The Renaissance of Coachbuilding: Exclusive Cars for the Billionaire Class
The automotive industry is witnessing a modern-day renaissance with the resurgence of coachbuilding, a practice that harks back to the 1920s, adding a unique level of customization to vehicles. This trend, driven by the billionaire class, mirrors a broader movement in the luxury goods market where exclusivity and individual expression hold paramount importance.
The Coachbuilding Revival
The craft of coachbuilding, akin to tailoring a bespoke suit, is experiencing a revival. The practice, which dwindled with the advent of mass-produced cars, is making a comeback, fuelled by the demand for custom-made cars from the ultra-wealthy. The shift towards electric vehicles has also opened avenues for its resurgence, with companies like Rolls Royce, Bentley, and newcomers like Allesley capitalizing on this trend. They are creating unique vehicles that meet individual specifications without compromising the underlying design ethos.
The Catalysts behind the Movement
Entrepreneur Paul Abercrombie has founded Allesley, an auto company aimed at reviving this lost art of coachbuilding, catering to very wealthy clients. The transition to electric cars offers an opportunity for bespoke car customization, going beyond the regular leather seats and color options. The spending spree of the ultra-rich has breathed new life into the custom car industry, which had collapsed post-World War II. This trend reflects a shift in consumer preferences towards more unique and distinctive forms of luxury.
Mercedes-AMG’s Bespoke Electric Sports Car
Mercedes-AMG is developing its first bespoke electric sports car, expected to debut in 2025. This car, rumoured to be the firm’s most powerful road car to date, will use a bespoke performance-oriented EV architecture known as AMG.EA and will feature axial-flux electric motors from British firm Yasa. With an output exceeding the 751bhp of the AMG EQS 53 4Matic, the car is also expected to be practical with a spacious interior and rear luggage area. Prototypes are expected to start hitting the road in the coming months, setting the stage for a 2025 market launch.
Credit: Source link