driver’s door takes a little shove to close, but there is no sagging in either of the big doors.
The inside is as good as the outside, though a different approach was taken with its refurbishment. Whereas the body wears new paint, the original interior leather was taken out, cleaned and recoloured. Woodwork and fittings underwent a similar refreshment. It gives the cabin a lived-in patina. The leather is creased, with the odd scuff through the colour on the driver’s seat edge piping. The period correct Becker Europa radio is a nice touch, and you won’t notice its ipod connection.
The Rolls starts at the first turn of the key, the big V8 firing up with a muted whumf and settling into an even tickover burble. The engine bay is clean and tidy without being contrivedly sparkling. Engine oil and fluids are clean and at the right levels. The motor throws out no smoke when standing or on the move.
The three-speed auto’s steering columnmounted wand feels positive. The gearchanges are seamless – and noiseless – and power uptake from the V8 is both smooth and progressive.
Typically for its age and type, you are somewhat removed from the action, but the car feels as responsive as any MPW/ Corniche out there, and better than many.
There is a soft wind whistle somewhere below the windscreen on the passenger side. Steering is light and predictable, and the ride Sixties wallowy, but with enough poise to give you confidence in the bends. There are no groans or creaks from the springs and suspension parts look in good fettle – as does the whole underside.
There can’t be much needed to make this car into a show-class winner, though it retains the air of a real-world classic with enough driver engagement to make you want to take it out whenever you get the chance. Given its condition, the sticker price of £44,995 seems reasonable.