What old car would you convert to electric?

[Nick1994]

Any air-cooled VW.

Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Bus, Squareback etc.

 

[AZjeff]

A Samurai. No resident electronics, stupid simple to wrench on. I had a nice 86 hardtop and gave it a thought but I'm seriously electrically challenged and could never pull it off.

 

[Kiwi_ME]

Yeah, I would love to convert the latest Jimny. I'd buy a new one and sell the ICE parts, substitute a Leaf motor directly driving the transfer case which even on a 2022 model still remains a standalone unit. I'd have to modify the transfer to stay in low range in 2WD as the gearing would be perfect without needing a gearbox. The battery is the hard part along with integrating any safety systems like ABS and ESC.

 

[odie]

'81 2 door Plymouth Champ with twinstick .

 

[meadows]

My 85 XJS

 

[Leo99]

A guy near me has a Trans Am. Like a Smokey and the Bandit time but in silver. Or a 65 Mustang. Even a new Mustang instead of that bulbous abomination Ford electrified.

 

[1uz_4me]

Porsche 914

There's one locally. Ill try to get a pic the next time I see it

 

[dwasifar]

1964 Studebaker Avanti, if there were more of them. But as rare as they are, I'd feel wrong about spoiling a stock one, so it would have to be one that someone else has already messed with.

 

[partspro]

That's exactly how I feel.

I used to own a Triumph TR7, Electric would be great in that car, or the Datsun 280 ZX either one !!

 

[Trav]

I certainly would not destroy any historic vehicle by turning it into a electric. Doing it to replica's is one thing doing it to the real thing is another.

 

[Zee09]

76 Eldorado

 

[JeffKeryk]

Lotus Europa. Wow!

 

[dwasifar]

I certainly would not destroy any historic vehicle by turning it into a electric. Doing it to replica's is one thing doing it to the real thing is another.

Yeah, that's why I said I'd only do it to an Avanti that had already been spoiled, maybe by a bad resto or an engine swap.

 

[Trav]

Yeah, that's why I said I'd only do it to an Avanti that had already been spoiled, maybe by a bad resto or an engine swap.

Yes, any decent Avanti (especially a supercharged one) and the Lotus Europe (I had a Europe and a Lotus Cortina for a years) are definitely on the do not destroy list. What these A holes (and they really are doing that to some of the cars I have seen like a Jag XKE, XK120 and a 57 MB 300SL) don't get is the engine on some of these cars is a good portion of the cars whole persona.
What is a Lotus Cortina with no lotus engine? Its a Ford Cortina with better suspension and a bunch of non functioning gauges.
Destroying historic vehicles to be stylish is not okay, do it to replicas. JMO

 

[350Rocket]

1964 Studebaker Avanti, if there were more of them. But as rare as they are, I'd feel wrong about spoiling a stock one, so it would have to be one that someone else has already messed with.

They look futuristic enough for the time that I think being electric would go with the vibe. Also agree about being too rare to spoil it though.

 

[dwasifar]

They look futuristic enough for the time that I think being electric would go with the vibe. Also agree about being too rare to spoil it though.

I'm not the first to think of it. An electric Avanti is featured in the movie Gattaca. I don't think they actually electrified a car for the movie, but they did rig one with a paddle charger to make it look that way.

 

[Escape08]

1980 VW Super Beetle

 

[LowMilesLesabre]

Like you, I like my dino burners. So I'll be here until I'm forced to go ev.

You know, just my own opinion, but I suspect the infrastructure for ICE vehicles and access to parts and gasoline is going to continue for quite some time given the scale of transition that technology needs to shift most daily grocery getters to an EV market. In that scenario, I see no reason why there should have to be an “either/or” choice. I love tinkering on my way 2 ICE vehicles and do not plan on getting rid of them but I am also SUPER excited to be purchasing my first EV vehicle in the next 3 years as competition increases and prices of EVs become more reasonable. I once attended a Ford motor company demonstration of EV converted prototypes. If the test drive I took several years ago in that humble Ford transit connect converted to EV is any indication, there is a huge thrill to driving EVs that awaits anyone who enjoys spirited driving. Not that I’m doing anything “spirited“ in my ‘99 LeSabre or CRV

 

[Slow Car Sport Mode]

Whatever car came with an electric drivetrain to start.

 

[Zee09]

AMC Pacer in the hopes it would burn up.