British companies are turning classics into EVs, adding to their model portfolio.
As more and more people support the idea of running their expensive classic cars on batteries, new companies are popping up to offer this service. In some cases, even automakers that originally built classic cars are offering this service.
In the UK, a company called Luna's has emerged. The company, located near Silverstone Raceway, offers a comprehensive service that includes disassembling the car's original chassis and rebuilding or refurbishing everything except the drivetrain.
Turnkey Lunaz cars are expensive, starting at £350,000 ($416,180). Nevertheless, demand for them is growing.
Starting with the 1953 Jaguar XK120, Lunaz also offers the 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom V, the 1956 Rolls-Royce Cloud, and the 1961 Bentley S3 Continental Flying Spur. It should be noted that production is limited given the rarity of the cars and the capabilities of the Lunaz team, which has grown to 35 people, including former Aston Martin, Ferrari, Jaguar, McLaren and Formula One employees.
Lunaz uses a unique electric drivetrain consisting of two electric motors that combine to produce 375 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5.0 seconds. Battery capacity ranges from 80 to 120 kilowatt-hours, depending on the model. According to Lunars, the range is comparable to modern electric cars, with a range of nearly 250 miles on a single charge.
Each vehicle is also equipped with modern EV features such as fast charging and regenerative braking. The suspension and brakes have also been upgraded to accommodate EV power, and a traction control system has been added.
Lunaz also updated the interior to match the new running gear: a new power meter replaced the traditional tachometer. On request, Lunaz could add modern amenities such as power steering, cruise control, climate control, satellite navigation, and smartphone connectivity to the interior.
Other companies working in this field include Voitures Extravert of the Netherlands, which converted a Porsche 911, and eClassics of Germany, which converted the first Volkswagen Beetle and an early generation minibus.
