Aston DB6 Upcycled by Lunaz

This is an Aston Martin DB6, but it’s not like any other DB6. This one is a demonstration of the value of items upcycled, and how that doesn’t have to mean fitting the seats from a 2009 Mondeo into your 1968 Cortina. Frankly, Lunaz has knocked it out of the park with this creation, though it will still irk some due to its electric powertrain. We, however, celebrate it and its ethos on sustainability. Even if you’re not a fan of EV classics, this DB6 is still worthy of your attention. Everything on this car has been thought about, and it takes bravery and a lot of faith to make such a leap into the unknown. The leather, the ‘wood’, the fabric, the carpets – it’s all the subject of upcycling. It’s clever, clever stuff. And note how you won’t see new cars boasting this – it’s classics that lead the way.

“Upcycling is a holistic, whole-vehicle process in which sustainability encompasses not only the clean-air powertrain but also the materials and finishes used in the interior. We’ve seen significant interest from our clients in maximising our use of sustainable alternatives to traditional leathers, veneers and fabrics. This upcycling project provides a wonderful showcase for emerging materials and innovative products, which are opening up new possibilities across the luxury world. As this magnificent [Aston Martin] DB6 shows, we can create authentic, truly luxurious interiors worthy of the most famous marques using materials with the smallest possible environmental impact. These are very exciting times for us, our clients and our industry.” Said David Lorenz, Founder of Lunaz.

But what does it all mean? Upcycled? A car? Well, on face value, it means it’s utterly glorious. Look at that cabin and tell us you wouldn’t like to spend some time in there? There’s a lot to talk about too, so let’s get into it via the information Lunaz has fired out to us. It’s fascinating reading. You’re about to look at the eggs in your fridge in a whole new way.

Eggshell and nutshell veneers

The dashboard face, gear shifter and three-quarter glass handle are finished in a unique, biodegradable composite material, used as a replacement for oil-based plastics. Produced from discarded egg and nut shells combined with an organic, biodegradable binder, it can be made to precisely replicate a range of natural high-luxury materials, including the ‘marble’ used in the DB6. The material is 100% natural and compostable.

Bio-based Polyurethane (PU) fabric

Meanwhile, the elevated by Lunaz DB6’s door cards are finished in a bio-based PU fabric constructed from a blend of renewable plant-based materials, including corn and wood pulp-based fibres. The unique matte surface features a subtle organic texture with a semi-lustrous base. Its multi-layer construction reduces the number of raw materials required, without sacrificing durability or ease of maintenance.

Bio-based alternative leather

The accent piping on the headlining, seats and door cards is crafted from a remarkable leather alternative made from apple pomace, a by-product of cider, juice and compote production in the beverage industry. It is combined with water-based polyurethane and a backing made from wood pulp to produce a light, soft material with the look and feel of the finest leather.

Post-recycled fibres fabric

The fabric used in the seat upper flutes and door card accent is a blend of 66% post-industrial recycled cotton, 27% polyester, 6% rayon and 1% nylon, designed specifically for ‘high-traffic’ areas subject to intensive wear. It is completely free of the ‘forever chemicals’ per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) and contains no substances on the Living Building Challenge Red List.

Recycled carpets

The soft yet highly durable cabin and boot-floor carpets are made from a regenerated nylon derived from recycled waste material such as discarded carpets and fishing nets. The backing is made from 100% upcycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles.

And of course, there’s the electric powertrain that polishes the whole thing off. And it’s no slouch, because an Aston shouldn’t be. All current Lunaz vehicles’ battery capacity ranges from 80-120 kWh with Combined Charging System (CCS) fast-charging capability, a 255-mile range and 375 bhp. The DB6 is no different. But it’s not just the EV bit, in fact it’s a footnote compared to what else has been done here.

The dedication, the work and incredible results of trying new ideas and new technologies in the name of sustainability and upcycling are extraordinary. Hopefully, others will share in this technology, and with it, the classic car space can be a leader in reuse. We love to restore, to repair and to recycle. But imagine if one day, those hard to find bits could be bought off the shelf because someone had upcycled them out of the food waste from your breakfast. What a time to be alive!