about us

Hooper International is a coachbuilder and restorer of classic cars and youngtimers. In addition, we host unique business events and celebrations. Thanks to our versatility and spacious location, we are able to organize everything from start to finish. Hooper International focuses on the highest segment of the market and is capable of creating all types of bodywork, including convertible conversions. Hooper International is also actively involved in the classic car world. We participate in various rallies around the globe and are a proud sponsor of the Nationale Oldtimerdag in Lelystad. Through our involvement in these events, we aim to share our passion for historic vehicles and contribute to the preservation of automotive heritage.

The history of Hooper International

Founder of Hooper & Co.

Founding of Hooper & Co.

Founded as Adams and Hooper in 1805, this British coachbuilding company started building luxury horse-drawn carriages. The company held a royal warrant from 1830 and supplied carriages to King William IV, Queen Victoria, and King Edward VII.

First Royal Car

28 March 1900 - The first royal car, a Hooper body on a Daimler chassis, was delivered to Sandringham. Painted chocolate brown with red lines, this livery continued for the royal family well into the twentieth century.

Shift to Motor Bodies

At the turn of the 20th century, Hooper moved into motor bodies. They specialized in the top tier of the market, creating the most luxurious, stately carriages without consideration of cost.

Aircraft Manufacture and Economic Resilience

During World War I, Hooper produced Sopwith Camels. Post-war, they returned to coachbuilding, surviving the Great Depression better than most, even expanding with a second factory in Acton in the 1930s.

Barker Acquisition and Daimler Integration

1938 to 1958 - In 1938, Hooper acquired Barker. By 1940, Hooper was part of Daimler and the BSA group. In 1958, they ended coachbuilt bodies production following Rolls-Royce’s move to monocoque construction.

Revival with Silver Shadow and Silver Spirit

1980s - Revived in the 1980s, Hooper used Silver Shadow and Silver Spirit bodies to create custom coupés and limousines, epitomizing luxurious motoring of the era with the Hooper Empress.

Hooper International-museum-arnhem

Re-establishment and Current Activities

Around the turn of the century, Hooper was re-established, later sold to the UAE, and subsequently acquired by the Peja Group. Today, Hooper focuses on coachbuilding, restoration, rally preparation, and serving as a unique event venue. Continuing its proud legacy.

 

Visit our museum

Coachbuilder Hooper International is your professional partner in the fields of restoration, maintenance, upholstery, bodywork, rally preparation, and unique custom projects. Visit our museum, or use our museum as a unique venue for business events. At Hooper International, anything is possible!

Hooper International
Van Oldenbarneveldtstraat 85a NL – 6828 ZN Arnhem

Open by appointment on Thursdays – Admission is free!

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Newest additions

Stay informed about the latest news, new additions to our collection, and upcoming events. Visit our news page for all the latest updates!

Corvette Club Visit: A Day Full of Passion, Power, and People

This summer, we had the honor of hosting a special event for the Heartbeat Corvette Club.

Hainan Rally 2024: Crossing Tropical China with Our Mercedes 220B

From November 13th to 25th, we took part in the Hainan Open International Classic Cars Rally 2024 – a unique, international classic car rally across the southern island of Hainan in China.