Is a £350k electric Bentley S1 the future of classic cars? | Top Gear
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 6 июн 2024
- This isn't your run-of-the-mill 1961 Bentley Continental Flying Spur by HJ Mulliner... this is the future. This gorgeous old road-boat has had a full electric heart transplant, the work of the Silverstone-based EV restomodders at Lunaz Design. Thanks to an 80kWh lithium-ion battery it has a real-world range of 250 miles, can rapid charge up to 150kW, has regen braking, luxuries like cruise control and traction control and the batteries are split so there’s some at the back, some at the front, to keep weight distribution and handling just so.
Is this the future for classics? Let us know in the comments below.
Subscribe to Top Gear for more videos: bit.ly/SubscribeToTopGear
WATCH MORE TOP GEAR:
Top Gear Series 29: bit.ly/TGS29
Geneva Online Motor Show: bit.ly/TGGMS20
First Look: bit.ly/TG-FirstLook
MORE ABOUT TOP GEAR:
Want to watch a bit of Top Gear on the internet? Welcome to the most comprehensive collection of official clips you'll find on RUclips. Whether you're searching for a caravan challenge, Ken Block in the Hoonicorn, cars versus fighter jets, Stig power laps or the latest Chris Harris Drives, you can find all the iconic films here.
Want to share your views with the team? Join our BBC Studios Voice: www.bbcstudiosvoice.com/register
This is a commercial channel from BBC Studios.
Service & Feedback www.bbcstudios.com/contact/co... 
Авто/Мото
All jokes aside I really like this body style on this car they should make more classic cars like this but with modern technology ofc
Shame that it most likely won't happen for some obscure asinine reason. 1930s-1990s cars are beautiful, some in the early 2000s, 2010+ is where a steep decline in most car looks is obvious, such a shame.
@@tink5488 if you look at a 1980s Chrysler K-car and tell me its beautiful, you may have an issue
@@yeshwantdasari2075 True, not all vehicles in the timeframe I mentioned fall under beautiful, but many more do than today's "standard" of automotive vehicle. What's annoying is most vehicles today that look nice/passable are just taking ideas from vehicles 40+ years ago. Most vehicles now have lost their style/uniqueness they had back then, character; and now are just 'more of the same' a dull soulless representation of what they used to be.
Interesting idea .. they ve got thay 3d printers nowadays .. they should bring back the best models from every brand ... ... electrifing is controvercial ... if engine is unique ... and shouldn't be done to some cars ...
U can make Ev Vw Beetle .. and nobody will complain .. but rather dont.do it with E-type Jag , Dodge charger or some older Lambo ...
You can't due to modern regulations unfortunately.
This could have been such a sloppy disaster, but this is both tasteful and oozing with true engineering integrity.
i just saw massive panel gaps and tachometers swinging all over the place... the press people from Lunaz need a proper talk. what a epic fail.
tachometer swings @7:10 for example and panels gaps @7:52
@@tasty2choc WTF That's NOT a tachometer. That is more like an Amperage meter. It's accurately trying to show power output. There is nothing you can fix, it's doing the correct thing.
@@Neojhun lol why the edit? anyways. Great design choice to stick amp read out into a massive analog tach! I’m pretty sure a discrete digital display would have done the trick.
@@tasty2choc Grammatical and spelling errors. I'm typing on a 10" tablet.
This proves that over the decades in our quest for faster, lighter, easier, we lost our sense of style. That is one of the most beautiful cars ever built.
One of the most beautiful?? Maybe, maybe not. I certainly like it. But whether or not you find this particular car beautiful, what is important is what's underneath!! Hopefully this idea continues, so that these beautiful classic cars can be modernized, and the process can become more affordable!! A perfect blend of style and technology!!
This maybe because cars back then we're designed by er, car designers not modern day
"focus groups"
.....
Well, cars nowadays are looking to be cheap, efficient, and safe. Crumple zones and all that.
