This 1989 Rolls-Royce Corniche II Offers Peak Eighties Open-Top Luxury

The 1989 Rolls-Royce Corniche II stands as the definitive status symbol of eighties wealth, an era where hand-built craftsmanship and effortless presence were the primary requirements for the elite. Each example required four months of meticulous labor at Mulliner Park Ward, ensuring that every detail met the exacting standards of the Crewe factory. This specific example, arriving from the Ray and Bonnie Kinney Collection, is finished in the iconic Magnolia paint that became a hallmark of the brand during this period. With a well-documented California history and limited ownership since new, it serves as a remarkably preserved testament to the final years of the traditional coachbuilt Rolls-Royce convertible.

Magnolia Silhouette and Hand-Stitched Convertible Elegance

The visual character of the Corniche II is defined by its stately, long-wheelbase silhouette and the immense labor invested in its exterior components. Finished in Magnolia with subtle Tan pinstriping, this car features a Cream Everflex convertible top that famously required two weeks of hand-stitching to complete. The bodywork reflects the timeless design that remained in production for nearly 25 years, updated for 1989 with body-colored bumpers and refined trim. Its presence is both imposing and graceful, designed specifically for warm-weather climates where its open-top configuration could be best appreciated against a backdrop of coastal highways or palm-lined boulevards.

Parchment Connolly Leather and Burl Walnut Craftsmanship

Inside the cockpit, the environment is a masterclass in British luxury, featuring Parchment Connolly leather piped in Tan and a dashboard top trimmed in matching Tan hide. Every surface is adorned with carefully selected burl walnut veneers, while the floors are covered in Cumberland Stone lambswool rugs over heavy Wilton wool carpeting. The interior was ordered to specific US requirements, ensuring that every touchpoint, from the window switches to the radio aerial, operated with the dampened precision expected of a car that cost over $200,000 in 1989. It remains a sanctuary of comfort, perfectly preserved throughout its time in the Kinney and Drysdale collections.

V-8 Refinement and Smooth Coastal Cruising

Performance is generated by the legendary 6.75-liter V-8 engine, a powerplant designed to provide a narrative of silent, abundant torque rather than raw speed. This engine allows the heavy convertible to waft with incredible composure, managed by a smooth automatic transmission and power-assisted systems that minimize driver effort. The Corniche II benefited from periodic updates to its suspension and braking systems, ensuring that its road manners remained modern and relevant even as the design entered its third decade. On the road, the car delivers a magic-carpet ride that benchmarks successfully against any modern luxury convertible for sheer vibrational isolation and poise.

Technical Specifications

Investment Stability and Social Provenance

In the current market for 1989 Rolls-Royce Corniche II examples, cars with verified low-owner California history and original color schemes carry a significant premium. This car benchmarks excellently against competitors due to its continuous history from the Matthews family in 1988 through to the Kinney Collection in 2017. Its unique selling point is the combination of the highly desirable Magnolia/Parchment colorway and the inclusion of detailed build documentation. Offered without reserve, it represents a safe harbor for investors looking for a classic Rolls-Royce that is not only a trophy for the garage but a mechanically sorted companion for coastal touring and high-profile events.

A Masterpiece of British Open-Air Luxury

This 1989 Rolls-Royce Corniche II is a handsome and well-kept realization of the ultimate luxury lifestyle, standing as a pristine artifact of the eighties. Its association with the Ray and Bonnie Kinney Collection and its documented Southern California heritage make it a standout entry for The Monterey Auction 2026. The car remains as relevant today as it was when it first graced the streets of Playa Del Rey, offering a level of handcrafted opulence that modern mass production simply cannot replicate. For the collector who values elegance, comfort, and an impeccable pedigree, this Corniche is the definitive choice for the next chapter of its storied life.

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Source: rmsothebys.com