Rolls-Royce’s marketing strategy in the 1980s focused on the re-launch of Bentley, with a key element being the revival of the prestigious ‘Continental’ name from its illustrious past. This strategic move aimed to rejuvenate interest in Bentley, particularly in the realm of luxury two-door models, and it proved highly successful, solidifying Bentley’s position as a leader in the luxury automotive market.
The reintroduction of the ‘Continental’ nameplate in 1984 revitalized the Bentley brand, ushering in a new era of success after lackluster sales in previous years. Prior to this, only 77 units of Bentley-branded cars were sold over 13 years since the launch of the Corniche model. However, with the introduction of the Continental, sales surged dramatically, reaching a total of 421 cars over the subsequent 11 years of production, solidifying Bentley’s position in the luxury automotive market.
The Corniche, unveiled in March 1971, epitomized a refined evolution of the two-door variants derived from the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and Bentley T-Series saloons, meticulously crafted by prestigious coachbuilders H J Mulliner and Park Ward. These models held profound significance as they symbolized the introduction of unitary-construction cars at the Crewe factory, representing a pioneering milestone in automobile manufacturing for Rolls-Royce and Bentley.
This transition to unitary construction not only underscored the brands’ commitment to innovation but also heralded a new era characterized by unparalleled levels of luxury craftsmanship and automotive excellence. The Corniche, with its distinctive design and superior engineering, embodied the epitome of elegance and sophistication, further solidifying Rolls-Royce and Bentley’s esteemed reputation in the world of luxury automotive production.
In its Corniche iteration, the dependable 6.7-liter V8 engine sourced from Rolls-Royce was enhanced to deliver approximately ten percent more power than the standard version, providing effortless cruising and remarkable performance that surpassed many contemporary sports cars. This power boost enabled the Corniche to achieve top speeds exceeding 120 mph, showcasing impressive acceleration capabilities that could rival even sports cars of the era.
Despite retaining the iconic exterior styling cues of the Silver Shadow, the Corniche/Continental underwent regular updates and enhancements introduced in the contemporary Silver Spirit range. These updates ensured that the Corniche/Continental remained competitive in the ever-evolving luxury automotive landscape, offering customers the latest in technology, comfort, and performance while maintaining its timeless appeal and prestige.
Production of the Corniche/Continental continued well into the 1990s, demonstrating its enduring appeal and popularity among discerning luxury car buyers. The final Convertible examples rolled off the assembly line in 1995, marking the end of an era for this iconic model. Throughout its production run, the Corniche/Continental played a significant role in reshaping the perception of Bentley as a purveyor of luxurious, high-performance automobiles, firmly establishing its place in automotive history.
