Electric classic car maker plots expansion and new models

 Classic car electrification firm Lunaz is on track to deliver its first customer models by the end of 2020, and remains committed to significant expansion plans first announced in February.

Deliveries of the Silverstone-based firm’s debut model, electrified versions of the iconic Jaguar XK120 sports coupé, will begin in the final quarter of 2020, with order books now filled for the initial production run. It is now taking orders for the XK120 convertible and its XK140 sister car.

The retro-styled EVs are visually unmodified, but swap their original petrol motors for an secretive, in-house-developed electric powertrain that produces 280kW. Lunaz claims a range of more than 400 kilometres from an 80kWh battery pack, and a 0-100km/h time of less than five seconds.

Lunaz finished testing and development of the electric Jaguars before the UK went into lockdown on 23 March, before taking orders via video consultation with customers. The firm claims its unique business model – supplying only to customers with whom it has a direct existing relationship – has shielded it from the issues that have affected mainstream manufacturers during the pandemic.

In addition to the flagship Jaguar models, Lunaz is now offering electric versions of the original Bentley Continental, produced from 1955 to 1965, to its extremely exclusive customer base. The first – a rare Continental S2 Flying Spur – is said to have been commissioned by a car collector who will use it as a daily driver.

Testing for a pair of electrified Rolls-Royces – the 1956 Cloud and 1961 Phantom V – has been completed and Lunaz is in talks with several high-end hospitality firms about the possibility of incorporating the modernised classics into existing limousine fleets.

Each car converted by Lunaz is 3D-scanned prior to any work being carried out, so that engineers can create CAD renders to “ensure technical perfection”. It is then stripped down ahead of a full restoration, with all coach building and trimming work carried out by the firm’s own engineers. Interiors are subtly modernised with upgraded sound systems, infotainment systems and WiFi functionality. Prices for a Lunaz conversion start from AUD$630,000.

Lunaz says that because it has managed to continue production in line with social distancing practices, it remains on track to double its workforce by the end of the year to cope with a “surge in orders globally”, supplementing a team that currently comprises workers from Rolls-Royce, Mclaren, Formula 1, Aston Martin, Cosworth and VW.

Felix Page