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A Car Electric Vehicle Boasting Superior Analog Control Switches and Gauges

Redesigned Rolls-Royce Corniche now boasts an electric 800V powertrain, yet the dashBoard grabs my attention more.

A New Electric Vehicle Boasts Improved Analog Controls and Gauges
A New Electric Vehicle Boasts Improved Analog Controls and Gauges

A Car Electric Vehicle Boasting Superior Analog Control Switches and Gauges

The Highland Heather, a reimagined Rolls-Royce Corniche, is set to make an appearance at the upcoming Hampton Court Palace Concours of Elegance. This striking vehicle, effectively rebuilt by coachbuilder Halcyon, showcases a captivating blend of '70s design and 2020s technology.

One of the most striking features of the Highland Heather is its dashboard interface, a notable design triumph that harks back to the era of analog switches and gauges. The three-dimensional switches and gauges are a nod to the past, while the car's in-house-made 800V electric propulsion system and adaptive suspension are a testament to its modern prowess.

The super-rich have taken a liking to the Highland Heather's dashboard design, with the resurgence of analog gauges in vehicles like Bugattis serving as evidence. Halcyon plans to produce only 60 units of this masterpiece, with each starting at approximately half a million dollars.

Halcyon's work on the Highland Heather is not limited to this single project. In December 2020, the company announced its plans to modernize classic Rolls-Royce models, specifically the Corniche convertible and Silver Shadow sedan.

For those who are on the lookout for an old Rolls-Royce at a reasonable price, mechanically ambitious individuals might find opportunities on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. While finding a Corniche convertible at a low price might be challenging due to its rarity, sedans from the '80s and '90s could potentially be found at more affordable rates.

However, it's important to note that maintaining an old Rolls-Royce using original equipment (OE) parts could prove to be astronomically expensive. Yet, this could also provide an opportunity for a custom build. For instance, a one-of-a-kind high-class restomod Rolls-Royce could be created using relatively modest means.

The author of this piece expresses interest in seeing more customizers adopt a similar design ethos for the human-machine interface in future vehicles. As for the founder or owner of Halcyon, further information was not readily available in the provided search results.

The news release for the Highland Heather also highlights its impressive engineering elements, with the car featuring a unique colorway of purple-on-white. The Highland Heather is undoubtedly a testament to the art of reimagining classic vehicles for the modern era, and its appearance at the Hampton Court Palace Concours of Elegance promises to be a spectacle worth witnessing.

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