I think Rolls Royce have done better at staying classy with their modern designs, but I find modern Bentleys really brash and pretty ugly.
Another British centric nonsense!!
My first thought when I saw this video was that Electric power trains make so much sense for luxury cars where weight and performance isn't really a focus. The quietness and smooth cruising you get from electric motors is such a perfect fit for luxury cars that are all about those things
Not to mention high amounts of instant torque, which seems to be the focus of luxury car drivetrains
A perfect vehicle to commute between your castle and your private jet
Yes, and the chauffeur can deal with the hassle of charging etc
High displacement V12 makes more sense.
@@trihardcx6743 That's the one thing a high displacement V12 never makes
You can achieve anything you put your mind to, you just have to take the first step.
People will be having regrets on having passed up on the opportunity to boost their financial status by investing in Cryptocurrencies
Trading crypto now will be wise, but it will be wiser to trade with the aid of a pro, as the market could be weird and it takes a pro who has understood the market fundamentals to navigate the way to ensure steady profits. That is why I trade with Robertson Siyabonga
Cryptocurrency trading has proven to be a great digital investment cos it has withstood the test of time. Crypto is the modern day goldmine.
I have witnessed bitcoin change the lifestyle of people positively, crypto will replace fiat money in no distant time.
I wanted to trade bitcoin but I got confused due to my limited knowledge in understanding the technical analysis and market strategy. I'll need someone who has a rich expertise in trading.
The old bently is just a true representation of why I love classics, I just think its so georgous, pure perfection
Another British centric nonsense!!
I'll take the classic conversion everyday, all day. So much beauty and finesse. Lunaz have done a wonderful job.
Another British centric nonsense!!
Beautiful car
Beautiful countryside
Beautiful mansion
Beautiful cinematography
Another British centric nonsense!!
@@sohamsahu8959 "I wish to buy buy a dog" she said. "A dog you're sure is quite well bred, in fact I'd like some guarantee he's favoured with a pedigree"
"My charming friend" the pet man said, "I have a dog that's so well bred, if he could talk I'd guarantee, he'd never speak to you or me!"
@@sohamsahu8959 I'm italian...
That black Jaguar that they're restomodding is going to be an absolute show-stopper when they're done. They're very purposefully choosing models of vehicles to offer which have a timeless sense of presence. A gravitas, if you will.
I will. I definitely will. Come on bitcoin, wake the world up to the future before it's too late 😮
I will not.
@James Smith if this is referring to me, then you are correct, inadvertently. I don't attend parties because of social anxiety.
@James Smith It's your own responsibility to have fun. The good news is that the risk is probably exceedingly low that you or I will find ourselves at a party with Robert Coffey.
Another British centric nonsense!!
Having old cars converted to electric might be one of the only ways to have an EV that is somewhat interesting and not just a computer
And looks gorgeous.
I think this could be a fantastic industry. Particularly for cars that aren't so rare that we don't care so much about their historical value. It's going to get harder and harder to run ICE cars in general in the next couple of decades, so why not? I'd love to see some North American companies start to specialize in this for Cadillacs and Lincolns.
It’s just a shame you then butcher such a beautiful piece of engineering yo7 remove a massive part of what it is the sound, smell, feel. You don’t get that with an electric motor
@@cameronrichardson3108 While I get the objection, in twenty years you may be hard pressed to even find fuel to run that ICE drivetrain.
@@cameronrichardson3108 Yeah I agree, I think this is a good option if and when it is nearly impossible to use a ICE car.
Its a beautiful marriage between the past and the future.
Now I want my '69 Charger to be a big smartphone
Agreed
Very well said
Another British centric nonsense!!
@@sohamsahu8959 cry harder
Everything about that car is beautiful, the colour, the rear fender flares, the wheel. Totally gorgeous..
Beautifull! Only the Centre console does look like a quick add-on .
