IT IS NOT the first Rolls-Royce car to be transformed from petrol to the latest electric technology. But few have the story behind this elegant Silver Cloud II.
Built in 1960, the car’s first owner was the actress Sophia Loren. Now it has been converted to electric power by specialist upcycling company Lunaz in its state-of-the-art factory at Silverstone.
The company is building a worldwide reputation for its conversion expertise. Its technicians have removed the original petrol engine and replaced it with a specifically engineered version of Lunaz’s own electric powertrain and battery.
Only the Silver Cloud II silhouette remains. Every surface inside and out has been modernised and upgraded. The vehicle’s coachwork is finished in a bespoke two-tone finish, with the upper portion in shale over a rich gold lower with matching wheel centres. The interior is trimmed in Sage leather with classic burr walnut wood detailing. The carpets from Sedna are woven using material from reclaimed nylon fishing nets and use a backing made from recycled ocean plastics.
“Every Rolls-Royce elevated by Lunaz has its own unique and fascinating story to tell” says Lunaz’s founder and chief executive David Lorenz. “In elevating this beautiful, historically-important classic to fully electric power, we have remained absolutely faithful to its original spirit and purpose: to use the most advanced technology available to convey passengers in perfect serenity, privacy and comfort.”
The car is to become part of the Lunaz Hotel Programme. Several hotel operators around the world have already commissioned Lunaz to elevate classic models from Bentley and Rolls-Royce, as well as one long wheelbase classic Range Rover commission, to luxurious ‘house cars’ used to transport guests to and from airports and provide chauffeur service to restaurants, marinas, clubs and other experiences during their visit.
The vehicles will operate in regions including Europe, the Middle East, the USA and South East Asia. “We are enabling the world’s leading hotel and residence operators to add a new dimension to their guests’ experience,” said Mr Lorenz.
The Silver Cloud II was intended for chauffeur-driven use and Lunaz has integrated a suite of modern features to create a serene, relaxing environment for rear-seat passengers. These include heated seats, a specially engineered Android and Apple Carplay-compatible audio system, and USB/USB-C charging points. Even the rear-seat cushion bolsters have been subtly reduced to increase legroom without compromising comfort or support.
The driver benefits from upgraded controls – a far cry from the 1960s – including parking cameras linked to a full-colour display screen in the dashboard, cruise control and an electronic parking brake.
Prices for motor cars within the Lunaz Hotel Programme begin at £550,000 plus local taxes. The programme also includes bespoke chauffeur training by Lunaz’s team of chauffeurs, all former motorsport professionals, qualified security protection drivers or Police Driving Curriculum instructors.
