Electric Porsche 914, classic look or custom?

[@ClassicRetrofit]

Thanks for the comments on our custom 914. It is an absolute blast to drive. Cheers, Jonny

[@spudproductions7606]

Lots of love for the custom 914 EV Jonny. Great work. 👍😀

[@914Mike]

Curious about the mirrors. The focus on the reflective mirrors was at or near infinty, but with a video mirror the focus is at the distance to the screen. How does this work in practice? I suppose young eyes have no problem changing focus quickly, but for those of us that wear bi-focals in order to have far focus up high for the road and close focus down low for the instruments it would seem like having a middle distance focus like the right hand screen could be a problem. Then there's the height difference, did that take getting used to?

[@PaulHerbert-xv5jr]

Try a racing 6 that revs to 9000 rpm…

[@jacobrobinson7395]

Gents, I bought a ‘73 914 with my dad when I was 16 years old (about 18 year ago now). We worked on it together and it handled like it was on rails. We would cruise up and down the cost of California. This video give me nostalgic memories. I need to build one of these EV’s in memory of my dad.

[@whitlockbr]

This sort of thing needs to come to the mass market... having drop in kits for every make and model you can think of stored in a database and assemble the parts and drop ship them to the nearest electric motor head... batteries need to get a bit better, but it is doable now.. you even have 'fast charging' 50kw? ability in these vehicles yesno?

[@erhardt1477]

Good point… 👍 That would get MORE people to switch … by the way … There is even a bicycle company that does EXACTLY THAT … they call their bikes SWITCH BIKES … And as far as I know … I small french company called TRANSITION ONE for cars. But of course … it’s a HUGE step from bicycles to cars … but the idea is sound … I think 👍

[@bigchadsmall]

Its happening but mostly for vw and Porsche and mini trucks.

[@TrickyDeGolden]

I've been saying this exact same thing for awhile now too. If they really want to jump start ALL of us driving electric, make it drop-in easy for me to convert my '11 Honda and '89 Mercedes. They should also sideline the 1200 hp and auto driving crap and give us a 300 hp $25k vehicle that requires a driver. Good news though, look up "Ford E Crate". They call it the Eluminator. It's starting to happen!

[@aqnaqnaqn]

It'd be awesome to have kits to electrify many many ICEV's, but obviously there is the matter of economics. Developing, testing, and possibly having to certify a kit, then being able to sell just one of it ever, will bankrupt a business in no time. One idea is to have a sign-up list for a given model/year/variant. If enough people sign up, then the next step is to get a deposit of a meaningful size from each registrant, then ECC can start developing the kit. Maybe give those registrants a fancy small plaque on their motor saying something like "First Edition". Afterwards, the kit can be made generally available for sale. You listening, @ElectricClassicCars? 🤗❤️ (There may be the matter of having to beef up technical/customer support, but I imagine that'd be part of growing any business.)

[@MrHemlock51]

Trouble is, the drop in kits cost more than a new car. Thirty thousand quid.

[@greengecko1876]

Old Porsche's always my favourites, never had a 914, but wanted one, stuck with 924S, 944S2, 968, all great, but the electric conversion makes beautiful sense.

[@davidspendlove5900]

I love these conversions and think this is an emerging industry.Great for keeping these old cars on the road.

[@bobskinner4389]

I'm Custom. Definitely an ideal car for an ECC conversion from my perspective. It could be used as a great daily that would put a smile on your face every time you used it. [UHH Daily]

[@ForeverNeverwhere1]

My history is the custom side, Cal look VW's and hot rods is where my heart was, but as I get older classic looks gets more appeal. But Johnny did a stellar job, just those side marker indicators ruin the lines to me. The rest looks smart. I still am not sold on 914s though, a life time of considering them the red headed stepchild.

[@AndyB59]

I love the custom look,with the exception of the front indicators. That antique gold is so classy and the interior just blows me away. All I need now is a lottery win!

[@vitovitale9867]

After purchasing a 1972 White 914 in Rome in December 1985 and driven it to Guildford my then gf sold it for me after I decided not to export it to the US. The new owner painted it red. In 2012 it ends up purchased by Mike Brewer and repaired by Edd China having recognized the unique mirrors I bought for it and the Italian Monza quad exhaust. True it handled well even in the snow!

