The EV revolution hasn’t just affected new vehicles. Many companies, such as EV West and Legacy EV, make kits to give vintage vehicles all-electric power. Halcyon, a new “British luxury automotive brand dedicated to providing remastering services for classic Rolls-Royce and Bentley models” (and also a sibling company of electric powertrain firm Evice Technologies), recently announced its first run of EVs will be based on the 1978 Rolls-Royce Corniche.
Given the model year, the ’78 Corniche comes from the Corniche I generation of ultra-luxury convertibles that ran from 1971 through 1987. According to Halcyon, its handcrafted build process takes 12 months, 1,000 hours of which are spent on just the bodywork. The end result is what Halcyon thinks the Corniche would’ve looked like 60 years ago if today’s technology had existed then. Each Corniche is stripped down to bare metal, then repainted and polished until it has a mirror finish. Halcyon uses a “less is more approach” and refrains from making radical changes to the exterior, although it does fit each of its builds with handmade chrome bumpers, bespoke headlights, and minor revisions to the front end to accentuate the Corniche’s lines.
The cabin’s colors, stitching, and features can be tailored to each buyer’s specifications. Halcyon’s description makes it sound as if it’s a thoroughly modern space—in more ways than one. In addition to heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats, cruise control, and a bespoke audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay, there’s “an exhibition feature that spans the width of the dashboard, offering a dedicated space for bespoke art pieces.” Hmmm . . . that sounds a lot like “The Gallery” inside the Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII.
As part of its build process, Halcyon removes the Corniche’s massive 6.75-liter V8 and three-speed automatic and installs an 800-volt electrical system (developed in-house) and a rear-axle drive unit that produces between 400 and 500 horsepower, depending on configuration. Two battery packs are available, both of which can be replenished with AC charging and DC fast-charging. The base unit features one battery at each end of the car. Combined, the two produce a total of 77 kWh and more than 200 miles of range. The optional setup consists of three batteries that deliver 94 kWh and over 250 miles of range on a single charge.
To maintain the famous Rolls-Royce on-road composure and ride quality, Halcyon equips its creations with upgraded brakes and an active suspension that allows for three drive modes. “Drive” is a blend of smooth ride quality and timely throttle response. “Touring” relaxes the suspension and throttle. “Spirited” sharpens the throttle response and tightens up the dampers.
Just like any Rolls-Royce, Halcyon’s updated EV Corniches will carry hefty price tags. It will only build 60 commissions, each with a starting price of £395,000 ($510,469), plus the cost of the donor Corniche and local taxes. Production begins in Q4 of this year; deliveries start making their way to customers in Q4 2026.