A lot of aftermarket companies (Lunaz, Brabus etc.) struggle with centre consoles. They look like the kind of thing you could make yourself
Another British centric nonsense!!
The best bit about this is that the engines, unless rebuilt, will always be the let down, they are going to break down constantly, being more than 50 years old. This way, you can keep the brilliant interior and body, although dated, still looks good. Good to see the suit worn for the episode.
That steering wheel is a stand alone work of art.
Another British centric nonsense!!
It would be nice if bentley and rr choose vintage styles for their future ev cars just to be different from other manufacturers who try to be futuristic
Yes cool idea, they have a rich history to get inspired from 👍
Regulations make it hard to make a car in these shapes, but they can surely get closer to it
Cars always follow a certain design pattern, each decade you see something new taking the lead where every manufacturer attempts to copy it but invariably adds a bit of their own generic brand stamp. The bland futuristic styling will pass and hopefully something more exiting will follow. Unfortunately when EV's take over engine character will be a thing of the past. The car truly becomes a computer.
@@CherylCold ur whole statement is stupid since porsche and mini still looks the same
@@MonicaHolly143
You're not too bright either by using a specific brand that does something abnormal to the rest if the companies. They were describing an exciting design trend. Every decade has a basic style and everything fits within it it. (Not literally EVERYthing, but in general it is true). That's why you can look at a car and guess its decade without knowing.
I love these luxury electric resto-mod conversions. It's a brilliant way to give new life to these old beauties.
I agree wholeheartedly that luxury limos should be electric... but I draw the line at the XK120. That should always have a hearty straight-six in it.
just breath taking. The work David and the team are producing at Silverstone has to be seen first hand.
I could be forced to convert my car in 20 years, but for me the point of preserving a classic car is preserving the mechanics as well. In the immortal words of James May:"Standard."
This is not preservation. It's just a restomod. Wich i like.
I'm tired of belts, hoses, oil, gearbox, gaskets, injectors, mechanical issues etc..
@@dan_6915 That is fine, I rambled on about my car! :-D
Jesus, they are killing XK120's too?! One of the best sounding inline-6 engines ever?!
Yea this is where the line has to be drawn. Some engines yes can be replaced by ev motors. But jaguar straight sixes??? Not cool
@@charithjayatilaka2617 I’d love an electric Mark X, but I agree it should never be done to an XK150 or an E-Type.
I think classic cars should be restored to thier original, not modernised. After all they are from the past and those cars give you a taste of the past. Especially the engines. V6 from xk120 sounds awesome and modern car engines just don't sound as they used to. After all they are from a different era and electrifying a classic car is taking the cars 'personality' away. It's ruining them in my opinion.
It's so saddening 😭
First time I actually really want an electric car. What a stunning machine.
I have to admit, you're right, dead right about it fitting the idea of that era of large luxury barge driving, where when you pull into a graveled granite chip drive, you hear that wonderful crackling under wheel, and nothing else.
Ooo! To die for , who would seriously want to have the new when you could have that 1960’s beauty , the shape , the curves , the detail , just gorgeous .
The catch is that it's always going to cost more to convert one of these old ones than it will be to buy new. But if you've got the money, why not?
@@Thunderbuck indeed , but I think long term the residuals on the original will be much higher than the new . Even if the new was half the price of the 1960’s resto within five years the new has depreciated 50% whereas the old resto is probably going to be less than 20% depreciation and still more desirable , as they say, the best deal you make is not the day you bought but the day you sell .
@@mrdiavel4807 If I'm buying a classic car for its investment value I wouldn't even dream of doing this. This is something I'd want to do for a car I actually want to use and drive.
Footballers.
I believe Lunaz will be around for quite some time. Incredible craftsmanship!
Yeah, by killing historic pieces.
@@gustavoflorio5383 restoration is not death, but thanks for playing.
@@gustavoflorio5383 Restorers frequently use non-original engines. What makes this any different?
@@Thunderbuck garage restoration or restomods do that.
