A 1981 Rolls-Royce Corniche once used as a family grand tourer has been reborn as a bespoke shooting brake, complete with a hidden power-deploying bicycle rack integrated into the rear bumper. The extraordinary transformation, commissioned by the car’s longtime owners and executed by Dutch design house Neils van Roji Design, redefines what bespoke craftsmanship can achieve in modern coachbuilding.
The car, affectionately nicknamed “Henry,” has been in the same family for four decades. Wanting to adapt it for triathlon trips across Europe, the owners sought a design that combined Rolls-Royce luxury with utility — specifically, the ability to transport competition bicycles. The result, dubbed “Henry II,” is a one-off shooting brake that blends 1980s opulence with modern engineering ingenuity.
The conversion took approximately 7,000 hours to complete, beginning with a full 3D scan of the Corniche’s bodywork. Engineers discovered asymmetrical dimensions between the two sides of the car, necessitating extensive re-fabrication. A new subframe was built to support the rear modifications, while the fuel tank was relocated to accommodate a flat-folding rear seat. The centerpiece of the project is a concealed, power-operated bicycle carrier that slides out from behind the bumper at the push of a button — disappearing seamlessly when retracted.
Beyond its functional design, the shooting brake features high-quality materials throughout, rally-inspired accessories, and custom luggage with an integrated bicycle repair kit. The craftsmanship extends even to subtle exterior details, including period-correct auxiliary lighting that makes the build appear factory-original.
Though the base model Corniche isn’t considered particularly valuable — typically valued around $45,000 in driver condition — “Henry II” stands as a remarkable reinterpretation of British automotive heritage. It transforms an aging luxury coupe into a one-of-a-kind expression of personal history, precision engineering, and old-world charm.
