Classic Range Rover to get Lunaz electric conversion treatment

The famous first generation Range Rover is being brought into the 21st century as a limited edition electric car.

The iconic luxury offroader is the latest model to be converted by UK-based Lunaz which will create 50 electrified examples, starting at £245,000 before taxes.

Each model will be finished to the individual buyer’s specification, but the conversion process involves a bare-metal restoration of an original 1970-1994 Range Rover and the installation of Lunaz’s in-house electric drivetrain along with uprated brakes, suspension and steering systems.

The company has already built a name for itself transforming British classics such as the Rolls-Royce Phantom V and Jaguar XK120 to electric power and says the Range Rover line is a result of customer demand for a zero-emissions version of the famous SUV.

(Photo: Lunaz)(Photo: Lunaz)
(Photo: Lunaz)
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The Range Rovers will be available in two specifications - Town and Country. Town is geared towards comfort for driver and rear-seat passengers and available in standard or long-wheelbase versions, with a view to use as a chauffeur-driven vehicle.

Country models will undergo more in-depth re-engineering with new technical and design features intended to ensure the converted car retains Range Rover’s peerless off-road reputation.

In addition to the two specifications, a special Safari option is also on offer, inspired by the roofless Range Rover which first appeared in the James Bond film Octopussy. Originals are so rare that Lunaz will instead modify regular cars and remove the roof. Despite its niche appeal, Lunaz says it already has an order for a Safari-spec version.

As well as modernising the drivetrain, the restorations will bring the spartan interiors up to date. Modern infotainment with smartphone-friendly touchscreens, sat nav and wifi will be offered and luxury leather and wood finishes will be available, along with textiles inspired by the original’s upholstery.

Explaining the thinking behind his firm’s mission, Lunaz founder David Lunaz said: “By 2030, when the UK ban on internal combustion engine car sales will come into effect there will be two billion ICE vehicles on the planet. Without conversion to electric, this will represent mass redundancy of finite resources that could otherwise be re-used. Our approach answers the urgent need to extend the life of these vehicles for future generations.”