Global demand for electrified classic cars surges

All cars by Lunaz are hand-built in strictly limited production runs. This reflects a commitment to preserving the rarity and value of the most celebrated classics in history. Sustained global demand has brought forward plans to introduce a new marque to the Lunaz family.

Following a customer commission for an electrified version of the highly rare Bentley Continental S2 Flying Spur with coachwork by H.J Mulliner, the firm is now confirming allocation for a limited production run of all derivatives across the (1955-1965) Bentley Continental family. These will be available in both Coupé and Drophead Coupé bodystyles. Order books for 2021 delivery are open for reengineered and electrified Bentley Continentals.

The Mulliner Flying Spur will take pride of place in a UK car collection. The car’s owner will use it as his daily driver, replacing his modern electric hatchback. This confirms Lunaz’ promise to make the rarest and most desirable cars in history truly usable.

The Bentleys will join a stable of cars that represent the most celebrated marques in automotive history. This includes two of the most admired Rolls-Royces, the 1956Cloud and 1961 Phantom V.  Final testing and proving for these cars has been carried out in isolation and in accordance with government guidelines relating to the global health crisis.

First deliveries will take place in the final quarter of 2020. Lunaz is in advanced discussions with hospitality establishments to take early allocations. These venues are seeing clear demand from their clientele to offer clean-air alternatives to existing luxury limousine fleets.

“Lunaz is delivering on surging demand for luxury electric cars. An entirely new breed of customer requires a clean-air powertrain, who until now have been limited to functional and utilitarian designs. Lunaz responds by taking the most beautiful cars in history and making them a relevant proposition for an emerging and influential group of buyers. We are delighted to breathe new life and usability into these timeless designs.”

The Jaguar XK120 by Lunaz completed an exhaustive process of testing and proving shortly before restrictions relating to the global health crisis were enforced. Orders for these cars have been secured remotely utilising video communication technology for product workarounds and negotiation. All cars by Lunaz are secured through direct relationship with the factory, broadly insulating the firm from the challenges of closed dealerships due to global restrictions.

Electric performance

“The world is changing. Global legislation and shifting attitudes towards sustainability is driving demand for clean-air alternatives. Our electric classic cars represent the ultimate in up-cycling and sustainable mobility. We are delighted to provide an option for a new generation of classic car lovers, in doing so preserving some of the most celebrated objects in automotive history.” said David Lorenz, Founder, Lunaz.

The electric Jaguar XK120 by Lunaz benefits from the firm’s proprietary electric powertrain. Battery size is 80kWH, the equivalent to 700NM of torque (516lb ft) from zero engine speed and 375bhp. The twin motors will propel the car from 0-60mph in five seconds. Real world range is 250 + miles.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom V represents the first true electric limousine in history. Lorenz was inspired to create the only electric Rolls-Royce to meet the demands of individuals and leading hospitality establishments who require a sustainable expression of the ‘Best Car in the World’.

A Rolls-Royce Cloud by Lunaz will stand as the ultimate driver’s electric classic Rolls-Royce. The marriage of engineering, new powertrain technology and classic aesthetics makes these truly unique propositions for those that want to enjoy the experience of driving the finest classic cars in the world with the questions of sustainability, reliability and usability addressed. All Rolls-Royce Clouds by Lunaz will be specified with more than 80kWH battery packs. These cars are engineered to ensure no range anxiety and usability in all conditions.

Re-engineered from the ground-up

All Lunaz cars represent a perfect marriage of old world style and new world substance. All cars are hand-built at the company’s Silverstone, HQ under the Technical supervision of Managing Director Jon Hilton. Hilton, established his legend as Technical Director for Renault Formula 1 where he led the team to back-to-back World Championships.

A car by Lunaz represents much more than just a conversion. In addition to the integration of the firm’s proprietary electric powertrain, each car is reengineered and restored to the highest standard. The process starts with an exhaustive inspection. The car is 3D scanned; this allows the engineers to create detailed CAD models to ensure technical perfection. The specifics of Lunaz’s electric propulsion technology is closely guarded, but each classic by Lunaz is designed, developed, engineered and tested in-house using the highest specification modules available for automotive applications. 

Traditional coachbuilding and restoration skills are performed entirely in-house. Lunaz’ team, strips down the car to a bare metal shell. Even imperceptible body defects are addressed by hand before the surface finish process begins.

The internal combustion engine and associated systems are then removed and the chassis is prepared for electrification. 

The same approach extends to the interior. The in-house design team make subtle adaptations to integrate modern conveniences such as satellite telecommunications, WiFi, audiovisual entertainment and navigation aids.

The accessories associated with electric powertrains including battery chargers and DC converters are sensitively integrated into the existing design of the car, utilising the fuel filler cap for charging and adapting dials to an appropriate read-out for the electrical powertrain. New air conditioning and electronic heating systems are installed and the accelerator is converted to a throttle-by-wire system. Following the uprating of braking, suspension, steering and electronics systems every circuit is tested before first start-up procedures begin.

COVID-19 update

Lunaz’ leadership remains available to its global customer base throughout the health crisis through direct communication over phone and videocall. Production schedules were re-planned in anticipation of government calls to close workplaces where possible, with provision made for the firm’s technical staff to work in isolation throughout the peak period of lockdown.

Following latest UK government guidelines, Lunaz has created an environment at its HQ that allows for social distancing and safe working. Because of these efforts, Lunaz remains on track to meet demand and deliver its 2020 production schedule.

Highly skilled jobs

In February, Lunaz announced it will double its workforce by the end of the year. These plans remain firmly in place. New technical staff will join a team drawn from Rolls-Royce, Mclaren, Formula 1, Aston Martin, Cosworth and VW. New team members will work across the brand’s growing model portfolio.

Order books are open and build slots can be secured through direct relationship with the factory. Prices for a fully electrified and reengineered classic by Lunaz starts at £350,000. Prices for converting cars that are already owned can be discussed directly with Lunaz.