Revival of a Classic
British company Halcyon has given new life to the Rolls-Royce Corniche, a legendary convertible from the 1970s, by transforming it into an electric car. Production is limited to just 60 individually crafted “remake” models, each created to the specific preferences of the customer.
Restoration Details
The conversion process begins with over 2000 hours of restoration work, during which the car is completely disassembled to bare metal. Owners can choose: to preserve the classic Corniche design or add modern elements, such as chromed bumpers, updated headlights, new alloy wheels, and custom exterior details.
Custom Interior
For the interior, Halcyon has completely reimagined the Corniche’s cabin, using natural materials, exclusive finishes, and giving clients significant freedom of choice. One of the first customers chose a two-seat layout with a styled rear space, and the company is even considering offering a custom Louis Vuitton luggage set.
Other updates meet modern standards: heated and ventilated seats, an upgraded audio system, a hidden multimedia system, and automatic climate control.
The first completed example, known as “Highland Heather,” is inspired by Scottish heather moorlands. Its Purple Moorland exterior is paired with a white-and-purple interior, executed in hand-stitched leather, wood, and metal accents.
Technical Transformations
Powerful Silent Powertrain
Under the classic body, the 6.75-liter V8 engine is replaced with a fully electric powertrain developed by Evice Technologies. In its most powerful version, the system delivers up to 500 hp (373 kW / 507 PS), which more than doubles the power of the original Corniche.
Customers can choose between two battery options, providing a range of 250 miles (402 km) and 300 miles (483 km) respectively. The 800V architecture supports charging speeds of up to 230 kW. Interestingly, the company claims the conversion adds not a single kilogram of weight compared to the original V8 model.
Chassis updates include a semi-active suspension and an improved braking system. Like modern cars, the Corniche has three driving modes: Drive, Spirited, and Touring, which alter the powertrain characteristics and damping.
The Cost of Exclusivity
The first customer cars are planned for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026. Prices start from £400,000 ($537,000), excluding taxes or the cost of the base Corniche car, which can add from $40,000 to over $80,000 depending on its condition.
Thus, for the ability to drive silently in a 1970s Rolls-Royce, which seemingly should still smell of cigars and cologne, one will have to pay over half a million dollars. But exclusivity has never been cheap, and at least this model won’t be leaking oil in your driveway.
This project demonstrates the growing trend of restyling classic cars with electric powertrains, combining nostalgia for the design of the past with the technologies of the future. Similar initiatives open up new opportunities for car enthusiasts who want to own unique vehicles that meet modern environmental standards and comfort requirements.