[@marklangren3142]

In the early 80's my winter beater in MN was a 914 4

[@dion9146]

I’ve owned three 914s over the years including two 9146s. When people started converting these I was not a fan. 20 years later I’m a huge fan and want to build another 914 just like these. Keep up the great work

[@dlittlester]

I was a passenger in one, and I got a chance to drive one once. Completely impressed by the handling. I can't imagine what it may have been like electrically.

[@kerongranger2229]

I get really excited when I get the notification for a new episode ❤️🤩

[@spudproductions7606]

That’s good to hear. Plenty more episodes in the pipeline. 😀👍

[@Jimbob-hs8qf]

I would definitely go for mod version, the interior finish is top notch! I’m off to get a lottery ticket to raise some tokens to finance my own build. Great video keep em coming!

[@philipmancinijr]

I just discovered Vintage Voltage and am so happy you shared this video. What an amazing build!!

[@petermerritt4981]

I owned a 1972 loved everything about it I definitely would love the Costom and have my own go cart again have to find a way to go back in time and make this work thank you peter

[@stephenfrost2272]

Writing this at an age that makes me vintage, it won't surprise you to read that I prefer the classic! But don't misunderstand. The technology upgrade in the custom is amazing and so well executed. The camera rear view system in particular struck me as being excellent. I'm not sure the tremendous torque increase is necessary for everyday use, but I'd probably change my mind if I drove it!

[@spudproductions7606]

The torque is fantastic, even at lower speeds. 😀

[@markcollins457]

After seeing both cars I have come to the conclusion "ALL THE WAY FROM NEW JERSEY " I'M A CLUSTOM! Absolutely fun on wheels makes me want a second look at the 914.

[@econoroller]

SIR, THESE ARE EFFIN FANTASTIC!!! You've taken my absolute favorite mid engined car of all time, probably the best balanced weight ratio mass produced vehicle ever...a platform that has it's quirks but is essentially spot on with braking, handling, and performance, and taken it to the top. Decades ago I was aware of Simpson hybrid's GM conversions and I wanted to go a step further by using an all aluminum SCAT V4. They were popular in sprint cars, though quite expensive. They were cast in aluminum from the outside 4 cylinders of a GM 350ci V8 block that had been spliced together, utilizing their own proprietary forged cranks. They'd make about 500hp normally aspirated! somewhere around 1/2 as much weight as the stock GM V8, and could use almost all of the stock peripherals and accessories. And of course could be installed using the same adaptor kit at that time that Simpson Hybrids manufactured for the GM V8 conversions. Back then I thought THAT idea of mine would be the end all sleeper 914. But THESE two in this video of yours takes this design from Porsche into the future in a whole new and exciting way that really does this car the justice it deserves! Helluva great drop in for a heck of an under appreciated '70's mid engined gem! Now I'm hoping the design team at Porsche is watching, taking some clues, and is realizing that people WILL buy electric sports cars...BUT only IF they can made affordable and accessible to the average person. What average person can realistically afford a new top of line Tesla nowadays? The concept of the 914 had the affordability, and deffo offered the rewarding driving experience of a finely designed, well balanced 2 seater. If Porsche could keep that general concept, retain some of it's crucial heritage styling, AND keep the price down like they did in the 70's so people could actually OWN one...I bet a new version 914EV would sell as fast as they could build them. What do you think?

[@nickcooper14]

Those modern touches really lend themselves to the whole electric car upgrade.🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼🇦🇺

[@Wo.Ke.Pa.]

Definitely I’m custom one! It’s what gives to a conversion the reason to enjoy in everything we are used to nowadays. I wish I could have one like this. Great videos!

[@masterxyr]

snubbing anything is most usually either the idle man's work or the envious one. That's a great car and a great job you've done with it. I can only dream of having one

[@jimcabezola3051]

I've admired the 914 from childhood. I've pooh-poohed the naysayers for over 50 years; the 911s were not so innovative as the 914, IMHO. The Classic-look 914 would be the one I'd go home with; thank you for getting rid of the only shabby part of a 914: the engine! The controls on the original Porsche were logically laid out and were easy to memorise. I don't like the "I'm scared of the dark..." mood lighting of the more modern interpretation. Also, I'd have to remove the centre-located instrument binnacle to right in front of the driver. I don't fancy faffing about with electronic controls I'd have to look at to use properly. You are so-forward thinking in creating these two wildly different interpretations on the 914. They're both superb and will appeal to two wildly different drivers. Bravo!

