This Company Turns British Classics Into Reliable Electric Cars

Few automotive trends have caused such split opinions as EV restomodding - taking a classic car and retrofitting it with an EV drivetrain. The practice is starting to gain a lot of traction and is even being taught in high school auto shop classes. Even the manufacturers are getting in on the trend with cars like the electric Aston Martin DB6 and the Classic Mini Electric.

Retrofitting an EV drivetrain into a classic seems like the best of both worlds because you get the stylish looks of an old classic without the risk of the engine not starting in the morning. A UK company called Lunaz has taken this concept to the next level with electric versions of the 1961 eight-seat Rolls-Royce Phantom V, 1956 Rolls-Royce Cloud, and 1953 Jaguar XK120.

The Jaguar is equipped with an 80-kWh electric battery pack while the Rolls Royces get a larger 120-kWh pack. Lunaz didn't quote output on either of the two Rolls Royce models but says the XK120 produces 375 horsepower and a tire-shredding 516 lb-ft of torque. For reference, the original car used a 3.4-liter inline-six producing between 160 to 220 hp. Lunaz hasn't just upgraded the power, it has also uprated the brakes, suspension, steering, and electronics systems to cope with the increase in speed.

All Lunaz cars also include fast charging capability, regenerative braking systems, and modern conveniences like traction control and cruise control. All of the interiors will be completely bespoke and include modern amenities such as satellite telecommunications, WiFi, audiovisual entertainment, and navigation.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom and Rolls-Royce Cloud by Lunaz are currently nearing completion at the company's headquarters in Silverstone and we will likely hear more details about both after they are thoroughly tested. Lunaz's team includes expertise from Aston Martin, Ferrari, Ford, Formula 1, Jaguar, Volkswagen, McLaren, and Rolls-Royce, so there are countless possibilities for future models.

Each car is 3D scanned before being rebuilt from the ground up with an electric drivetrain. Prices start at £350,000 ($430,029) with order books opening in November 2019.