It was once said the loudest thing in a Rolls-Royce at 60mph should be the clock.
You’ll certainly hear the ticking in Phantom V and Silver Cloud models converted by Lunaz, with their already refined engines swapped out for a whisper-quiet electric drivetrain.
Lunaz has 30 build slots available for these electrified models, with the Silver Cloud available in both fixed-head and drophead body styles across series I, II and III.
The recipe is simple. Lunaz takes old vehicles, some of which are no longer functional, and performs a ground-up restoration. Then, an electric powertrain is added so you can enjoy guilt-free operation of your classic.
Lunaz says its Rolls-Royce EVs will be available in every global market. The Silver Cloud conversion starts at £350,000 (A$642,944) while the Phantom is priced from £500,000 (A$918,488). You’ll need to have a relationship with the Silverstone factory and Lunaz has already received orders from its existing clients.
The company uses proprietary hardware, with a 120kWh lithium-ion battery in the Phantom and an 80kWh one in the Silver Cloud that both support rapid charging.
Both models are said to be capable of over 482km in electric range. A Tesla Model S Long Range achieves 610km in strict WLTP testing – greater range, yes, but with decidedly less grandeur. And besides, a car from the colonies? Heavens no, that simply won’t do.
There are technological upgrades made to every Lunaz Rolls-Royce beyond the drivetrain. These include an infotainment system with satellite navigation, as well as upgraded air-conditioning with separate zones.
The charge port is located where the fuel filler cap was, while the instrument cluster has been subtly adapted to integrate appropriate readouts.
Rear-seat passengers in the Phantom V can enjoy watching films on two screens integrated behind the privacy screen, which also allow you to mirror your mobile phone.
You’ll be able to work with Lunaz’s design director to customise your Rolls-Royce to your exacting specifications. That includes the bar service located behind the privacy division, which can be custom-built to fit a bottle of your beverage of choice – might I suggest a bottle of Macallan, my good sir? Or perhaps a fine Cognac for the lady?
You shan’t be hassled with satellite navigation directions, with a separate audio zone for the rear seat. Besides, Jeeves should know where he’s taking you.
The featured 1961 Phantom V is finished in Midland Grey over Cinereous Grey with a hand-painted feature line inspired by the pink bakelite telephone that was specified by the car’s previous owner.
Lunaz says it’s painstakingly ensured that, despite the radical powertrain overhaul, every car it converts still has the same look and feel as it did when it was petrol-powered.
Lunaz co-founder Daivd Lorenz’s vision is for new generations of enthusiasts to be able to enjoy classic cars, particularly in markets where societal attitudes and legislative requirements are making classic car ownership harder than before.
“For Luna, my daughter, not to have access to a car like the Mercedes-Benz 190SL when she is of driving age would be a tragedy. Without building Lunaz, this is the reality she faces,” says Lorenz.
The converted Phantom V and Silver Cloud join the Jaguar XK120 and Bentley S2 Flying Spur in Lunaz’s portfolio.
Like Mercedes-Benz, Lunaz is named after somebody’s daughter – in this case, the daughter of company founder David Lorenz.
