Image of 1979 Bentley Corniche, Note: These illustrations use artistic license and may differ from actual historical models.

Unveiling the Elegance of the 1979 Bentley Corniche

When luxury and craftsmanship converge, the result is often timeless—a truth epitomized by the 1979 Bentley Corniche. Born from the prestigious British marque, Bentley Motors, this vehicle is a testament to high-end automotive artistry. The Corniche name, evoking the grandeur of coastal roads, was fitting for a car that combined opulence with performance. A unique fact that stirs the interest of many enthusiasts is that the Corniche was hand-built, which meant each vehicle had a personal touch of excellence.

Design and Innovation

The exterior of the 1979 Bentley Corniche was a harmonious blend of stately presence and graceful lines. Its long bonnet and elegant contours were signatures of its era, while the distinctive Bentley grille and round headlamps exuded an air of sophistication. Inside, passengers were enveloped in a sanctuary of luxury, with sumptuous leather seats and rich wood veneers. The attention to detail was meticulous, with each stitch and polish speaking volumes about the quality Bentley upheld. Technologically, the Corniche was ahead of its time, featuring advanced suspension systems for a smooth ride and electrically operated components that added convenience without compromising style. Color options ranged from classic hues to bespoke shades, with popular choices often reflecting understated elegance—think deep blues and rich burgundies. The most iconic body style was undoubtedly the convertible, which offered an open-air grand touring experience like no other.

Historical Significance

The 1979 Bentley Corniche did not just represent luxury; it redefined it for its era. It set itself apart with a combination of handcrafted quality and mechanical refinement that few contemporaries could match. Its lasting influence can be seen in how modern luxury vehicles balance technology with tradition—a concept that the Corniche exemplified decades ago.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its elegant exterior, the 1979 Bentley Corniche housed a potent V8 engine that propelled it to impressive speeds for such a stately vehicle. Its top speed flirted with the 120 mph mark while taking leisurely strides from 0-60 mph in under 10 seconds—a remarkable feat for its size. The ride quality was impeccable; it glided over imperfections in the road with ease while maintaining composure on winding paths. Driving a Corniche was an auditory delight as well—the burble of the V8 provided an understated yet satisfying soundtrack to any journey.

Ownership Experience

The Corniche was versatile in its use—equally at home on a casual Sunday drive as it was at prestigious car shows or even occasional touring races. Maintenance required dedication due to its hand-built nature; however, reliability was commendable when properly cared for. Owners often lauded the vehicle's ability to turn heads and start conversations wherever it went.

Fun Facts

The 1979 Bentley Corniche has graced the garages of celebrities and has been spotted in various cultural moments throughout history. While not known for breaking speed records, it held its own record of sorts—for craftsmanship and exclusivity in production. Criticisms were few but typically centered around its fuel consumption—a small price to pay for driving such an exquisite machine.

Collector's Information

Today, a well-maintained 1979 Bentley Corniche can fetch anywhere from $50,000 to over $100,000 depending on condition and provenance. With production numbers limited due to their hand-built nature (estimates suggest fewer than 600 units per year across all variants), rarity adds to their value. The market trend has seen these vehicles appreciate as they become more recognized as symbols of automotive elegance from a bygone era.

Conclusion

The 1979 Bentley Corniche stands as a beacon of luxury automotive design and engineering—a vehicle that transcends time through its dedication to excellence. For those fortunate enough to experience its grandeur, it offers more than just transportation; it provides an entry into a world where every journey is an occasion worth celebrating.

1979 Bentley Corniche Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. Cement-on type-CB 73Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. Cement-on type. Same thickness as originals. High-quality reproduction. 2-1/4" wide X 4" long. Pair

1979 Bentley Corniche Brake Pedal Pad-CB 73-ABrake Pedal Pad. Authentic reproduction of a very difficult part. 3-1/2" wide X 3" long. Each

1979 Bentley Corniche Gravel Shields. 9" long X 7" wide at top-FS 46Gravel Shields. 9" long X 7" wide at top. Some models also use the Auxiliary Gravel shields (see FS 49). Pair

1979 Bentley Corniche Auxiliary Gravel Shields (fits some models). 5-3/4" long-FS 49Auxiliary Gravel Shields (fits some models). 5-3/4" long. Pair