Controversy surrounds the conversion of classic collector cars into electric vehicles, with a warning it removes their classic status.
So the launch of what is described as the world’s first electric Rolls-Royce is sure to be a conversation starter.
UK-based electric conversion specialist Lunaz has announced the start of production, with the conversion of a 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom V.
It included a ground-up restoration and incorporation of Lunaz’s proprietary electric powertrain, with a full suite of hardware and software upgrades.
Rolls-Royce joins existing electrified classics from Jaguar and Bentley as part of the Lunaz portfolio.
The first batch of electrified Rolls will be limited to 30 units, with orders being taken from the company’s existing client base and some of the most celebrated and influential institutions in the world.
Lunaz also plans to begin the conversion of Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud models.
It says the start of production follows a surge in demand for the electrification of pinnacle classic cars.
This is driven by a rebalancing of car collections for a clean air future.
To meet this demand, Lunaz is doubling its workforce at its headquarters in Silverstone.
The good news is that electric Rolls-Royce vehicles will be available in every global market.
Allocation can only be secured through direct relationship with the factory.
Prices for a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud by Lunaz start at £350,000 ($650,000 Aussie dollars) while Rolls-Royce Phantom kicks off at £500,000 ($915,000 Aussie dollars).
The Rolls-Royce Phantom by Lunaz is the only built-for-purpose, electric chauffeur-driven car in the world.
These cars answer a growing requirement from individuals and the world’s leading institutions for a clean-air alternative.
A Rolls-Royce is always engineered for silent running, with power delivered smoothly with the feeling of one continuous gear.
Conversion to electric power amplifies these characteristics while ensuring these most significant cars remain a relevant proposition for changing sensibilities and legislative climates, particularly in major global cities.
Rolls-Royce Phantoms by Lunaz are powered by the firm’s proprietary electric powertrain.
Its battery pack is the largest of its type in the world at 120 kWh, ensuring range of over 480km – significantly more than required for traditional chauffeur-driven use.
Every car by Lunaz is taken back to the bare metal, 3D scanned, weighed and fully restored before the conversion and re-engineering process begins.
This allows customers the scope to inject their own design and technology ideas under the guiding hand of Design Director, Jen Holloway.
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The 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom V by Lunaz perfectly clothes the car’s timeless proportions and unmistakable presence with a contemporary two-tone paint scheme, with Midland Grey on the upper of the car and Cinereous Grey on the lower.
The hand-painted feature line that breaks the two colours is inspired by a period item specified by the car’s previous client; a pink bakelite telephone that sat between the rear occupants.
Naturally, this item has been retained in the final build and upgraded to incorporate modern cellular phone technology, encrypted for privacy.
The interior scheme tastefully echoes the exterior.
The very finest sustainably-sourced leather is crafted by Lunaz’ in-house specialist team and specified in Argent Grey.
Instead of traditional seat piping, a double welt feature is presented in Whisper with Argent Grey, creating a contemporary pinstripe detail.
The feature line’s subtle shade of pink is referenced as an unexpected detail feature on the inside of the grab-handles, placed for the convenience of occupants as they enter and exit the car.
The original woodwork has been painstakingly restored and finished with a contemporary satin treatment.
This sympathetic update is offset with rose gold inlays.
This approach extends to the door cappings, front fascia and the picnic table backs affixed to the privacy division that separates the driver and rear passenger compartment.
Every car by Lunaz is built with subtly placed modern technological conveniences.
The driver benefits from a fully integrated infotainment system including satellite navigation.
Audio can be split between the rear and front to ensure passengers are able to listen to music without interruption from the driver’s satnav instructions.
Climate control is also significantly upgraded to incorporate modern air conditioning with the capability to dictate differing air settings depending on each occupant’s preference.
Two screens are integrated behind the privacy division’s picnic tables allowing rear occupants to watch films and mirror screens from mobile devices.
A bar service occupies the centre of the unit and has been custom built to perfectly fit the owner’s favourite brand of tequila.
Every Lunaz client will be invited to specify dimensions for their beverage of choice.
The 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom by Lunaz is built in eight-seat configuration with a front bench for three occupants, rear bench for a further three and two occasional seats.
Occupants throughout will benefit from Lunaz’s commitment to specifying only the very best materials.
For example, rear floormats have been custom made in alpaca wool, a material that is rarer than cashmere, softer than lambswool and is considered highly sustainable.
Retaining the character of these significant cars is the priority throughout the conversion and restoration process.
This extends to every detail including the weighting of switchgear which has been exhaustively engineered to operate an entirely new powertrain with the same haptic feedback as the original. Instrumentation also stays true to the spirit of the 1960s design, with delicate integration of a battery range meter and power gauge.
Every car by Lunaz is equipped with the capability for both home charging and rapid charging.
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