Teslarossa Ep10 - 2000 mile road trip

OK. It's a given the Ferrari Testarossa is faster and better handling now it's been converted to electric, due to the better weight distribution, Tractive semi-active suspension and most importantly the 600hp Tesla performance motor out of a Tesla Model S p100D. But has it still got the ability to eat up the miles on a European road trip as it was originally intended as a GT car? That's what we're about to find out in this, Part 1, of a 2000 mile road-trip from the Welsh Alps to the Swiss Alps and back. St Moritz here we come.....
And for those coming here to find the numbers for the trip, we've decided to make a separate episode about that so we can talk about it in more detail, so stay tuned for that one.
The beautiful chateau/hotel we stayed in on the first night was:
www.domainedebarive.com/

[@LG-ct8tw]

Don't forget that by the time you get back to Wales the petrol TestaRossa would have needed a timing chain job (engine drop). Add that to the cost.

[@Edd5hott79]

..and will have still gone up in value, whereas no-one with a brain will buy a previously converted electric variant, fun fact.

[@dennox1]

@@Edd5hott79you know it’s fully reversible right sitting on existing engine mounts lol.

[@jensdybrofrederiksen7922]

@@Edd5hott79 you can’t tell, because that market depends on what the buyer intend to do with the car……if they want to use the car in the future then the electric version will solve there needs, but if it’s for collecting dust I guess you’re right.

[@rushja]

@@Edd5hott79 go on then, what would the "brain" say was wrong with the electric conversion compared to the petrol? Should be a very easy question, fun fact

[@Edd5hott79]

@dennox1 yes, fully aware. I was also involved in this exact market. You don't understand the buyers (trade or client) of these cars. They will not touch one of these with a barge pole. It is not far off buying a category car. Also, I'm pretty sure the V5 has to reflect the changes. So given the choice these are cars to be avoided if you want to own a Ferrari Testarossa with any provenance. If you want a red milk float, buy one or simply stick a Ferrari badge on a Tesla.

[@Jaw0lf]

This has brought a massive smile to my face as I loved the look of the iconic Testarossa. However maintenance costs would prevent most people owning one. The electric upgrade using Tesla parts is an incredible move and the best of old and new. Long live the TeslaRossa. As you say what is beeter than seeing one, two! Seeing them do what they are designed for and being driven is fantastic. Thanks for doing this Richard.

[@michaeltrigg6087]

Well done for persuading Eddie Irvine to ride along with you.

[@tymanot]

Wow, these twins are really beautiful. What a wonderful conversion.

[@EdWelch100]

Oh, Gorgeous, just gorgeous. what a pair. My favorite was the 288 GTO.

[@peterjol]

It may be an old 'classic' but that car still looks as if it could be the very latest, hottest, design.

[@ds2000]

The charging infrastructure in France is superb. We've taken the Model 3 skiing and on a summer vacation twice. The last time, we avoided the Telsa chargers and just looked for nice motorway services with some green space. Much better for the kids to go and play vs a hotel parking lot. We sat on some benches and chilled out.

[@SDKmotors]

You are making a bunch of petrolheads getting angry... And we love it 😂

[@busog97641]

And that's the best part.

[@genestatler2514]

Fantastic Richard!! Great video!! Can hardly wait to see the next one!!🤩

[@54mgtf22]

Road trip 🎉. Love your work, Richard 👍

[@Vintage_Volts]

So fun episode, I stopped at the same Tesla Supercharger in Mets France on my way down with the Landrover “Beasty” on my massive journey from Sweden to Barcelona!! What a coincidence:-))) I absolutely love your intro!!! Can’t wait for the next one. 😂

[@ewadge]

Regarding wind turbines, it boggles my mind that the UK government has essentially put a halt to onshore wind. The UK has great wind resources and I know that a lot of effort is being put into offshore wind farms but why not have some more onshore turbines also.

[@rushja]

Cameron gave us that and brexit. What a gret leader he was. I think things are about to change

[@baomao7243]

NIMBY

[@mintyedinburgh5570]

I think it was the English government that lumped that on you...still plenty on-shore wind power being installed in Scotland. Now over 15GW installed...

[@anthonyrawsthorne656]

​@mintyedinburgh5570 , 2022, we produced 113% of Scotlands electrical energy needs....

