Classic Rolls-Royce sets electric lap record

By Jim Holder

| 25 Feb 2022

Classic & Sports Car – Classic Rolls-Royce sets electric lap record

A 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom V converted to run on electric power – and carrying a passenger enjoying the full chauffeured experience – has set an unofficial lap record on Brands Hatch’s Indy circuit.

It was part of an event organised by Classic & Sports Car’s sister title Move Electric, and the Phantom was one of seven vehicles participating to highlight the diversity of electric power.

The Lunz-converted Rolls-Royce was joined on track at Brands Hatch by a Tesla Model S, Britain’s best-selling electric vehicle, a Citroën e-Dispatch electric van, a Silence S01 electric moped, an Apex Predator electric skateboard, a Gocycle G4 electric bike and a Perry eHopper P4 e-scooter.

And you can watch the event’s video here.

This Rolls-Royce established an unofficial record for an ‘electromod’ car conversion, and work to this Phantom V includes replacing the engine and fuel tank with a 123kWh battery pack, estimated to deliver a range of 300 miles.

However that adds significant weight which was punishing around the undulating 1.2-mile lap of Brands Hatch, leaving it to set the fourth fastest – but most stately – lap time.

The Rolls-Royce converted by Lunaz is valued at more than £1m and has a two-tone paintjob, separated by a hand-painted feature line, the distinctive colour of which was inspired by the previous owner’s decision to install a pink Bakelite telephone between the rear seats.

This phone remains in the car, upgraded to incorporate the latest cellular phone and encryption technology.

Inside, Lunaz has restored the Rolls-Royce’s original woodwork, but mixed the traditional features with more modern technology, including an up-to-date infotainment system, including satellite navigation and climate control, plus two screens hidden behind picnic tables so rear-seat occupants can watch films.

There’s also a drinks cabinet and Lunaz offers customers the chance to specify a bottle holder to their specific dimensions; in this car it is tailored to the owner’s favourite tequila brand.

“A 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom V has proven its imperiousness in Knightsbridge, Casino Square and now the Indy Circuit at Brands Hatch – a formidable technical challenge for even the most focused track machines,” said James Warren, who drove the car at the event.

“I’m not surprised that the Rolls-Royce was entirely unfazed as it set a surely unbeatable lap record.”

Whether or not you’re a fan of classic cars converted to run on electric power, this was nonetheless an impressive showcase.