UK Firm Launches Classic EV Conversions, But They Are Super Expensive

Old dogs, new tricks.

Lunaz electric conversions

Dominik Wilde

By: Dominik Wilde

Oct 12, 2019 at 5:55pm ET

Add InsideEVs as a preferred source in Google

Comment

Silverstone-based firm Lunaz is launching a range of electric conversion kits that will bring aging classics right into the 21st century.

The kits are currently being developed, with applications for a 1961 eight-seat Rolls-Royce Phantom V, a 1953 Jaguar XK120 and a 1956 Rolls-Royce Cloud being the first to be introduced to the market. The electric drivetrain for the Jaguar XK120 is fitted with an 80-kWH electric battery pack whilst the Rolls-Royce Phantom V comes with a 120-kWH power unit. Each kit is set to be priced from £350,000 before taxes.

More Conversions

Convertible BMW E30 Gets New Life With Volt Battery, Tesla Motor Swap

Each conversion is applied after a full restoration, which involves a complete 3D scan of the car in its original form. Fast charging capability, regenerative braking systems, traction control and cruise control are all sympathetically applied, and finished cars will also be completed with unique paint finishes an interior trims.

Lunaz electric conversions

Company founder David Lorenz is a classic car enthusiast, and the biggest motivation behind Lunaz was to preserve classic cars for future generations, with older cars potentially getting outlawed by legislation in future decades.

"I wanted a car like a 1953 Jaguar to be my daily driver, Lunaz takes a history we all love and gives it a bright future," Lorenz said. "We are innovating to create cars that are usable, dynamic and stand as the ultimate drivers’ classics."

"For Luna, my daughter, not to have access to a car like the Mercedes-Benz 190SL when she is of driving age would be a tragedy," he added. "Without building Lunaz, this is the reality she faces."

The hand-finished cars are assembled by a team of specialists and coachbuilders cherry-picked from all over the automotive industry. Among Lunaz's employees are people from Formula 1, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Jaguar, Volkswagen, and McLaren.

The company's managing director and technical lead, Jon Hilton, began his career at Rolls-Royce where he engineered powertrains for a successful helicopter world speed record. He later worked as technical director for Renault's F1 programme in the mid-2000s where he played a key role in Fernando Alonso's two world championship triumphs.

What do you think?

View

Comments

"The Lunaz solution takes cars that are under threat and gives them new purpose," said Hilton. "These cars will be true to the original in their aesthetic, peerless in their performance and effortless in their day-to-day use."

"To breathe new life into these classics represents vital engineering in the purest sense."

Gallery: Lunaz electric conversions

Lunaz electric conversions

We want your opinion!

What would you like to see on Insideevs.com?

Take our 3 minute survey.

- The InsideEVs team

Share this Story

GO TO COMMENTS

(

)

Got a tip for us? Email: tips@insideevs.com

View all comments ( )

Trending

Kia EV3 Lease Deals Are Here, And It’s Cheaper Than The Chevy Bolt And Nissan Leaf

I Let Android Auto Plan My EV Roadtrip. Here’s How It Worked

This Chevy Bolt Has 470,000 Miles. Here’s How Much A New Battery Was

Here's What It's Like To Take Delivery Of A Rivian R2