Lunaz has expertise in transforming vintage British automobiles into eco-friendly electric vehicles, and their latest project involves retrofitting a 1961 Bentley S2 Continental with an electric powertrain. This rare classic car, which features a James Young body, is one of only four known to exist that has undergone Lunaz’s conversion process. The result is a luxurious, emission-free driving experience.
During the time when the 1961 Bentley S2 Continental was produced, customers could purchase a rolling chassis from the automaker and have a coachbuilder create the vehicle’s body. James Young designed this specific Bentley model, featuring a two-door cabin and prominent fenders, while the original powertrain included a 6.2-liter V8 engine and automatic transmission.
Lunaz’s conversion replaces the V8 engine with an electric powertrain capable of producing 400 horsepower (298 kilowatts) and 530 pound-feet (719 Newton-meters). According to Lunaz, the electric Bentley can accelerate from 0 to 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in 6.9 seconds
In addition to the new powertrain, the Lunaz conversion includes a fully adjustable coil-spring suspension with a lever arm damper that the driver can configure from within the cabin. The brakes have also been upgraded to discs with six-piston calipers in front and four-pot stoppers at the back.
Lunaz restores each car it builds completely, stripping it to bare metal and replacing everything. Sustainable materials such as regenerated nylon fibre carpets and olive leaf-tanned leather are used inside the vehicle. Additionally, the wood veneers have certification from the Forestry Stewardship Council.
This isn’t the first time Lunaz has electrified a Bentley; the company previously converted a 1961 Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur with a four-door body by H.J Mulliner. In 2021, the Flying Spur conversion had a starting price of £350,000, equivalent to about $490,000.
In 2022, Lunaz expanded its offerings by introducing two classic Land Rover Range Rover conversions, including a convertible inspired by the SUV from the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy and a long-wheelbase Town model with luxurious amenities such as a 1,300-watt stereo, heated and cooled cup holders, a wireless charging pad, and a watch winder for four timepieces.
Source: Lunaz
