We’ve covered them many times here, classics that are electrified. Some see this as the best way to keep our automotive heritage relevant, and a number of car manufacturers even seem to agree. For example, you can now go to Renault to electrify your R4, Mini also offers a conversion for its original model and you can even ask Jaguar to replace the block of your E-Type with an electric motor and a set of batteries. However, if you find the latter a bit too rare for such an intervention, then you have not yet heard of this Bentley.
One of four copies
This is a Bentley S2, essentially a model that the British built from 1959 to 1962 in an edition of about 2,300 units. However, as was the case at the time, a number of those S2s first passed a coachbuilder before reaching their buyer. That happened with this S2 Continental from 1961, which was one of only four copies that was taken care of by coachbuilder James Young. There the car was provided with a completely redesigned body, while the 6.2-liter V8 engine was retained. 62 years later, the British Lunaz has taken it upon themselves to finish that job, and they have also replaced that power source with a slightly more modern alternative.
For example, we now find an electric motor in the front of this S2 Continental, and that is not the least. It produces about 400 hp and 720 Nm of torque, with which the stately sled accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. Fortunately, Lunaz has also taken care of the suspension and brakes to prevent the very expensive colossus from completely crushing itself. If you find this all a bit vulgar, then this little footnote might put your mind at ease: Lunaz says it has professionally laid out the original engine, so once its wealthy owner has had enough of all that silence, the whole conversion can be undone.