[@stuartjohnston1086]

@@baomao7243 Yes, that's the problem, and also a planning system that caters to NIMBY's.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

I can only imagine how much attention you got at those charging stations. It's a great conversation starter!

[@ErwinWernerTeichmann]

Very nice trip! Thank you for sharing it.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

You and Tim have always made a fine team! Thanks for a cheery video with the company people who commissioned these vehicles!

[@marvinsamuels1237]

Cracking episode Moggy! The Testarossa was my poster car during the 80’s. It shows how well suited the Teslarossa conversion is the GT brief of the original.

[@waynethefridgemanosborne8984]

You come out in the morning and It starts. No choking fumes on warm up and we can here you speaking. Well done CEC team . So jealous of the road trip . Keep smiling everyone

[@ElectricClassicCars]

😊 thank you

[@mercurylincoln755]

You: 🤡

[@sydneyg007]

Nice! An actually usefull video on what it is REALLY like doing long distance traveling in an EV as opposed to the rubbish money making videos that try to make it look like a hassle. It's extra impressive that you are doing it in converted cars with aftermarket CCS! Looking forward to the nerd/stats video - Can you add the C02 saved in that? I mean it should be the main reason people should go EV (regardless of ALL the other benefits).

[@baomao7243]

I really enjoyed this video. ✅Two beautiful Teslarossas ✅ Showcasing a mix of real world charging experiences as you roll through different geographies ✅ Gorgeous drive and overnight venues

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tateantrim2203]

I AM ASTOUNDED! Beautiful car married to beautiful technology. Wow! Simply wow...someone said below the electrified Countach is next...can't wait.

[@FrancoisTCS]

Those cars are just BEAUTIFUL…😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍. We need some average speed also. 😉🤙🏼

[@TheSimonhammond]

So looking forward to the Countach conversion!

[@anthonyrawsthorne656]

In a parallel universe, where 2 middle aged men, dressed in tight catsuits , come to a calm controlled stop, and change the speed limit sign to a 20mph, then slowly drive away?...😂

[@jbmaru]

It's fantastic to see that work completed, the cars operational and on top of that, as better versions of themselves. Congratulations, and very nice trip as well. Want some French pronunciation for the city names? Reims is like "rince" but with that nasal "in", and Metz is just like "mess". No kidding.

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Thank you very much!

[@ianmangham4570]

Stunning suspension, orangey anodized colour is sick 😫 👍

[@thegilmours1712]

Great show, thanks. We've travelled many miles in France with our Model 3 and charging has never been a problem. By the way, Reims is pronounced WRRRRRRESS!

[@briertonp]

This video has inspired me to do another long distance road trip around Europe but this time in my EV I didn’t realise how much easier (and cheaper!!!) it is compared to the UK! The 3-legged dog be coming too, of course 🐶

[@Stewiedude1]

The charging infrastructure is so much better than in the UK. Such a shame with how little commitment we've seen

[@markbennett6658]

Yes we’re not that far behind the Americans with the ‘head in the sand’ mindset here in the UK unfortunately!

[@neilt]

Love your videos, and you convert some fabulous cars. I made three trips through France and Spain last year in my Ioniq 5, using a Hyundai charge card. The card worked on every charger network, and I then had a single monthly invoice when I got home. The French autoroutes are a pleasure to use, I really enjoyed all three trips.

[@ewadge]

I’m really jealous. Sounds so much fun.

[@spudproductions7606]

Thanks 👍😀

[@nottledim6192]

Interesting, and reassuring to see how the Engenie chargers work. Thanks for thinking to show that.

[@jimcabezola3051]

Grand touring perfection! What a triumph of engineering! Keep enjoying these cars! Looking forward to more videos about them and how you get on with them. Aloha.

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Thanks, will do!

[@IanHobday]

Beautiful cars. Love the conversions.

[@ricardomusicdoc7227]

Great to see you doing so well ! Bon chance mon amie

[@sigfredod]

Cannot wait when you go to Mat Watson for a Teslarossa vs Testarossa 😁

[@phillee2583]

A bit of info for anyone recreating this trip: you can charge at Lidl in most French towns 150kW CCS 0.36 cent per kW 0.06 cent per minute. We did it last year and we saved a lot! of money

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Good to know. Most Tesla Superchargers we stopped at were 42c/kWh and 45c/kWh peak. 👍

[@rollendewielen]

Fantastic Richard!! Great video!! Can hardly wait to see the next one!!