Not in the same level, but is like putting the Monalisa in NFT and get rid of the original.
@@gustavoflorio5383 I get it, and for really rare/significant cars I wouldn't be in favor of it, either. But a car isn't "significant" just because it's old.
Like Sailing a ship...that sounded so satisfying
I"ve just scrolled through dozens of comments without finding a negative one. I don't think I've ever witnessed something like this and I think that shows how good of a job they've done with this one. I'm usually one of the people who think that restomodding is robbing classic cars of their soul but if you do it like this and on a luxury barge, I have to tip my hat to that. Astonishing indeed, would drive it in a heartbeat if I could afford it!
People are afraid to say what they think. The car itself is beautiful, No doubt - it just has no soul. It has been turned into an appliance.
Top gear finallys done it. Well produced video great commentary
*This is what I want the future to be. A harmonious blend of the past and the future.*
7:00 was spot on, the all wheel steering should be next. This point in time got stuck because many got drunk on petrol and loved it so much we had to wait until they could release us from all that carbon.
Perfect marriage of old school and nowadays motion. Beautiful masterpiece.
This makes me think of the back to the future movies where they did mr. fusion and hover conversions on old cars to make them live on, but this is much cleaner
I like the car as well as the review, and I love the effort on the suit
Good ole' British Imperialism gas lighting oppression and the servant class.
@@davidhunternyc1 wtf you chatting about
Why does the infotainment system look like a 90's Apple Macintosh Classic?
It's a strange design choice - jarring and a bit naff
I was thinking is that a Compaq DeskPro? but yes, that bit looks naff.
This is fantastic. I Love the old Bentleys. They
really are some of the most Beautiful Cars on he road.
I had hoped that somebody would be able to take
cars like that and make them Electric, making them
Eco-Friendly. I am very Happy it is Happening.
I hope to have one myself someday.
Thank You for the enjoyable video.
Jeff
So glad to see. Thank-you you'll helping to keep motoring history for future generations to enjoy and keeping our Grandparents happy memories alive.
Love it , wish they'd matched the door cards to the seats, that would have made it perfect
People of LUNAZ Turning old gold in to more shining diamonds
Wherever there is a customer there will be a supplier...hoorah for British ingenuity, we can be proud 💪🇬🇧
I wouldn’t do this to mint classic car, but as an restoration of old rusty cars it is amazing.
That's an important philosophical question. I agree, I'd prefer to see it based on a marginal example that's rotting into oblivion anyway, but unless it's something SUPER rare/significant, why not?
@@Thunderbuck As long as it keeps these beautiful cars on the road I guess I am fine with it.
Electric cars in most cases don't have the character of internal combustion cars. In this case though it's different. Bentley's and Rolls-Royce's have always been about quietness, comfort, grace and effortless pace. If any cars really suit electrification it is Bentley's and Rolls-Royce's. The engineering and craftsmanship is incredible too and all the character has remained intact.
What a fabulous(ly expensive) reincarnation of a truly Classic Bentley. Had me drooling. That white centre console/infotainment 'box' , not so much. Classicc 80's Halfords.
I agree, that part doesnt look as clean as it could. It would be hard to make it look anything but out of place, but surely could be a bit better. I'd rather not have it at all
That's outstanding. Utterly fantastic.
I absolutely love it. I want one so very badly. I wouldn't stop smiling If I had one. This car is just achingly beautiful and so timeless. I wonder if they'd do a Rolls Silver Shadow. They are the most comon Rolls and kinda cheep to buy. I hope to see more stuff like this. Please keep the great content coming. Thank you.
I don't really have a problem with electrifying these type of land yatchs, as it's suits their purpose but doing it to classic sports cars is pure vandalism.
astonishing indeed!!!
there's something that's weirdly soothing about watching this video, either it's the backdrop, the Clair de Lune (cmiiw), or the car. My God it's such a beautiful automobile.
