Skip advert
Advertisement

James Bond’s Range Rover Safari from Octopussy reimagined as an EV by Lunaz

Live out your Octopussy dreams with this drop-top 1983 Range Rover Classic, and perhaps a safari suit, too

While we wait on the new all-electric Range Rover to arrive later this year, Silverstone-based firm Lunaz has brought out its own Range Rover EV - based on the convertible ‘Safari’ model. 

It’s the short wheelbase Range Rover model from 1983 and to give it its full name, it’s called Range Rover Safari by Lunaz. James Bond fans will notice it’s the same variant driven by 007 in Octopussy, with the brown paint swapped for Maya Blue and the two inward-facing rear bench seats replaced by a more conventional four-seat layout. Should you wish to create a version closer to the James Bond car, you can option the bench seats back in along with a wood deck floor. 

As is the way with Lunaz’s creations, there’s one key difference to the original. Power comes from a dual-motor electric system with 375bhp - much more than the old combustion engined Range Rover. To help ensure the Safari isn’t overburdened with the extra power, it gets upgraded adjustable dampers and springs, six-piston brake calipers up front with four-piston rears, plus a regenerative braking system. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Don’t think this EV has lost any of the original’s go-anywhere ability, however. There’s a 500mm wading depth and the approach, breakover and departure angles are unchanged. The structural rigidity of the car has been upped too but Lunaz has kept the original Safari’s exterior bodywork unchanged - there’s just no bull-bar like on the Octopussy car. 

Inside, Lunaz has clearly spent plenty of time (1,000 hours, in fact) in order to make the cabin a focal point. Lunaz says the interior is “unrecognisable from the original” thanks to a new 3D printed centre console which will feature on all upcoming electric Range Rovers from Lunaz. The centre console has an infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a display for the reversing camera, plus there are toggles for climate controls on the Mocca Walnut wood section beneath. All seats are heated and upholstered in waterproof leather. 

David Lorenz, the founder of Lunaz said: “With this Range Rover, we’re doing something different. We’re showing that our incredibly detailed and exacting approach can be applied to more playful icons, so they can be enjoyed for their own sake.”

The hard-top Range Rover Classic from Lunaz can cover around 250 miles on a single charge from its 90kWh battery. Lunaz hasn’t announced range figures for the Safari, but we expect similar numbers for the open-top model. We also expect the Safari to be priced around the half-million pound mark and available only via commission.

Now read our full in-depth review of the modern Range Rover...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best hybrid SUVs to buy 2024
Best hybrid SUVs - header image
Best cars & vans

Best hybrid SUVs to buy 2024

Plenty of SUVs now come with hybrid power, and we’ve picked out the very best buys on today’s market
13 May 2024
Range Rover Electric uncovered as it begins extreme testing in Arctic Circle
Range Rover Electric - front teaser
News

Range Rover Electric uncovered as it begins extreme testing in Arctic Circle

Jaguar Land Rover has revealed the first images of its zero-emissions Range Rover, drifting on a frozen lake at -40 degrees celsius
22 Apr 2024
Ultra-exclusive new Range Rover SV Burford Edition inspired by a quaint Cotswold town
New Range Rover SV Burford Edition - side
News

Ultra-exclusive new Range Rover SV Burford Edition inspired by a quaint Cotswold town

Just 10 examples of the super-limited Burford Edition Range Rover will be available
3 Apr 2024
New Range Rover Velar replacement spotted: electric coupe-SUV struts its stuff
Range Rover Velar replacement EV - front
News

New Range Rover Velar replacement spotted: electric coupe-SUV struts its stuff

This is the first time we’ve spotted a possible all-electric Velar replacement in action
4 Mar 2024

Most Popular

Cheap EV charging comes to public chargepoints via new ‘Plunge Pricing’ app
Octopus Energy’s Electroverse
News

Cheap EV charging comes to public chargepoints via new ‘Plunge Pricing’ app

Octopus’ ‘Plunge Pricing’ events promise to save electric car drivers an average of £6.50 per charge
17 May 2024
Skoda Scala vs Citroen C4 2024 twin test: which is the best-value family hatchback?
Skoda Scala and Citroen C4 - front tracking
Car group tests

Skoda Scala vs Citroen C4 2024 twin test: which is the best-value family hatchback?

The revised Skoda Scala takes on Citroen’s C4 in the battle to be the best-value family hatchback
18 May 2024
Car Deal of the Day: Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Electric at an unbeatable £201 a month
Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer front cornering
News

Car Deal of the Day: Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Electric at an unbeatable £201 a month

Our Deal of the Day selection for 18 May will appeal to those who want an all-electric family car that’s not a SUV
18 May 2024