[@spudproductions7606]

Coming soon 👍😀

[@garmar704]

Can't wait to see the price breakdown of the journey 🖖🏻

[@stejac51]

OUTSTANDING video ... well done lads !!

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@rollingstocks]

These beautiful Ferrari's with Tesla drivetrains in them are magnificent. The fact that they are able to travel the distance and charge at public charging stations is a testament to Electric Classic Car's excellent conversion skills.

[@MartinzW]

I drive European western and eastern countries with Tesla M3 occasionally. Best cost/performance means of travel are primarily using Tesla Superchargers. In most countries local networks are more expensive. Some exceptions apply, like Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia tend to have even cheaper prices for charging in their local networks.

[@kieranmccreedy271]

I love the Teslarossa just for how much it pisses people off 😂

[@l4c166]

Epic! 👍

[@forsh3546]

Regardless of how it's fuelled, if I owned one I'd defiantly be specing the 18" wheel upgrade - just looks right!

[@stiflerxavimcfly1597]

Now I’m excited for the next episode! The Testarossa is the paramount of GT design and to think that you’ve been able to convert them to the most sustainable and efficient version possible, for me is like a dream come true. If I ever win the lottery I’m commissioning one for myself.

[@ianmangham4570]

Amazing scenery 🤠🇬🇧🙏

[@busog97641]

Always great videos, *ALWAYS!!!*

[@spudproductions7606]

Thanks 👍👍

[@avicharszan2620]

Awesome road trip!

[@paulbennett4548]

A Cracking Grand Tour Lads, It a nice little motor to have a chat in when you're gliding along. Oh and don't forget the cheese Lads.

[@yakboyuk]

I've said it before but the 17" wheels just look so good, give the car the look it should have had originally 😁

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Totally agree 👍

[@StefanVenus]

I personally think it´s a great way to combine oldies with technology. When I look at an old Puch SV or SGS motorbike, a rusty frame without an engine, just put an electric motor and some batteries into it and you´re good to go. Don´t know how the real Ferrari guys are looking at it, but hey, at least nature is benefiting from it and we´re all eating food that´s coming from nature.

[@chargeheadsuk]

Simply epic! 💯⚡️🏁

[@duncanwallace7760]

Great episode!

[@neoanderson7]

Doing an EV conversion on a vehicle with such a heavy maintenance reputation is a no brainer. If I managed to pick up a Testarossa back before prices went thru the roof, I would’ve done the conversion. 👍🏻

[@TheWalnut47]

Brilliant! Thank you.

[@spudproductions7606]

Welcome 👍😀

[@bryandickerson5365]

Lucky boys!

[@Knott1701]

that's interesting, first stop i usually do in France after a full charge in the M3 is Reims. the Tesla supercharger next to the Novotel isn't as glamorous!

[@cencio_1976]

Epic!

[@1964mcqueen]

What an Awesome Ride, and a great demonstration of how great road tripping can be in an electric. Richard started the video by saying how lucky he is to drive these classic electric vehicles. I have to disagree. Since he is the one who converted them, I would say he made his own luck.

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Many thanks!

[@GerardBendotti]

yeah, they're pretty special

[@penrithomas115]

Got to say you boys are living your best life 😎

[@spudproductions7606]

It’s a tough job etc etc 😀😀

[@jimd9571]

Any thoughts about putting the same teslarossa package into a Berlinetta Boxer? That would be beautiful!

[@gunnarchristoffersson7629]

Fantastic episode!!

[@spudproductions7606]

Thanks. Part 2 coming soon 👍😀

[@igordeborst]

Clearly everyone taking pics on the m’way didn’t care or even know that these two were EVs. ECC doing stuff like this exponentially increases the chances of seeing these kinds of cars out in the world

[@golf-n-guns]

I'm jealous!

