A new company aims to modify classic cars with 21st century electric power. The first car to get the silent treatment? A 1950s Jaguar XK120, and there are more to come.
Lunaz has pooled expertise from F1 racing, as well as high-end marques including Aston Martin and Ferrari, to develop new electric tech for classic cars. Its goal is to ‘answer questions of reliability, usability and sustainability with classic cars restored and converted to electric powertrains’. The project is overseen by former Renault F1 technical director, Jon Hilton.
“The Lunaz solution takes cars that are under threat and gives them new purpose,” said Hilton. “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.”
As for power? Well, this Jaguar now offers 380hp and 516lb ft of torque from an 80kWh battery.
Every classic Lunaz electrifies will come with fast-charging capability and regenerative braking, so it’s a comprehensive job.
They also get some modern creature comforts, including traction control and cruise control. Of course, installation will be ‘sympathetic’ to the original car.
The restoration behind electrification
It’s not just a case of fitting a classic car with an electric powertrain. The cars themselves are restored to ‘better-than-new’ condition, with a price tag to match. Expect to pay upwards of £350,000, depending on the original car.
What comes next? Well, a Rolls-Royce Phantom and a Rolls-Royce Cloud are going through a similar process, and will soonjoin the Jaguar in the line-up. Beyond that? Watch this space…
Opinion: is electrifying classic cars wrong?
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There is a lot to be said for originality in classic cars, but consider this: children today, and those yet to be born, will get ever-fewer chances to see these beautiful shapes on the road.
If modifying a classic means future generations take an interest, it gets a pass from us. Lunaz founder, David Lorenz, seems to agree:
“For Luna, my daughter, not to have access to a car like the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL when she is of driving age would be a tragedy. Without building Lunaz, this is the reality she faces.”
Then there’s the added usability. The ease and reliability of electric powertrains means these once-temperamental historic cars become turn-key commuters. Perhaps Lorenz explains it best:
“I wanted a car like a 1953 Jaguar to be my daily-driver. 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.
“I want to respond to the demands of those drawn to the beauty and romance of classic cars, but reject them because the current proposition doesn’t align with their sensibilities and lifestyle requirements. Lunaz provides these people the perfect solution; a beautiful but usable, sustainable and reliable electric classic.”
