Henry II Shooting Brake: the Rolls-Royce reborn as a modern masterpiece of bespoke design

Niels van Roij Design reinterprets British luxury with a one-of-a-kind creation: a 1981 Rolls-Royce Corniche Coupé transformed into a hand-built Shooting Brake.

The Dutch coachbuilder Niels van Roij Design, renowned for its daring reinterpretations of automotive icons, has once again astonished the motoring world with its latest creation — the Henry II Shooting Brake. Based on a 1981 Rolls-Royce Corniche Coupé, the project took over two and a half years of meticulous craftsmanship to turn a beloved classic into a modern grand tourer with a Shooting Brake rear, blending timeless British elegance with cutting-edge engineering.

From classic to contemporary icon

The Henry II retains the soul of the original Rolls-Royce but has been entirely reimagined under the direction of Niels van Roij himself. From the B-pillar backwards, the body has been rebuilt using newly developed steel, with an extended roofline, redesigned C-pillars, a hydraulically damped tailgate and an integrated rear window. Every element was shaped using modern CAD design, 3D scanning and 3D printing, yet finished through traditional craftsmanship in metalwork, leather, and wood. In total, more than 7,000 hours of manual labour were invested, making it a true collector’s piece of the highest order.

One of the project’s most ingenious touches is its electrically retractable bicycle carrier, completely hidden beneath the tailgate and capable of holding two bicycles. This unique feature required a complete redesign of the rear floor, including relocating the fuel tank and integrating a precision-engineered subframe that links both systems in a single structural unit — a brilliant example of pure coachbuilt innovation.

The interior of the Rolls-Royce Henry II Shooting Brake has also been fully reworked without sacrificing authenticity. The original wooden dashboard has been lovingly restored to preserve its patina and history, while the newly crafted wood components have been colour-matched to perfection. The seats, door panels and sun visors are upholstered in fine beige leather and tweed, complemented by olive-green carpeting and lambswool floor mats. The car also features rally instruments, an electrically folding rear bench for a flat loading area, and thoughtful details inspired by the owner’s passion for historic rallying.

Every inch of the Henry II showcases exceptional artistry: hand-carved wooden window frames, sculpted side panels, integrated vanity mirrors in the boot, and even a built-in cleaning kit for bicycles. To complete the masterpiece, Niels van Roij Design has created a bespoke luggage set crafted from the same materials as the cabin, each piece subtly marked with a stylised “H” for Henry II, a discreet tribute to the car’s decades-long family heritage.

Ultimately, the Henry II Shooting Brake is far more than a car — it is a moving sculpture, a perfect fusion of heritage and modernity that redefines contemporary luxury. With this creation, Niels van Roij once again confirms his studio’s position as one of the world’s leading names in bespoke automotive design, capable of transforming automotive history into rolling art.