This Rolls-Royce with Dutch bike carrier conquers the Internet
From coupe to shooting brake
Van Roij is known for his love of exclusive cars and his weakness for unusual body shapes. He previously built a
Corniche
The original Corniche was an elegant two-door coupe, a car for those in the 1980s who wanted to travel in style without rushing. But the owner of this one had other plans. He and his wife are avid triathletes and wanted to take their bikes with them – but without an ugly bike rack on the roof.
Invisible bike carrier
A bike carrier on a Rolls-Royce sounds unusual, but Van Roij and his team found a clever solution. Behind the rear bumper is an electrically extendable system that can carry two bicycles. When not in use, it disappears completely from view. This keeps the classic line of the car intact. Typically Dutch, of course – even in a Rolls, the bike has to come along. The Internet is feasting on it, and rightly so: this creation is going around the world online.
Engineering to the millimeter
Construction was an engineering challenge. The Corniche received a new rear subframe, which housed the relocated fuel tank and bike system. The space available was small, so each component had to be fitted with millimeter precision. The project required more than two and a half years of work.
A personal project
The car has been owned by the same family for forty years. The current owner, an enthusiastic triathlete that is, wanted to use the Corniche primarily as a two-seater for long trips, with enough room for bikes and luggage. The project was nicknamed “Henry II,” a reference to British nobility and to the car’s distinguished character.
A classic Rolls with a modern twist
From the outside, the Corniche still looks like a real Rolls. The extended roofline and slightly modified rear end give it a unique, almost concept car-like appearance. Inside, Van Roij remained true to the original design: gleaming wood, thick carpet and top-quality leather. Everything exudes the Rolls-Royce feeling, but with a modern and practical twist.
Also see: Is this the best (electric) car ever? Rolls-Royce Spectre – AutoRAI TV