Restored and re-engineered pure-electric examples of the Aston Martin DB6 will soon be available from the UK, but only for those willing to part with more than $US1 million ($A1.37m).
Said to complete the line-up of British marques that EV conversion and engineering specialist Lunaz Design already has on offer, the electric Aston Martin DB6 joins models from brands such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Range Rover and Jaguar.
Since its establishment in 2018, the Silverstone-based company has specialised in converting and electrifying select “beautiful, rare or significant” vehicles, in a bid to preserve historic models in a modern way.
In the case of the DB6, Lunaz says customer demand played a major part in the company’s decision to apply its conversion process to the model.
“The introduction of electric Aston Martin DB6 cars has been driven by sustained demand from our existing clients,” said Lunaz Group founder and CEO David Lorenz.
“It also reflects the desires of an entirely new classic car buyer. These women and men have been drawn to Lunaz because for the first time they are presented with the powertrain and modern conveniences of today, clothed in a design that speaks of an era when aesthetic purity was the only requirement.”
According to Lunaz, each electrified Aston DB6 starts its new life with a full bare-metal restoration, followed by brake, suspension and steering upgrades and the addition of air-conditioning.
With more than 100 engineers on board, Lunaz will 3D scan a vehicle and weigh each corner, creating a detailed CAD model to ensure “technical perfection” and a balanced chassis once the heavy EV gear is on board.
Tech upgrades include the “sensitive integration” of an infotainment unit, along with navigation and Wi-Fi connectivity.
The electric powertrain used is said to have been developed in-house consisting of European-sourced Tier 1 OEM battery cells and motors.
An electric driving range of up to 255 miles (410km) is expected from fast-charging batteries that vary in size from 80-120kWh.
Available to be shipped anywhere in the world upon completion, revived examples of the DB6 are available in both left- and right-hand drive, with first deliveries scheduled for the third quarter of 2023.
Pricing, which is said to be well in excess of $US1 million, will be “communicated privately on application”.
“The rapid growth of Lunaz reflects the growing role that manufacturing and electrification plays in plotting a sustainable course to a clean-air powertrain future,” said Lorenz.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Lunaz has invited customers to commission older Aston Martin models, with “highly limited” build slots for the Aston Martin DB4 and DB5 now on offer.