[@MrTubeuser12]

beautiful day when you left wales, whats the bet it'll be cloudy and miserable when you get back LOL. awesome road trip guys

[@spudproductions7606]

It was 👍👍

[@nevco8774]

Very nice video made with 2 perfectly converted cars: not only handling was improved, drivability, reliability, comfort, performance but also the price per mile/km driven has dropped considering fuel, but most importantly oil change, belt change and needed repairs for two Ferrari vehicles from the 80ties for each 1000 miles driven. Also kudos to the manufacturer of your CCS2 system integrated into the cars and internal charger able to make CCS2 and destination charging reliable and reproducible each and every time, to your vehicles batteries thermomanagement built into Testarossa vehicle able to repeatedly sustain fast DC charging repeatedly, consistently. You, people have bult into 2 classic Ferrari a much better thermomanagement than multibillion dollar company Toyota has in its brand new 2024 EV BZ4X/Subaru Soltera allowing only one fast DC charging in 24 hours effectively prohibiting taking road trips in those 2 cars.

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Thanks for recognising the engineering effort that goes into building these cars, my team appreciates comments like this. 👍

[@nevco8774]

@@ElectricClassicCars Most converting shops rebuild old cars for local use relying on moderate internal charger and ok thermomanagement of the battery. Your team rebuild cars as true replacement of modern EVs good for local use and for very long trips. The quality of the bulds exceeds the efforts of some large legacy manufacturing companies. I hope your way of doing it gets spread worldwide as a franchise.

[@mrmawson2438]

Cheers guys

[@youxkio]

You got my attention, again, Richard. I will be waiting for the next one.

[@ElectricClassicCars]

More to come!

[@ambruszoltan752]

There are a million reasons why I want a fat lottery win but this series just added a beautiful ONE more. Nicely done lads! :)

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Thanks 👍

[@nevco8774]

I am still looking forward for the video of converted Jensen Interceptor. That was designed by its shape as a trully GT vehicle for very long trips.

[@deltajohnny]

Awesome cars! 😍😍😍

[@hippotek1]

That's what I want see. NICE!

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Glad you like it!

[@ObiePaddles]

Looking forward to the haters’ comments. Something tells me the petrol one would have required longer to fuel (and repair) on such a trip, while drinking a small tanker of fuel.

[@seanzealony9499]

In reality the people who could afford to buy these Ferrari’s new, wouldn’t care how much it cost to fill the tanks on these Italian beauties. My Wife has a EV vehicle and being a petrol head and biker I never drove her vehicle for over a month as I hated the idea of it. How my mind was changed when I did finally bite the battery and have a go. One pedal driving & performance to put most cars to shame on acceleration. Been all over the UK and once you’ve got used to planning charging with food breaks etc it’s easy driving. I’m keeping my bike for petrol fix but planning on a smaller EV for myself. As for the Ferrari road trip you’d defo have peace of mind about reliability with how good these conversions have been done.

[@scubatrucker6806]

I want a Teslaroasta here in the States ❤❤❤

[@mrmawson2438]

Lucky sods 😂

[@CarlForde]

oh, do so want. Left-hand drive please for here in Canada :-)

[@giulianomarco]

With all that cheese Tim ate the night before, it's a wonder he wasn't cutting it all the next day! 😋🧀👍

[@matauboy]

Loved the video but slightly spoilt by all those little Renaults blowing past you on the motorway 😂 you're in a Ferrari after all!

[@tesla-spectre]

that is an interesting choice of hat 🎉

[@mgrmln]

What is the actual range on this conversion? The cars look spectacular.

[@bigr3805]

awesome

[@cristianfederico2411]

AWESOME!!!!!

[@spudproductions7606]

Thanks 👍😀

[@2.3_44XD--]

I have a EV taxi in Spain. Lots of anti EV people now because of oil paid KZbinrs. One client yesterday mentioned one of these anti EV vid trying to annoy me and I immediately told him that this anti EV KZbinr is crap and those who believe him are also crap....a long battle ahead😂 Anyway nice Teslarossas and happy to watch this EV trip

[@JohnBBuck]

Anti EV men are just weak little men who lack the spine to admit they cannot cope with change.

[@Ifitwerks]

I keep hearing about these oil paid u tubers who are they?

[@oscans7084]

They're increasingly being instantly silenced by a chorus of EV lovers. That's across all media. And that's a good thing.

[@jsanders100]

Don’t worry about it, people who are obviously on the loosing side always make a lot of noise

[@jimsouthlondon7061]

Richard please please please get the permission to use the Matt Munro Italian Job theme song . Awesome thanks mate .

