Bentley: is this the rarest electric car on the road?

Just one of four examples built, the Bentley S2 Continental initially rolled off the factory floor in 1961 with a 6.2-litre V8 engine under the bonnet. However, electric experts Lunaz have switched out that original powertrain in favour of a fully battery-powered setup.

All cars are stripped down to a bare metal shell before the powertrain switch occurs, before being restored to showroom condition using traditional coachbuilding techniques. Interior and exterior issues are repaired, while any materials which can’t be reused are recycled.

The original engine and its various systems are removed and reclaimed before being replaced by Lunaz’s fully electric setup. Alongside this change, the brakes, steering, suspension and electrics are all upgraded to help them to comply with current safety standards. Lunaz hasn’t quoted an official range for the Bentley, though previous cars from the firm have delivered just over 300 miles from a single charge.

The new electric setup delivers a full 400bhp, enabling a 0-60mph time of 6.7 seconds. To help cope with the additional power, the Bentley’s suspension has been uprated to a full adjustable coil-spring setup, which can be electronically changed from within the car. The brakes have been upgraded to include six-piston front and four-piston rear brake calipers.

Inside, the Bentley incorporates a wide variety of sustainable materials. The seat leather, for example, is made from hides tanned with olive leaves while the carpet in the front and rear are made from recycled plastic water bottles. All of the wood veneers are taken from sustainable sources, too.