- 1981 Rolls-Royce Corniche reimagined as a bespoke shooting brake conversion.
- Features hand-formed steel body, restored interior, and hidden electric bike carrier.
- Built by Niels van Roij Design, the handcrafted project took two and a half years.
Few cars capture old-world grace quite like the Rolls-Royce Corniche, a grand and luxurious land yacht from the 1970s. While it was originally offered as a coupe and convertible, this particular example has taken on a new form.
Dutch coachbuilder Niels van Roij Design was commissioned to create a one-off Shooting Brake, tailored precisely to the owner’s vision with a few unexpected twists.
Recrafted Elegance
The project began with a 1981 Corniche coupe that had spent more than forty years in the same family. The owner wanted to restore it while adapting its design for modern use. After initial sketches, 3D scans, and detailed CAD drawings, the team stripped the car down to bare metal and began reshaping the bodywork.
Photos Niels van Roij Design
According to Niels van Roij Design, everything from the B-pillar to the rear has been completely re-engineered. Hand-formed steel panels merge with the refurbished, original rear fenders, preserving the Corniche’s classic line. The standout feature, of course, is the redesigned roofline, which flows into a custom tailgate.
Though the taillights remain original, the polished chrome bumper conceals an secret. Part of it extends electrically to reveal a bespoke bike carrier system designed for two triathlon bicycles. Making this possible required modifying the rear subframe and relocating the fuel tank.
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The team also fitted period-style stalk-mounted lights and a retractable license plate holder to meet modern safety standards.
Form Meets Function
The conversion includes bespoke glass framed in chrome and accented with fine wood trim inside. The hydraulically damped tailgate opens to a generous cargo area that can expand further thanks to an electrically folding rear bench, creating a flat load floor.
Niels van Roij said that the only way for the bicycles to fit inside would have been to create a very high roofline, which would make it look like a “postman’s van”.
Photos Niels van Roij Design
That decision led to the addition of an electric bike carrier neatly integrated at the rear. The designer also included two vanity mirrors on the tailgate and a dedicated cleaning kit for the bicycles, both mounted within the luggage compartment.
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Inside, the cabin has been completely restored while keeping its original wood dashboard. New beige leather upholstery pairs with green accents, olive carpeting, and soft lambswool mats.
Other bespoke details include a Brantz rally meter that hides behind a wooden panel, a map pocket, a reading light, and a matching luggage set.
Finally, the bodywork is finished in British Racing Green, which was the original color of the donor vehicle. The company didn’t mention any upgrades to the 6.75-liter V8 powertrain or the chassis setup.
The original Corniche was affectionately known as “Henry,” inspiring the Shooting Brake’s fitting name, “Henry II.” The transformation took two and a half years to complete, breathing new life into the classic model while preserving its charm.
The owner plans to use the one-off in rallies, and as a companion for competing in triathlon races together with his wife.
