Defining Luxury in the Automotive World
Defining a luxury car is no easy task. If, for example, you resonate with opulent displays, a gold-plated Cadillac Escalade might be your ideal ride. Conversely, those splurging tax-free silver in Dubai might prefer a Mercedes with a light-up front end that outshines Blackpool Illuminations. But amid varied interpretations, Justin Lunny, founder and CEO of Everrati, offers a refreshing perspective. He sees luxury not in excess but in quiet high performance. For Lunny, a truly luxurious car is a tranquil space where passengers can unwind, rather than a statement piece to flaunt.
The Rise of Electrified Classic Cars
Enter Everrati, the UK-based firm that specializes in restomodding and electrifying some of the automotive world’s most iconic models. From resurrecting classic Porsches and Land Rovers to restoring the illustrious Mercedes W113 SL Pagoda, Everrati’s current lineup includes several classic legends, like the 993 and 964 Porsche 911s, the Mk2 Ford GT40, and two classic Land Rovers.
Lunny acknowledges the mixed reactions from traditional car enthusiasts. Some critique Everrati for “ripping out the souls” of beloved classics, but his rationale behind transforming these old-school vehicles into bespoke EVs is clear: there is a burgeoning demand. As Lunny candidly points out, Everrati’s order books surged by nearly 150% by the end of 2025, a testament to the allure of electrified classics.
The Appeal of Electric Classics
The appeal of Everrati’s creations lies in nostalgia blended with modern convenience. Lunny explains that many clients are driven by a desire to rediscover the vehicles that once symbolized their automotive dreams, without the anxieties tied to aging combustion engines. Correcting some of those hassles is the electric drivetrain—keeping the essence of the original vehicles intact while enhancing their usability.
Targeting the Luxury Market
Everrati’s offerings are not for the average buyer. With 80% of their clientele based in the US, these consumers are often tech-savvy early adopters. Lunny notes that they often invest as much as $450,000 in an Everrati car, using it daily alongside their broader collections. This unique blend of luxury, nostalgia, and advanced technology is what sets Everrati apart in the high-end automotive market.
Innovation Behind the Design
While Everrati’s distinctiveness hinges on remaining true to the original designs and delivering a seamless driving experience, the engineering prowess of their team is a significant factor. Each Everrati model isn’t merely a classic car with a standard EV powertrain; rather, it represents a meticulously crafted unit. The company sources components from top-tier suppliers in motorsports, ensuring that the electric systems are tailored specifically to each classic model’s specifications.
The process begins at the chassis level, involving extensive 3D scanning and CAD engineering to optimize weight distribution and fit for the electrical components. Lunny shares that constructing one of these vehicles could involve scanning over five billion CAD points and consuming about 6,000 man-hours.
Reviving Classic Cars
When it comes to choosing donor vehicles, Lunny favors those that might not be in pristine, concours-level condition. He often picks up overlooked gems—tired 911s and less sought-after Murcedes but sees the potential in reviving them. For instance, with the Porsche 964, their focus is on enhancing balance and weight distribution. By opting for carbon fiber panels and advanced engineering techniques, Everrati has not only reduced weight but increased the power output significantly, creating an enhanced driving experience that remains faithful to the original ethos of the vehicle.
The Art of Restoration
Among his favorites, Lunny highlights the Porsche 964 RSR and the Mercedes Pagoda due to their historic charm and the transformation they undergo at Everrati. While some may view swapping out a classic air-cooled six-cylinder for an electric motor as sacrilege, Lunny insists that it aligns perfectly with improved vehicle dynamics, ensuring these cars perform as they were intended.
The Pagoda, meticulously restored to reflect its original beauty, captures an almost dreamlike essence, appealing to enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Future-Proofing Classic Cars
Looking to the future, Lunny assures potential buyers that Everrati aims to preserve rather than ruin classic cars. Each project is approached with the goal of ensuring these vehicles remain enjoyable and usable for generations to come. With plans to explore other models within the Mercedes lineup, Lunny is committed to expanding Everrati’s offerings while maintaining the philosophy that has brought them success.
In a world where classics sometimes fail to meet modern expectations, Everrati has set out to redefine how we view electrification in the automotive sector—ensuring that both legacy and luxury thrive side by side in a rapidly evolving market.