[@knowledgebyte]

Custom. That funky little AC touch button is brilliant. I’m still hurling my e-golf around and even after four years of driving, it still makes me smile how fast it goes and how well it handles. Excellent show guys. Keep up the good work.

[@joeabad5908]

I can just imagine the time and effort put into this converssion. Thank you for up loading..

[@stevejohnson1231]

I'd like the classic with the tech of the custom. That heater control is amazing with the combination of a rotary dial and the touch control in the center.

[@FairlyOldGit]

Once Co-drove a 1302 beetle with a very torquey 1.8 engine - I was very impressed!

[@johnt.848]

You would have liked my 2.1L Superbug then, that was torquey.

[@tdmduc]

What a beautiful custom digital make over. Like the gold on there.

[@slicksalmon6948]

Brilliant! I didn't need any persuading. I've owned one of these cars, and I thought it was a natural choice for conversion to electric. Sign me up! Another choice would be a Honda del Sol.

[@LosZonga]

Custom, but both look amazing and the bolt on kit... fantastic job guys.

[@spudproductions7606]

Thanks😀

[@MisterLumpkin]

The 914 is my dream car. Wish I had the money/space/time to buy one and convert it. I like the custom, but I'd choose the classic. Nice work on both of them.

[@erhardt1477]

Well… As I’m a fan of old cars, (i have three) as well as new technology wherever needed, I think you and or your team and friends and colleagues have done a phenomenal job of getting these cars a new life AND a modern day interpretation. Like I said before, I drive a old MX 5 nb … and I really love everything about this car, but if someone would come along and change it to drive it electric … I would switch in a heartbeat… no questions ask… Greetings from Germany everybody… 👋

[@spudproductions7606]

Thanks 👍

[@bmwman1981]

The best conversion is the 3 litre v6 jag stype engine in a mx5 way more soul then electric

[@jhdore]

I love these, having had two TR7’s, I’m a sucker for pop up headlights!

[@einsteind]

Great job on the 914s

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

Nicely engineered conversion cradle 👍🏼😎.

[@spudproductions7606]

Thanks 👍

[@jasonblair4057]

Thank you for bringing back the custom for us to see how it turned out. It’s awesome. The interior is over the top. The side by side was a great idea to show different takes on a conversion. 👍👍

[@robertw1524]

The custom version is perfect for the electrified 914 ! A 21st century rendition of this unique design would be on my must drive list ; )

[@deanprosser5224]

I prefer the classic look however there were some nice touches on the custom version. Always loved these little cars, I'm a bit sad I've left it too late and they are out of my price range now.

[@jasonanderson420]

Great video, I have always loved the 914 since first seeing one as teenager. The EV kit you have built for the 914 looks amazing, well done. I did prefer the custom to the classic look.

[@mattstogryn3066]

Great Idea, nice builds. You need to sell these as kits to those of us in North America

[@zululeppard]

The custom 914 is absolutely cool

[@jossentjens7154]

Yesterday, Discovery show that s1 e10 again, which reminded me that Johnny's 914 was an electric conversion before... with Moggy mention how far technology has developed... Now, I see even further developments over the last couple of years. Keep it up!

[@robertbboyd2003]

Custom every day. What a car !

[@cph_coffeemonster]

I’m a beetle guy, but I love the 914. I love both styles you have in the shop. I’m in the middle of a 1303 complete body off restoration. One day, it might get an EV power plant. 🏎

[@Bnm-fk9fi]

I would love to hear more of the good old rallying days. That footage was great.

[@spudproductions7606]

We have plenty of stories 👍😀

[@scubatrucker6806]

Wow.. I just love the custom 914.😍😍😍😍😍 it looks marvelous

[@baarai]

Custom! I once owned a Classic, but this is the 21st century, mate.