[@bongosock]

I'd still like to see one put through its paces. I know it's better, but I'd like to see how much better - please? :)

[@anthonyrawsthorne656]

Nice trip, but need a few blasts up and down some passes... Only thing I'd change, is to loose the smug green reg plate, spoils the cars look (similar to black/silver on newer cars, still better than the 3D plates though 😳) With the charging, can you still get the full tesla supercharging juice?, or do the electronics know they've been swapped?.

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Episode 2 will have some fun on the Swiss roads. ❤️⚡️👍

[@hawkesworth1712]

I've done the same drive but in a new diesel Citroen BX19 TRD. Don't ask me if I'm jealous because you don't want to see a grown man cry.

[@xxwookey]

That was a fine vehicle!

[@ianmangham4570]

Cheeseboard sounds awesome 😮

[@spudproductions7606]

It was 😀😀😂

[@laurieharper1526]

Great trip. A quick point re. "green" French electricity. They rely heavily (63% in 2022) on nuclear. Whilst the actual generation process may be low emission, disposing of spent fuel is a whole other story. Carbon isn't the only issue.

[@eppot1]

True Gt cars... 🙂

[@beinghappy1312]

This is my kind of testarossa. I'd much rather take this electric kind of testarossa on a long road trip. Much better for reliability and a much more comfortable ride with better suspension and a quieter vehicle that's still just as stunning to look at. The benefits far outweigh the loss of an engine noise

[@ianmangham4570]

Swimming pool looks luxurious

[@spudproductions7606]

It was 😀😀

[@markreed9853]

My first job at 16 was as a petrol pump attendant in 1984 and a local guy came in with a Testarossa quite a bit, said he paid £62k for it and had to wait 2 years for delivery. I remember it taking 16 gallons of fuel!

[@EliteRock]

Total capacity is actually over 25 gallons, wouldn't be surprised if the fuel gauge in the car was all over the place and he never knew how much he actually had in it after a few 100 miles.

[@markreed9853]

@@EliteRock ah, I just remember putting £32 in as it was £2 a gallon at the time😊 the guy used to own a bathroom installation company in Hook in Hampshire at the time. I Remember him telling me that he was offered £64,000 for it just because of the wait times.

[@EliteRock]

@@markreed9853 Well, it was kind of first for Ferrari, easy to drive and (relatively) reliable so I guess they opened up a new market for themselves. And not forgetting the loadsamoney yuppies in the ocean of cash that was Thatcherite Britain (from North Sea oil/gas having just come on stream after nearly 20 years of investment, and national infrastructure being sold off like there was no tomorrow).

[@Kalepsis]

I want to do a similar electric conversion to a 1956 Cadillac sedan. How much might that cost me?

[@demonhighwayman9403]

If you two are in France again you would get on great in the Brittany region because the Old Breton language is very similar to welsh, I don't understand a word of it myself but I'm sure it would be useful to you both.

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Interesting 👍

[@alpenfoxvideo7255]

Didn't burn out 2 spark plugs requiring a 2-day stop. Not a real testarossa.

[@TheSimonhammond]

How cool would an EV'd Citroen XM mk1 would be?! Very SCi-Fi!

[@jbmaru]

Yes!! Recently I also saw an estate BX (first one in ages), I thought that would make a cool EV, such a long car with plenty of space to put batteries in. Plus, the air intake at the front is very discreet, quite EV-like.

[@IslaSprollie]

Great cars and video. Do they have cruise control?

[@spudproductions7606]

Yes 👍👍

[@IslaSprollie]

@@spudproductions7606 Brilliant, I’ll buy one !

[@matty8920]

Very surprised by the suspension system, can that be done on any car?

[@ElectricClassicCars]

I think they offer it for select cars like Porsche

[@h7opolo]

this is uncannily pertinent. route planning with electric charging needs to be easier. i have faith an app will come along.

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Zapmap

[@Deanferreira2]

Would REALY love to see you bang through the gears. Do you start in 2nd gear? Is your current draw less in lower gearing going the same speed? SO MANY QUESTIONS!

[@mariuszmarzynski8596]

But there is no gearbox..... so no gears to change.

[@72mardy]

The shifter is just there to select forward or reverse