Few names in the modern coachbuilding world command the reverence of Niels van Roij Design, and few cars embody the golden age of British luxury like the Rolls-Royce Corniche. When these two legacies intersect, the result is something extraordinary. Enter the Rolls-Royce Corniche "Henry II" Shooting Brake, a meticulous reimagining of a 1981 classic that honors its heritage while introducing an entirely new chapter of bespoke automotive artistry.

The original 1981 Rolls-Royce Corniche was a masterpiece of its time -- an expression of quiet opulence and engineering excellence that defined the upper echelon of grand touring. Handcrafted in Crewe, it symbolized an era when luxury was measured not by speed or digital interfaces, but by craftsmanship, presence, and an unmistakable sense of occasion.

Owned by the same family for over four decades, this particular Corniche -- affectionately nicknamed "Henry" -- carried stories, miles, and memories spanning generations. Now, under the vision of Dutch designer Niels van Roij, "Henry" has been reborn as Henry II, a bespoke Shooting Brake that transforms the coupe's stately elegance into something refreshingly utilitarian without compromising its aristocratic charm.

Van Roij's work is celebrated for its ability to reinterpret automotive icons through design that is both reverent and daring. The Henry II project embodies that philosophy, seamlessly merging innovation with historical integrity. Beginning from the B-pillar, the car's bodywork was completely re-engineered -- an audacious undertaking that included a new roofline, redesigned C-pillars, extended rear panels, and a reimagined trunk lid.

The result is striking: proportions that feel completely natural yet unmistakably new. The elongated silhouette gives the Corniche a grand touring versatility while maintaining the original's unmistakable Rolls-Royce DNA. Every curve and contour has been hand-formed, ensuring the transition between the original and newly designed sections feels organic, not forced.

The term "Shooting Brake" carries its own lineage -- once referring to bespoke estate-style cars commissioned by British aristocrats to carry hunting gear and fine luggage. Van Roij's take modernizes the concept, blending functional luxury with timeless aesthetics, and in the process, delivers a design that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

True to the bespoke nature of van Roij's craftsmanship, the Henry II isn't merely a styling exercise -- it's a demonstration of intelligent functionality wrapped in classic elegance. Hidden behind the newly sculpted rear bumper lies one of the car's most impressive features: an electric bike carrier system, capable of extending outward to carry two triathlon bicycles.

It's a detail that speaks volumes about the designer's sensitivity to the modern owner's lifestyle -- merging sport and sophistication in a way that feels effortless. This subtle integration ensures the car's exterior lines remain undisturbed when the carrier is retracted, maintaining its pristine silhouette while quietly concealing its versatility.

Inside, the attention to detail continues with a fully reimagined interior, where rally-inspired instruments, a map pocket, and an electric foldable rear bench seat elevate the car's utility without detracting from its luxurious atmosphere. When folded, the bench reveals a completely flat floor, expanding cargo space for travel or leisure. Every surface, from the supple leather to the polished wood veneer, showcases the craftsmanship expected from both Rolls-Royce and van Roij's atelier.

Restoring and reinterpreting a car like the Corniche is no small feat. It demands not only technical mastery but also emotional sensitivity -- the ability to understand what made the original great while daring to imagine what it could become.

Niels van Roij Design has consistently excelled at this balance, previously known for projects such as the Ferrari Breadvan Hommage, Range Rover Adventum Coupe, and Tesla Model S Shooting Brake. Each of these creations reflects an intimate understanding of design language and proportion -- qualities that shine in Henry II's restrained yet dramatic transformation.

This project also underscores a broader shift in contemporary automotive culture: a renewed appreciation for coachbuilt vehicles in an era dominated by mass production. Collectors and connoisseurs are increasingly drawn to one-off creations that offer both artistic individuality and mechanical excellence. In that sense, Henry II isn't merely a car; it's a sculpture in motion -- one that connects traditional craftsmanship with a modern philosophy of purposeful design.

In a world of digital precision and automation, projects like the Corniche Shooting Brake remind us of the enduring power of hand-built artistry. Every surface, seam, and contour of Henry II has been touched by human hands -- each detail a testament to patience and perfectionism. The project pays tribute not only to Rolls-Royce's heritage but also to the vanishing art of coachbuilding, once the hallmark of luxury motoring.

By maintaining the soul of the original while introducing forward-thinking functionality, Niels van Roij Design proves that classic cars need not remain static relics. They can evolve -- with respect, vision, and imagination -- into something that bridges generations.

The Henry II Shooting Brake captures that rare harmony between preservation and progress. It is both familiar and surprising, elegant yet practical, historical yet new. And in doing so, it becomes more than a restoration -- it's a continuation of legacy through design.

For those who see cars as expressions of art rather than machines of convenience, Henry II represents a new pinnacle of bespoke craftsmanship. It celebrates not just the Rolls-Royce name but the timeless pursuit of individuality -- something that, much like the Corniche itself, never goes out of style.

Niels van Roij Reimagines a Classic: The Rolls-Royce Corniche "Henry II" Shooting Brake | stupidDOPE | Est. 2008