[@MarkHey]

I know that cover between the seats fairly well, since as a 10 year old i used this "seat" when riding in a 914 of a friends grandpa . I loved it, and my first own car was a 924 some years later..... ;-)

[@josephringling]

Admire the custom look, but I love the look of classic cars. Nice job guys!

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Thanks!

[@giulianomarco]

Classic, definitely. Understated.

[@EdWelch100]

Definitely classic. However there video camera replacement for the mirrors is a good idea. Richard you are a wizard, and the guys of course. Porsche 914 lovely . I love the square lines. Perhaps it's my age. More!!!

[@spudproductions7606]

Plenty more to come 👍

[@john914]

Lov'n the 914s

[@brunovanaken5893]

The restomod is perfect ! But i would have deleted the upper screen so the dash looks even cleaner

[@darrenrodriguez4429]

I love them both. I still have the 76 2.0 in my garage that has been stored for 22 years in very good condition. I needed this motivation to get her out and rolling again 😊

[@allwheeldrive]

Love these cars, and they're a perfect conversion! I owned a 76 1.8 with dual downdraft Webers and an extractor. It was the best handling car I've ever owned. And even with that engine it ran neck-and-neck with 280Zs back then (we thought we were going really fast 🙂). It's really exciting as an EV - and easier to live with!

[@MrGMawson2438]

Looks great with them wheels

[@kenbode8806]

Amazing build. I like both build but I would have to say I would go custom

[@andyhilton3359]

Both, love them both.

[@scubatrucker6806]

I love them both

[@josemariah.5421]

Fantastic car, love the silver paint with gold decals. Magnifique idea!!! I own a silver base Taycan, I love every Porsches.

[@peterdnreynolds777]

wow!! love the interior of the custom version!! both versions look great with the electric conversion.

[@stephensimpson5283]

Classic but love the interior job. Some people are just talented and have a gift.

[@examinerian]

Over on Twitter I said I'd have the custom but with standard colour bumpers as the all-black ones look a bit heavy to me. I can see now how the bi-colour LED DRL/indicators work, but would still wrap them up in something nearer to the standard lens units (keep the bi-colour LEDs behind an all-clear cover). The custom interior, though, is amazing - I'm sold on that aspect!

[@TheRealFLX81]

I agree on all your points. Imho painting the bumper in body color where it is chrome on the original would be the sweet spot.

[@LedBass]

These Porsches are so Beautiful! I do love sleepers as well, but I got say, that custom one is just awesome, the interiors are on another level! Clever and beautiful! The only thing I would do in the custom is to paint mate black in between the tail lights and darken the tail lights

[@briertonp]

The 914 has always been one of my favourite Porsches to drive but not work on… My dream electric vehicles been a custom 914 for quite a while now, so the custom conversion would be my choice, however, the standard is a beauty too; I’d be tempted either way 😎

[@scraverX]

I like both looks but I especially like that dash/interior and the trick AC/Heating in the custom one.

[@tomomanpanama]

That rallying looks like so much fun.

[@TestTest-eb8jr]

I'd be custom! [and I'd be looking to "flip" the drive unit length wise, like in your "race-bug" (and probably move the front battery pack up to the front fire wall as much as possible) to get the mass of the various components as close to the center of the chassis as possible]

[@kevatut23]

Absolutely exquisite engineering. Kudos.

[@Skiridr22]

Both car are beautifully done but I’m leaning towards Jonny’s the integration of old n new tech is amazing 👍🏾👍🏾

[@jorgj8558]

This is the future! I like historical Cars and I like EV Cars. Perfect Match

[@MarcS4R]

i love them both, so hard to make a decision

[@512Berlinetta]

I was always sold on the 914. Would take a blend of the classic and the modified :-)

[@huwdavies6650]

I was going to say classic but the standard of the work on the custom has won me over.

[@robertd2363]

Love the custom the mirror are brilliant

[@MikesTropicalTech]

Glad to see how these turned out from the TV show. I did a restomod on a '73 914 1.7l using the US ElectroAuto kit back in 2009 with lead-acid batteries. I'm kicking off a plan to ship it to my new home in Spain and change to 6 Tesla battery modules. It's a ball to throw into the corners or just cruise around town with the targa top off.

