British Company Lunaz Turning Classic Cars into Stunning EVs

By S.J. Bryan - October 23, 2019

Lunaz converts high-end vintage Jags and Rolls-Royces into electric rides while retaining vehicles’ DNA.

From its headquarters in Silverstone, England, Lunaz is reshaping our idea of what an electric car can be. Lunaz designs, engineers, and manufactures EVs using classic luxury rides. Each restored vehicle by Lunaz represents a one-of-a-kind expression of its breed and marque. From Rolls-Royce to Jaguar, they restore each cars faithfully and give it new life with a completely unique, proprietary powertrain.

Under the technical leadership of former Technical Director of Renault F1, Jon Hilton. Lunaz first and foremost want these not to just any EVs, but the most celebrated cars in history.

“The Lunaz mission is to define the future of classics,” says David Lorenz, Founder of Lunaz. “We preserve the past by embracing the future, making the most beautiful cars in history a relevant proposition.”

Of course, when you start with a fleet like this, it is hard to go wrong. A 1961 eight-seat Rolls-Royce Phantom V, 1953 Jaguar XK120, and 1956 Rolls-Royce Cloud are currently being prepped to hit the market. The Jaguar XK120 is fitted with an 80-kWH electric battery pack, while the Rolls-Royce Phantom V is specified with a 120-kWH power unit.

Each classic by Lunaz represents an entirely custom restoration. The cars are analysed down to the smallest detail to ensure Lunaz’s engineers develop the most appropriate powertrain solution for the character of the car and the intended driving dynamics.

All classics by Lunaz are engineered with fast charging capability, regenerative braking systems, and thoughtful integration of modern conveniences like traction control and cruise control. These cars will be the first electrified examples of their kind in the world. The choice of iconic classics to convert is testament to Lunaz’s confidence in an electrification package developed, engineered and manufactured entirely in-house.

The Jaguar XK120 by Lunaz is currently in its final testing phase and will demonstrate the power of combining new world technology with old world beauty. The Jaguar’s twin motors produce 516 lb-ft of torque from zero engine speed and 380 hp.

The Build Process

From its inception in early 2018, the company has hired the very best engineering, design, and manufacturing talent. The team has been handpicked includes expertise from Aston Martin, Ferrari, Ford, Formula 1, Jaguar, Volkswagen, McLaren and Rolls-Royce.

“The Lunaz solution takes cars that are under threat and gives them new purpose,” says Hilton, Managing Director and Technical Lead. “These cars will be true to the original in their aesthetic, peerless in their performance and effortless in their day-to-day use. To breathe new life into these classics represents vital engineering in the purest sense.”

The restoration and conversion process represents re-engineering from the ground up. It starts with an exhaustive inspection. Each corner is then weighed to understand the original weight distribution to the gram. This information informs decisions on chassis setup, powertrain packaging and suspension. The internal combustion engine and associated systems are then removed and the chassis is prepared for electrification.

The car is then 3D scanned; this allows the engineers to create detailed CAD models to ensure technical perfection in every step of the process. The specifics of Lunaz’s electric propulsion technology is closely guarded, but each classic by Lunaz is designed, developed, engineered and tested in-house using the highest specification modules available for automotive applications.

Traditional coachbuilding and restoration skills are then employed and the car is stripped down to a bare metal shell. Even imperceptible body defects are addressed by hand before the surface finish process begins. The same approach extends to the interior. The in-house design team make subtle adaptations to integrate modern amenities such as satellite telecommunications, WiFi, audiovisual entertainment and navigation aids.

The accessories associated with electric powertrains including battery chargers and DC converters are sensitively integrated into the existing design of the car, utilizing the fuel filler cap for charging and adapting dials to an appropriate read-out for the electrical powertrain. New air conditioning and electronic heating systems are installed and the accelerator is converted to a throttle-by-wire system. Following the uprating of braking, suspension, steering and electronics systems every circuit is tested before first start-up procedures begin.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom and Rolls-Royce Cloud by Lunaz are nearing completion. Following restoration and conversion, the cars will join the Jaguar XK120 in being subjected to an exhaustive period of testing and proving in all conditions and road types.

Lunaz focuses on converting and restoring only the very best expressions of classic motoring. The company is committed to remaining faithful to the beauty and character of these cars.

“I wanted a car like a 1953 Jaguar to be my daily driver,” says Lorenz. “Lunaz takes a history we all love and gives it a bright future. We are innovating to create cars that are usable, dynamic and stand as the ultimate drivers’ classics.”

Pricing starts at about $440,000, and if you’re in the market, the company will start taking orders in November 2019. Sure, the price is steep, but these are without a doubt some of the most remarkable EVs we’ve ever seen.