Electric Six – Lunaz Aston Martin DB6

We’ve spoken about the impressive, high-end work being done by the team at Lunaz before. Much to the chagrin of some people who like to email in every time we mention a classic car converted to run solely on electricity. But, while the notion of an electric heart may well be enough to cause upset in some, the reality is that the attraction is high for many others. We were unsure when these cars (not just from Lunaz) started to appear, but as time has gone on, we have become more open to the idea. And as things in the wider world progress, the space for these cars is increasing on a daily basis. Cities are becoming more stringent on emissions, meaning that in many cases, it will be near impossible to own a ‘traditional’ classic in such settings. The internal combustion engine does of course still have a place, and it’s not going anywhere any time soon (especially if synthetic fuel becomes a thing) but for now, there is a place for EV converted classics.

Lunaz, within that arena, are arguably the best at it. The have form with changing classics from V Power to volts. This British company, based out of Silverstone, has put its name to the Jaguar XK, Rolls-Royces, Bentleys and now this, the Aston Martin DB6. It’s a bold statement, converting a DB6 to electricity, but Lunaz has stepped up and done exactly that. With impressive results, it would seem.

“The rapid growth of Lunaz reflects the growing role that remanufacturing and electrification plays in plotting a sustainable course to a clean-air powertrain future. By furthering the legacies of these beautiful Aston Martins we create many more highly skilled jobs and expand our clean-technology production presence at our home in Silverstone, England. We are proud to take vehicles of all types that already exist and extend their use for many generations to come.” Explains David Lorenz, Founder and CEO, Lunaz Group.

Following the confirmation of orders for these first cars, Lunaz will now offer to clients across the globe a highly limited production allocation of Aston Martin DB6 cars in both left-hand drive and right-hand drive configurations. Exact prices will be communicated privately on application but exceeds $1million + local taxes. First deliveries are scheduled for the third quarter of 2023. Prices for rare DB4 and DB5 model cars will be available strictly on application.

Each electrified Aston Martin DB6 by Lunaz will undergo an exhaustive bare-metal restoration and re-engineering process. This means clients are presented with a concourse-level vehicle that addresses the key requirements of usability, reliability and sustainability that serves as the foundation for Lunaz’ leadership of the electric classic car market. These cars aren’t simply ripped of their mechanical hearts. This process is more than that. Everything is addressed, restored and reworked.

Driveability is ensured through the up-rating of brakes, suspension and steering while interior comfort and convenience is brought up to modern standards through the provision of air conditioning and the sensitive integration of the latest infotainment, navigation systems and full Wi-Fi connectivity. There’s a clever quip about Bond and gadgets here, we’re sure. Licence to Chill, perhaps, thanks to the air-conditioning.

The car will be powered by Lunaz’ proprietary modular electric powertrain, developed entirely in-house and comprised of the very highest standard European-sourced Tier 1 OEM battery cells and motors. All current Lunaz vehicles’ battery capacity ranges from 80-120 kWh. Range is 255 miles and every car by Lunaz is equipped with CCS fast-charging capability.

These cars are, make no mistake, special. This isn’t a quick cash-in by throwing some AA batteries in the back of an old car. The team at Lunaz are taking an iconic car, and rebuilding it to better than new condition. This is a restoration as well as a reimagination. And when you consider that Aston itself sold the DB5 ‘continuation’ Bond models for millions, and they weren’t even road legal, this is something of a bargain. There is real technology here, a real investment in the car’s soul and its spirit. As EV conversion go, this is the best of the best.

This vision is executed by over 100 engineers, restoration specialists and craftspeople that work at Lunaz’ 62,000 sq/ft HQ on the Silverstone Technology Park. They are drawn from companies including Aston Martin, Bentley, F1, Ferrari, Jaguar, Land Rover, McLaren and Rolls-Royce. As a collective they represent the largest technical team of their kind in the world engaged in the restoration, re-engineering and electrification of pinnacle classic cars. But more importantly, they are the embodiment of the classic car ‘dream team’. This isn’t a gathering of white lab-coated nerds with no understanding of what a carburettor does. This is a world-class gathering of people passionate about what they’re doing, and a few people in lab coats doing the battery stuff, probably.

The engineering process is led by Jon Hilton, Managing Director and Technical Lead. He blends experience at the pinnacle of motorsport, winning 3 F1 World Championships with a career pioneering the use of alternative powertrains in mainstream automotive. He has gathered a team that includes senior technical minds that have led  specialist engineering projects to customise heritage models for James Bond films. To deliver the ultimate electric driver’s expression of the DB6 he oversees a conversion process that represents re-engineering from the ground up.

It’s a coming together of new and old, traditional and innovative. There’s power in that. We don’t know what the future holds, and while we’re certainly confident that the petrol engine has a long, long life ahead of it, the fact remains that EV converted classics have a place. And an important one at that. Lunaz is, as we said earlier, at the top of its game. It’s the king of the EV classic hill. But it got there not by converting classics, but by reimagining them. By understanding them, by being passionate about them, and by using that passion to secure these cars a place in what is an uncertain future. There’s something to be applauded there.

Angry emails to the usual address, please…