Engineering and art , both at its best. Would love to see a rolls royce build time lapse💯
This is a beautiful piece of work. Reincarnation of such beautiful body's into EV is the best thing and it will be lovely to drive or see one on the road.
I think what Lunaz is doing is fantastic! If I had the means, I'd order a car from them in a heartbeat.
That's a very good idea but some super rare cars especially performance-oriented ones should keep their original engine.
Such an elegant car and conversion! ♥️
Old classics deserve a heart transplant to live on.
Old classics don't need a heart transplant. What generally makes them classics is whats under the bonnet, like a 120XK Jag or E Type, or any old sports car. Classics will live on forever. Watch this vid.. ruclips.net/video/1CUA2imRYRM/видео.html
NOOOOOO
Defo no .!!!
Truly a properly blended artistic Smooth combination of Love, knowledge, pristine craftsmanship , and Success!
Pcc.
Beautifully done piece mate.
I'd bag that if I could. For sure
I love the idea of turning all beautiful classics cars into electric
This is really really nice 👍
Another brilliant classic review! Very well presented and super topic; this would be my ideal EV.
This makes so much sense. Usually mods on classics feel offensive, but what these guys are doing is definitely worthy and on the right route...
They and Singer have shown that if you're going to go the resto-mod route, there really is no shortcut: You have to put the work and effort into it.
@@howardbrandon11 exactly... Every beautiful creation takes time and effort, no shortcuts!
I have a Silver Cloud 1 & would do this in a heartbeat if I had the $$$$$$$ ! Great review & a wonderful mix of past & future motoring without the oily bits!
I thought I heard news to the effect that Rolls was actually going to sell EV-converted Silver Clouds, which sounds like a spectacular idea.
That’s waste of a good car I don’t mind if it’s a pile parts that get put together but a original car butchered into a electric car no just no
Something is missing.... Yeah the 4.9L Straight six.... But Kudos to this guys! They have done fantastic job
I wish I could afford one of those.... Great, great initiative ! Love it !
The only electric car I’d want to be seen in. Fabulous!
stunning! what a project
Lovely ingenuity between the two: past and the future. Preserving the old classey look and latest technology. Good luck,God Bless you all.
Superb quality, and so regal to watch it glide past !!
A classic RR or Bentley is supposed to be silent so this is the "correct" type of car for such a transition. Also the range of 250 miles isn't worse than that of the original, gas-guzzling 6.2L.
@@philiptownsend4026 At private superchargers for the rich of course.
7:43 If i paid £350K I'd want the speedometer to work properly and not bounce like that!
Nice catch there! I had to go back through the video to verify that was the speedo, found one shot where it kinda says MPH.
But yeah, maybe something went wrong
They wanted to keep it authentic. I don't think I have ever been in a car over 50 years old that did not have a bouncing speedo. 😂
center console also does not fit very firm. british 'craftmanship'?
@@junkman6456 That center console is hideous, like a PC from the 80's. It ruins the interior. Use your smart phone or tablet for such things. Use a wireless charger. Make technology invisible.
That car and colour pallet are just gorgeous
Incredible work
Repairing and electrifying already made cars is probably better for the environment than making new ones.
The thing that appeals to me most in a car is it's engine, nothing to tinker with in an ev,so most of the pleasure owning a car would be gone for me
When was the last time you "tinkered" with a brand-new Bentley? This isn't 1970 any more. You need a serious tool set just to get into a problem on a modern high-end car...Then a couple more serious tool sets, and a lot of care, and time just to do the actual work.
@@DetroitMicroSound this isn't a brand new Bentley, it's an old classic that's been converted to electric, if I could afford a classic Bentley from this era I would most certainly want to tinker with the engine, as I would with any classic car I owned
I see where you come from. I'm into vintage 50cc two-stroke European pedal mopeds.
I totally agree!
Absolutely wonderful video!
It's not all bad. The future has some bright sights waiting for us.
Well done Lunaz. Stunning.