[@ZFNQ]

Love them both

[@NativeMainer53]

The craftsmanship is incredible.

[@Bnm-fk9fi]

Two absolutely fantastic cars. If I could afford it I would have the classic exterior with the custom interior. Loved that interior!! Great video. Would love to know how much a ball park figure would be for a conversion like these 😀

[@zonoscopePictures]

I haven't done a conversion, but from what I read the DIY conversion kits can be had for ~$9000 for the motor, controller, charger -- basically everything but the battery packs, which are not cheap. So big up front costs and a lot of labor, but you have big savings on the maintenance!

[@acchaladka]

I think that's exactly right, I'd miss shifting in the 914 (we own an EV, so I'd want one car to keep the joy). I'm curious how much the interior work would cost and how much of it I could do myself in a winter. Looks naff and I wonder if there's a safety improvement to incorporate some how as well. Cheers from Montréal .

[@svallin3]

Love the 914!! I need that in my life. I’ll take the custom.

[@ajosepi1976]

This was the first model car kit I ever built. I mostly did airplanes. I have always loved this little car and would love to have one. If I had one with the original drive train, I'd want it all original. With the EV conversion, custom all the way.

[@Sonnensegler.Bayern]

Lov the 914, great u guys done them! :)

[@markwijnen9063]

I adore both the 914’s........

[@florianwagner7279]

I really like the 914 as a concept - When I was a child, it appears to me as the more futuristic Porsche then the 911 with its close to the Beetle look. This 3-Box 2 seater compact body is having a very own style (same with the Fiat X1/9 Toyota MR2 Mk1 and Pontiac Fiero Mk 1). I am more on the classic side, but paying big respect to the customized interior 👍well done - It really fits to the minimalistic 914. (Maybe except of the switches for the electric windows, taken from a Ford Fiesta )

[@johnfife3062]

Classic. Used to have a 914...now I think there will be a future one.

[@1bye4bye9]

Brilliant! So well done! I think I’d take something right down the middle of that two. Congrats on some amazing work!

[@jefferysmith3930]

Classic look for me, Though the custom is just epic. We had 3 914’s when I was a kid. Lots of fun from the passenger’s seat as my dad bombed around twisty mountain roads. I think at the time (late 70’s early 80’s) they were about the best handling most well balanced Porsche around.

[@simonyoung4722]

Every time you put one of these up Rick I want one! Brilliant effort on both. Maybe you should do an erally ca and take us through your memories that way?

[@spudproductions7606]

Love to do an EV rally car. Wonder which one? 914, escort?😀👍

[@breakshot7451]

same here, on no other channel i get these, damn why i am just such an broke bloke

[@lauriedooker1031]

I’m Frankensteining my 914 because it was barely a parts car wreck . But I love them . Mind has a wrx fa20dit engine with similar power and 996 suspension . I would keep all 914 original if in fair condition but I understand this build and yes I’d love it

[@marklangren3142]

Butcher

[@CarbonSolutions]

Both are awesome, but the custom is 🔥

[@beinghappy1312]

It's not into Johnny's turn signals but the rest looks great, especially that sweet interior

[@hunter_noceda069]

I love both of this 911 ❤️❤️

[@jimohara4796]

Please more 914-E videos! This is such a great choice for 914s with older tired type IV engines.

[@Senrab46]

Both are great conversions but the custom interior is really trick and embodies the transfer from old to new technology imo. Great show and great channel👍

[@spudproductions7606]

Thanks Nick 👍😀😎

[@grandcarriage1]

I’ve ALWAYS loved the 914. I prefer the classic. I would LOVE an electric version

[@davidjlovell2944]

Wow amazing job on both cars, definitely like the custom version!

[@TheRedmarlboroman]

I love the custom look❤❤

[@bikkiikun]

Well said... the trailing 'E' is NOT silent.

[@MrGMawson2438]

Beautiful cars

[@rickwheeler6811]

Always liked the 944 Classic for me. Only Porsche I've owned was the 944... That was a fun car

[@paulpobsanderson6219]

Classic but with the interior goodies of the custom. 👌🏻