1974 Rolls-Royce Corniche I (facelift 1974) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the 1974 Rolls-Royce Corniche I (facelift) is approximately 2350 kg (5181 lbs). This heavy weight is common in luxury cars equipped with robust V8 engines and extensive soundproofing and comfort features. While the weight contributes to a smooth and stable ride, it can affect acceleration and fuel efficiency. However, the Corniche’s sophisticated suspension tuning and powerful engine ensure that driving dynamics remain balanced, with smooth cruising and a quiet cabin prioritized over sporty handling.

The wheelbase of the 1974 Rolls-Royce Corniche I (facelift) is about 3130 mm (123.2 inches). This long wheelbase contributes significantly to the vehicle’s spacious interior, providing ample legroom for both front and rear passengers, which is critical in a luxury coupe. Furthermore, a longer wheelbase improves ride comfort by offering better stability and smoother handling over uneven road surfaces, minimizing pitch and improving overall passenger comfort—a hallmark of Rolls-Royce vehicles.

The ground clearance of the 1974 Rolls-Royce Corniche I (facelift) is approximately 140 mm (5.5 inches). This clearance strikes a balance between luxury road handling and practical usability, allowing the Corniche to navigate typical urban roads, driveways, and speed bumps without difficulty. Though not designed for off-road use, this ground clearance ensures adequate protection for the undercarriage while maintaining the vehicle’s poised stance and smooth ride.

The interior cabin of the 1974 Rolls-Royce Corniche I (facelift) is designed with luxury and comfort in mind, offering spacious seating for four passengers in its 2-door coupe configuration. While exact interior dimensions vary slightly by source, the combination of the long wheelbase and wide body provides generous legroom and shoulder room for front and rear occupants. The front seats are typically plush and adjustable, while the rear seats offer enough space for comfortable short- to mid-distance journeys. Rolls-Royce’s focus on craftsmanship with premium leather and wood trim further enhances the spacious and lavish ambiance.

Most standard residential garages typically measure about 2440 mm (8 feet) wide and 6100 mm (20 feet) deep. The 1974 Rolls-Royce Corniche I (facelift), at 5531 mm (217.8 inches) in length and 1890 mm (74.4 inches) in width, fits comfortably within a standard garage’s length but may be slightly tight in width depending on the specific garage design. Owners should measure their space carefully, especially considering door clearances and maneuvering room. Its height of 1502 mm (59.1 inches) is not problematic for standard garage heights. Overall, the vehicle generally fits but requires some caution when parking in narrow or older garages.

The 1974 facelifted Rolls-Royce Corniche I maintained the fundamental dimensions of the original Corniche I produced from 1971 to early 1974, with minimal changes to length, width, height, and wheelbase. The key updates were more cosmetic and mechanical rather than dimensional, including styling tweaks like refined front grille and bumper designs. Luxury equipment and build quality evolved slightly, enhancing the already prestigious cabin experience. Overall, the facelift did not significantly alter size but improved aesthetics, comfort, and mechanical reliability, preserving the Corniche’s status as a large luxury grand tourer.

In comparison to other luxury coupés of the 1970s, such as the Bentley Continental T or the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupé (like the 280 SEC), the 1974 Corniche I (facelift) stands out for its substantial length and width, placing it among the larger luxury coupés of its era. While it may be longer and heavier than most rivals—measuring about 5531 mm (217.8 inches) long and weighing roughly 2350 kg (5181 lbs)—its focus was less on sporty agility and more on delivering supreme comfort and presence. The cabin space, build quality, and weight further underline Rolls-Royce’s priority on imposing luxury rather than size competition alone.

The 1974 Rolls-Royce Corniche I (facelift) typically features a fuel tank capacity of approximately 96 liters (25.4 US gallons), supporting the large V8 engine’s range between refueling, which is practical given the car’s grand touring nature. The trunk or cargo space is ample for its class but understandably limited compared to sedans, with an estimated volume around 430 liters (15.2 cubic feet). This space is sufficient for luggage or daily usage but designed with the coupe’s elegant proportions in mind, emphasizing passenger comfort over enormous cargo carrying capacity.

The 1974 Rolls-Royce Corniche I (facelift) coupe was powered by a naturally aspirated 6.75-liter V8 engine, known for its smooth power delivery and robust torque. This engine produced around 220 horsepower, driving the rear wheels through a 3-speed automatic transmission. The engine choice and transmission prioritised smoothness, effortless power, and quiet operation over outright speed. Acceleration was adequate for comfortable grand touring, with a focus on delivering a serene and dignified driving experience characteristic of Rolls-Royce cars. The drivetrain emphasized refinement, consistent with the marque’s elite luxury positioning.