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.
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.
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.
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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The 40th edition of the Nationale Oldtimer Dag in Lelystad was one to look back on with great pleasure. On Sunday, June 21, the Bataviahaven was once again filled with beautiful classic vehicles, and the event drew a large number of visitors. The atmosphere was excellent, with wonderful stories, memories, and remarkable cars to be found everywhere.
This year, Hooper participated in the 15th edition of the Gijs van Lennep Legend, a rally that has by now secured a permanent place on the calendar of classic car enthusiasts, with social engagement playing an important role. This anniversary edition brought together a particularly varied field of participants, with driving pleasure and the charitable cause taking center stage.