From the folks behind the first electric classic Rolls-Royce, Lunaz Design is yet another drool-worthy classic luxury car. Joining the electric classic Rolls-Royce, electric Aston Martin DB9, and the many other converted classics is the world’s rarest upcycled electric vehicle, a 1961 Bentley S2 Continental.
It is the rarest classic car ever to be converted to fully electric power with one of four examples ever made, originally powered by an ‘L’ series 6.2L V8 motor. In addition to a smog-free drivetrain, the electric-powered 1961 Bentley S2 Continental boasts extensive use of sustainable and recycled materials.
All seat leather is made from hides tanned using naturally-fallen olive leaves, while the carpet in the front and rear cabins and the trunk are made from 100% regenerated nylon fiber and with a backing made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. The wood veneers used on the dashboard and other areas are from sustainable sources certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC).
The fully electric Bentley S2 Continental is powered by an in-house designed proprietary modular electric powertrain, which comprises high-grade Tier 1 OEM battery cells and motors. The latter produces 400 bhp (298 kW) and 530 lb-ft (719 Nm) of torque that affords this electric restomod to make the century sprint (0-100 km/h; 0-62 mph) in 6.9 seconds.
Definitely not the quickest but that’s not the point. The point is to have a good’ol classic that you can enjoy with less harm to the environment. That’s not to mention extending its lifespan on the road.
Anyhoo… the body of the car was restored to as-new condition using traditional coachbuilding and restoration techniques. Meanwhile, electrics, steering, brakes, and suspension, are modernized. The latter is uprated to a fully adjustable coil-spring suspension with a lever arm damper which is configurable electronically from inside the cabin. The brake system now incorporates a battery regeneration system upgraded to six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston calipers in the rear.
The electric-powered 1961 Bentley S2 Continental is the latest in a series of luxury classic cars to undergo Lunaz Design’s proven upcycling process at its facility in Silverstone, U.K. It is a client car and so it is for you to buy. You can, however, check out Lunaz Design to learn more about classic Bentley electric conversion.
Images: Lunaz Design.
