If you’re a billionaire with a penchant for classics, but aren’t fond of the smell of smoke-spewing from their tailpipes, then Lunaz – a British classic car-restoration firm – might be of some use to you as they have just unveiled a custom-built 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom V, with an electric drivetrain.
If you think about it, the whole idea is a bit remarkable. Blending classic car artwork with the propulsion of the future, well, that’s some business model – isn’t it? However, Lunaz isn’t new to this concept, as it’s been in the business of doing exactly this for quite a while now. In the past, it’s done similar projects with classic Bentleys and Jaguars. This time, though, it has gone with a brand that’s considered to be the absolute gold standard for luxury vehicles – Rolls-Royce.
According to Lunaz, the electrified Phantom V is built-for-purpose and has been created in response to the growing requirement from individuals for a collector car that’s also kind to the environment. Moreover, the conversion to electric amplifies the defining characteristics that Rolls-Royce cars are known for – silent driving and seamless power delivery. Not to mention the electric conversion also reflects the changing sensibilities and legislative changes around the world.
Lunaz hasn’t divulged many details about the car’s drivetrain, except to say that it’s going to pack a 120kWh battery pack, which will ensure a range of around 480kms on a single charge. Home and rapid charging will be offered as well.
Now, Lunaz doesn’t just hide rusty old components of the original car under the foot mats. Instead, each car is taken back to the bare metal, 3D scanned, weighed, and fully restored before the conversion and re-engineering processes begin. The suspension setup and brakes are also modified.
Inside, there’s an amalgamation of the new and the old – there’s woodwork like the 1961 original, but you also get modern tech, including WiFi, infotainment screens, charging ports, and your very own bar service. Yes, there’s a compartment to perfectly hold the owner’s favourite brand of tequila. And if you don’t like tequila, Lunaz will happily change the dimensions of the compartment based on the beverage of your choice.
Lunaz is also working on a restoration project for the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, with the same aim – electrification and customisation for the well-heeled. It’ll have a smaller battery pack of 80kWh. The Silver Cloud by Lunaz has a sticker price of £350,000. The Phantom V, on the other hand, will be even dearer at £500,000. Just 30 of these Rollers will be built, so if you have a spare half-a-million pounds, or its equivalent lying around, hurry up and claim your new-age classic.
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