That wonky speedometer would drive my OCD insane especially for the cost of the car.
Might you be mixing the power reserve indicator, with the speedometer ?
It will be interesting to see what Iain Tyrrell and Harry Metcalf think of this idea.
Their silence speaks volumes.
Wow...amazing👍👍
Superb content. Very well written. Nice car too.
That's no longer a classic car imo. In ten years time when all the tech in the car is out of date, the value will plummet unless you update again. If it had been left original the value in ten years will be through the roof.
Yeah thsese ev conversions are going to age horribly in 10 years when electric cars are just cheap and commen and ICE cars become more rare.
Another British centric nonsense!!
Best possible scenario for these old beauties
It always makes me smile to see a car like this out on the road actually being DRIVEN. I'm fine with converting them to EVs, too.
The best possible scenario for these is to leave them alone and stop ripping their hearts out
@@cameronrichardson3108 My thought exactly.
@@cameronrichardson3108 k boomer
its just......wonderful
driving out in the beautiful world in this thing..... no engine noise, it aint no Tesla but i mean atleast your next door neighbors will shut up now, like when do you see people doing awesome things like this with valuable cars like this?
Such a beautiful car! You don’t come more elegant and gracious as this show stopper!
What a SICK and BEAUTIFUL car!
Electric really works with something that's supposed to be quiet, luxurious and powerful. Incredible
I absolutely love this!! Old school curves and lines, beautiful engineering - really bringing the past to the future!
My monitor now has scratch marks on the screen - totally stunning.
The infotainment screen should have been hidden behind the gauges or under the dash cover or replaced by a projected HUD. This screen is way out of place.
This is ABSOLUTELY lovely! So nice to see British luxury classics being restored as sustainable electrics.
I had the pleasure of driving an original 1956 S1 Continental Fastback back in the '80s. I say 'pleasure' because it lacked power steering (optional extra in the day) but apart from that it really was an experience wafting along on (and sometimes above) the limit. I can only imagine these restorations and electric conversions add to the experience and safety, up to date brakes and traction control must make a huge difference!
Resto-Mod with the emphasis on "Mod." With the drivetrain of the 21st century combined with the artistry of classic luxury cars, it is brilliant. I'd love to see California's Bureau of Automotive Repair try to put the kabash on one of these They've been known to deny approval on engine swaps that were a marked improvement in emissions before, but how could they say no to zero emissions?
This needs to happen more so we dont lose our classic models altogether...
That won't happen.. watch this video. Classics will be around forever.. ruclips.net/video/1CUA2imRYRM/видео.html
@@yeahproductions Certainly, Harry always makes a lot of sense, so I can only hope policy makers continue to see the same sense into the future. I'm still grieving over the last...final edition S65 (not a classic, but a car i adore...and there wont be another).
Looks fantastic. Might get them to convert my 106
BRILLIANT!! JUST BRILLIANT!!!!
u said it right, it is BRILLIANTLY done!
This is just amazing!
It’s beautifully done, but I’d still prefer the original engine
Stunning ❤️
Phenomenal engineering. Practical and Modern, yet Elegant and respectful of past glories…
Well done report!!
BMW should be doing this with Rolls Royce
There was the Phantom VII based 102EX, but sadly it didn't make production. They should have made it even if only as a limited run... and I say that as a big fan of the N73 V12.
Oh dear. Removing the engine from a classic is like removing someone’s heart.
The Rolls-Royce 4.9 straight-six has no character, though. Even the V8 had no guts, 6.23 litres and 180bhp, and as it was very over-square, there was no low-end torque. The 6.75 stroker was better but still asthmatic, with a dreadful head design, and turbocharging it was just a brute force remedy. The later Volkswagen-redesigned V8s were a huge improvement, but still not happy to rev, and very subdued.
My favourite part of a car
@@richardharrold9736 this is true but I’d still rather have any of these over a battery.
Awesome stuff!!!!!
What a beautiful piece of film.