Connoisseurs of the auto world have always held vintage models from the 60s and 70s in high regard, be it sporty sedans or classic luxury models. The “bold and beautiful” looks, the good old sound of these engines, and the overall class of these cars are a treat for the auto lovers. Many of these people have made attempts at restoring these classic vehicles, and drive them around in all their glory. With the advent of the EV sector, few companies have gone one step further and gone electric with these vintage models. Lunaz, a UK-based company, is one of them, and they have made what is being called ‘the most fitting EV conversion’ – an electric Rolls Royce Phantom 1961.
World’s First Electric Rolls-Royce Is Here, 1961 Phantom V With Over 300 Miles Range
Rolls Royce is known to manufacture some of the most luxurious cars of all time, with the Phantom being one of their most successful models. Its magnificent history dates all the way back to 1925 when the first-ever Phantom rolled onto the streets. Ever since then, the Phantom has made the British manufacturer more than famous in the luxurious vehicle department. The 1961 Phantom came with a 6230 cc V8 engine, coupled with a 4-speed automatic transmission and power steering. This model had a huge fan following in the 1960s, with John Lennon (Beatles) and Queen Elizabeth II being proud owners, among many others.
With the recent hike in demand for electrified classics, Lunaz began converting famous models from the 60s and 70s into electric versions. Formed in 2018, their mission is to breathe life into vintage models, with the classic and exotic designs of the yesteryears meeting the relevance and desire for today’s customers. Every model that Lunaz makes is designed, engineered, and manufactured under the guidance of former Renault F1 technical director Jon Hilton. The team consists of engineers who have worked in Rolls Royce, Volkswagen, Aston Martin, and Formula 1. Vehicles are stripped down, 3d-scanned, weighed, and then restored to make sure that no feature of the 70s models gets disturbed. And now, they have introduced the electrified 1961 Phantom.
Being one of the classiest cars to run during the 1960s, the Phantom makes a lot more sense with a silent motor than with an internal combustion engine – the blend of smoothness and power can be materialized perfectly in a Rolls Royce. Fitted with a massive 120 kWh battery, it is estimated to have a range of more than 480 km (300 miles). While the entire powertrain has gone electric, Lunaz has also upgraded the brakes, suspension, and steering in a bid to provide a smooth ride that is worthy of a Rolls Royce. Keeping the classic looks the same, Lunaz has added in a bit of technology to create a perfect mix of the 20th and 21st centuries. A modern infotainment system with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and satellite navigation, as well as climate control, has been carefully integrated into its interior. Of course, with this entire new tech in place, the EV Rolls Royce Phantom 1961 model starts at prices as high as $655,000, almost as expensive as the new Rolls Royce Phantom. Furthermore, only 30 models of this electric model will be available.
Along with the Phantom, Lunaz is also going electric with the Rolls Royce Silver Clouds. This model starts at $460,000 and is equipped with an 80 kWh battery while keeping the 480 km range constant. They are available in different variants such as four-door limousines, two-door coupé, or the drophead coupé. These two Rolls Royce models are the newest entrants of electrified classics by Lunaz, which also include Bentley S2 Flying Spur and Jaguar XK120.
Post-opulence luxury is being called the new age in this segment of the auto industry, which is moving away from wealth and towards creating luxury vehicles that are safer for the planet. Despite the good looks and stylish exterior that is seen in these vintage models, they tend to have issues adapting to newer engines after being restored, and end up being harmful to the earth. With an all-electric powertrain fitted inside a Rolls Royce, Lunaz is taking steps in the right direction, as the automobile industry desperately looks towards an electric transformation.
Retrofitting an old classic has started becoming a new thing, taking restoration of the older vehicles to a whole new, electrified level. David Lorenz, the founder of Lunaz, was quoted as saying “We preserve the past by embracing the future, making the most beautiful cars in history a relevant proposition.” While connoisseurs from the last century continue to find beauty in these models, it is simply logical to give them a silent powertrain than fitting them in with newer engines. The beginning of this age may cut deep holes in the pockets of the makers as well as the buyers, but it has taken the auto industry towards the future without stepping all over the past.
