Lunaz reveals that a recycled 1961 Bentley S2 Continental is said to be the rarest recycled electric vehicle in the world. It is one of only four examples ever made, where the original was powered by a 6.2 liter V8. The original version dates from 1951, which was just one of four examples built.
Now fully restored and reimagined, it’s equipped with Lunaz’s proprietary modular electric powertrain, featuring high-quality OEM Level 1 battery cells and motors. The latest in a series of classic luxury cars to undergo the company’s proven recycling process at its facility in Silverstone, UK, previous projects include models from famous names such as Aston Martin, Jaguar, Range Rover and Rolls-Royce.
This particular example was built in 1961. At that time, a small number of luxury car bodies were still being produced by independent coachbuilders to customer specifications, on a “rolling chassis” supplied by Bentley or another manufacturer . According to the build sheets, the first owner initially commissioned a four-door coachwork from leading London coachbuilder James Young; but he evidently changed his mind at the last minute, as research shows that the car has only ever existed in its current two-door form.
Recycling process
Subjected to the same recycling process demonstrated on a number of rare and high-value luxury cars over the past four years. The result is a Concours-standard vehicle that meets Lunaz’s three key requirements for a recycled electric vehicle: usability, reliability and sustainability. It begins with a detailed inspection and evaluation to determine chassis, powertrain and suspension configurations. Lunaz Design engineers use 3D scanning to create detailed computer-aided design (CAD) models as the basis for any renovation and rebuild work required. The car body is then reduced to a bare metal shell and restored to like-new condition using traditional coachbuilding and restoration techniques. All external and internal materials are repaired and coated: everything that cannot be reused, down to the nylon of the seat belt cord, is recycled.
The internal combustion engine and its associated systems, lubricants and other fluids are carefully removed and recovered, then replaced by Lunaz’s proprietary all-electric powertrain. The modular design, developed entirely in-house, allows engineers to adjust individual components to perfectly reflect the car’s innate character and the owner’s personal preferences. Battery cells, inverters and motors are original equipment manufactured to Lunaz specifications by Tier 1 European suppliers, as used by OEM car manufacturers. Other vital systems, including brakes, steering, suspension and electrics, receive the full modernization treatment by Lunaz Design to suit the customer’s dynamic expectations as well as current safety standards.
