THE CURRENT SITUATION
Converting classics to electric power raises as many questions as answers …
Continuing in the recent theme of alternative drivetrains, it seems that a company called Lunaz, based at Silverstone, is converting high-end classics to electric propulsion, with a declared mission“… to define the future of classics. We preserve the past by embracing the future, making the most beautiful cars in history a relevant proposition.”
Under the technical leadership of Jon Hilton, the former Technical Director at Renault F1, Lunaz is currently( no pun intended) preparing a 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom V, a 1953 Jaguar XK120 and a 1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud for market introduction.
While the Rolls-Royce Phantom V is specified with a 120 kWh power unit, the Jaguar XK120 is fitted with an 80 kWh electric battery pack. Currently in its final testing phase, the Jaguar XK120 by Lunaz has twin electric motors producing 280 kW( 375 hp) and torque of 700 Nm( 516 lb. ft.) from zero engine speed, which should provide effortless and prodigious performance.
Engineered with fast-charging capability, regenerative braking systems and the integration of modern conveniences like traction control and cruise control, these cars will be the first electrified examples of their kind in the world.
With prices starting at £ 350,000( excluding local taxes) these are clearly not just engine swaps. The car is stripped to a bare metal shell before traditional coachbuilding and restoration skills are then employed to achieve a very high standard of finish, with the interior adapted to integrate modern conveniences such as satellite telecommunications, WiFi, audiovisual entertainment and navigation aids. www. lunaz. design
So, what does the classic car scene make of this sort of initiative? The FIVA( Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens or International Federation of Historic Vehicles) recently stated that it understands the motivation of some owners to electrify their vehicles and acknowledges that, subject to legislation and regulation, all modifications are a matter of personal choice.
However, FIVA – as an organisation dedicated to the preservation, protection and promotion of historic vehicles – cannot promote, to owners or regulators, the use of modern EV components( motors and batteries) to replace a historic vehicle’ s powertrain.
Conversion of historic vehicles from their original internal combustion engines to electric power doesn’ t
comply with the FIVA definition of a historic vehicle, nor does it support the goal of preserving historic vehicles and their related culture. In FIVA’ s view, vehicles so converted cease to be historic vehicles, unless they are subject only to‘ in period’ changes.
According to FIVA, a historic vehicle is‘ a mechanically propelled road vehicle’ that is at least 30 years old, preserved and maintained in a historically correct condition, not used as a means of daily transport and is part of our technical and cultural heritage.
Concludes Tiddo Bresters, FIVA’ s Vice President, Legislation,‘ It is not, in our opinion, the shape or body style of a vehicle that makes it‘ historic’, but the way in which the entire vehicle has been constructed and manufactured in its original form.
‘ Hence if any owner, motor engineer or manufacturer chooses to make such conversions to a historic vehicle, FIVA would strongly recommend that any changes are reversible, with all the original components marked and safely stored. In this way, the vehicle may – if so desired in the future – be returned to its original state and may once again become a historic vehicle. Z
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