The classic Range Rover is already special, but Lunaz, the electrifier of all classic cars, has taken things to another level with its latest project. Inspired by a Roger Moore James Bond film, the Range Rover “Safari” is a convertible conversion of a classic two-door Range Rover, boasting an overhauled interior and a fully electric powertrain. The conversion was originally announced over two years ago, but the model is now ready to be delivered to its owner after 5,000 hours of development.
The build draws heavy inspiration from the
Range Rover convertible featured in the 1983 James Bond film “Octopussy,”
driven by Roger Moore. Fittingly, Lunaz chose a two-door 1983 Range Rover as
the donor car. While the roof and pillars were removed to create the
convertible style, Lunaz reinforced the body and chassis to ensure rigidity. In
contrast to the brown convertible seen in the 007 film, the Range Rover Safari
sports a striking Maya Blue paint finish, complemented by a dark blue mohair
retractable soft top for a truly special look.
As special as the color combination might
be, the exposed cabin of the Range Rover Safari is even more unique. Lunaz put
1,000 of work into the overhauled interior, focusing on style and
sustainability. The highlight is the redesigned center console, which was 3D
printed from a composite material. It sports a Mocca Walnut wood finish that
has been “contemporized with a weatherproof satin lacquer”. Lunaz will use the
same design in all of its future Range Rover electromods, integrating a modern
infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a
reversing camera, USB-C ports, and digital climate controls.
Seating has also been upgraded, although
the conventional 2+2 layout is different from the side benches found on the
previewing renderings. The light blue leather upholstery matches the exterior
and is combined with a waterproof textile for the knitted stripes in the middle
of each seat, reminiscent of hardwearing jackets. The padding materials are the
same used for Lunaz Rolls-Royce and Bentley builds, while the front seats are
also heated.
As for the underpinnings, the original V8
gave way to dual electric motors producing a combined 375 hp,
sent to all four wheels. Other upgrades include the new suspension with
adjustable dampers and bespoke springs, as well as the larger disc brakes with
six- and four-piston calipers. Despite these modifications, Lunaz asserts that
the off-road capabilities of the classic Range Rover remain intact, including
its ability to wade through water depths of up to 500 mm.
Lunaz has not disclosed the cost of the
unique Range Rover Safari, but given the extensive work invested in its
development, it’s unlikely to come cheap. The company noted that over the past
three years, an increasing number of “young, dynamic green technology, and
sustainability entrepreneurs” have approached them for electromod commissions.