1975 BMW EV Resto-mod is the perfect classic car for London

1975 BMW EV Resto-mod is the perfect classic car for London. Jonny Smith visits Jerry Dhillon who has commissioned his ideal classic BMW for London city life. Based on a 1975 1602 model, Jerry had Electric Classic Cars in Wales perform a ground-up restoration, followed by an EV conversion that provides ample performance (120bhp, 7.5 0-62) and a real world range of 150 miles. Jonny drives Jerry's one-off classic project in the urban capital environment that it was designed for.
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Filmed and edited by: Phil Vaughan Pritchard www.philvfilms.com/
Thumbnail by: Matt Tarrant www.matttarantdesign.com
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Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
Website: www.carpervert.com
Instagram: / jonnycarpervert
Twitter: / carpervert
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:32 Why do this conversion?
3:38 The restoration
4:50 Driving it
5:08 Not a 2002!
6:32 EV drivetrain
7:22 Brakes
7:35 Steering
7:59 clean body design
9:14 Exempt ULEZ, tax and MoT - futureproofed
11:27: Driving
11:51 Regen braking
12:01 Interior & infotainment
13:01 Cost
13:46 Weight and weight distribution
14:24 Power and performance stats
14:58 Suspension and brake stats
16:03 Driving again
18:00 Boot area
18:54 Charge port
22:37 More driving
25:22 Jerry's EV motorbike and charger
27:20 What's next?
28:56 Verdict and subscribe
#evconvertedclassiccar #bmwrestomod #thelatebrakeshow #4k

[@Lot76CARS]

Hi Jonny, I had made my mind up not to like this car, but given how well engineered it is and the fact that it’s used in London it’s a no brainier. It ticks a lot of boxes and makes for a future proof classic… and I like it! (as he has GR Yaris, I admire his taste as well).

[@jameshunterford4099]

Me too... almost didn’t watch it, but it’s brilliant. Nothing like modern EV’s that are a total turn off. Sorry if anyone reading this owns one.

[@kallekas8551]

What a joke! What is wrong with these people?

[@GT380man]

I’m hoping you’re going to tell me what weight difference you finish with. 1100kg, is that before or after the conversion? What’s the delta? It is heavier? Surely must be. Edit: yes, a little heavier, by around 10%. Not so much as to stress the brakes or suspension.

[@mikejf4377]

@@kallekas8551 with his car he’s has less maintenance and pays a pound or two to change it instead of thirty or forty pounds to fill with gas. Then inside the city he drive anywhere he wants with no restriction. He bought it and stripped it to bear metal and brought it back to this. I think it’s beautiful.

[@gph42]

Probably one of the best looking EVs I've ever seen. Gimme this over a rimac any day. Great job Jonny.

[@nicholasfound]

EV or not, I love how this has been executed. The lines he’s cleaned up versus those he’s kept original, the materials (not just leather everywhere for the sake of it), modern in-car entertainment, and the sympathetic colour combination. Well thought out.

[@kevrobierts8235]

Jonny Lovely Guy

[@garethdesborough7960]

Such a beautifully balanced (in every sense) conversion, Jonny. The right amount of power. Not too much. Lovely details around the bumper/spoiler treatment. The colour. The interior trim. And an object that you could just sit and look at for hours over a beer or two - maybe parked outside one of those lovely West London pubs in a leafy side street. This guy’s nailed it, lovely to see.

[@HTOP1982]

The 1602 is an underrated classic. Great instrument panel, lovely frameless doors really nice boot. And for a 70's car it drives really well

[@Zeem4]

I reckon an NSU Ro80 would make a good classic EV conversion. The characteristics of an electric motor match with the smoothness they were trying to achieve with the rotary engine, only without the worry of worn seals and scored rotor housings. Plus there's probably some still out there with the Ford V4 engine conversion, and that's an engine that nobody would miss.

[@honestguy7764]

Sir, you deserve a cold beer

[@mykehoole5787]

Great choice, I loved the original back in the 70’s

[@mykehoole5787]

For me it would be a VW Karmann Ghia, I was at school in Germany 1970 - 73 and saw a lot of them. Was was planning to renovate one but an electric conversion would be even better.

[@brankog7]

Remove a rotor! SACRILEGE my good Sir! 😳

[@veedubgeezer]

@@mykehoole5787 I see your thinking there.

[@michaelcole3998]

That is one of the best and most well thought through ev resto mods I've seen to date. I like that he hasn't just ripped out a sort after engine or bought more than is necessary. this feels like the right way resto mods need to go.

[@MrTubeuser12]

I love resto-mods like this, more people should take on projects like this, classic car styling is a lot better than a lot of the boring run-of-the-mill stuff you get today.

[@erebostd]

It looks nice in my eyes, but many people prefer the look of modern cars. I personally wouldn’t drive it because of safety reasons, especially when putting kids in it. Imagine a crash with a soccer mom and her X5…

[@scott4427]

Cage it.

[@speaksthis]

So Lovely. When I watch these I regret selling my '73 and '76 models (2002s). Thanks for this wonderful video.

[@SorryIwasntListening]

I'm 30 seconds in but that intro shows why Jonny is an ace presenter and shows his years of experience.

[@scotti_wan_kenobi]

That little BMW is bloody gorgeous! He's totally hit the nail on the head with the whole build.

[@GentilsGarage]

In 1972, for the Olympic marathon, BMW used a 1602 converted to electric. If BMW did that 50 years ago, why can’t we do the same like this chap? Lovely work and if this helps keeping Classics on the road, I’m all for it!

[@jamesrowe9563]

Saw this on the m40 on Sunday, slowed down when passing, loved it!

[@johnnyboy1586]

The visibility in these old cars are amazing!

[@04dram04]

No pillar airbags

[@tomdauben]

What a beautiful car! I think a resto EV is a fantastic idea. Been thinking about this recently and came to the conclusion I’d do a Saab 900, a Volvo 240 estate or a Volvo P1800. Now just to get the money, time, skills, car… oh

[@peroxide1979]

Tony peacock from ECC .. me and our team built and sorted that car .. well done to my team and the fabricators involved.. electric classic cars ..

[@davepyne62]

Much more satisfying purchase than a tesla etc and he's brought the car back to life for ever more. Jerry is so cool and his car is even cooler. Great episode jonny.

[@jerrydhillon6212]

Yeah I agree it's the car that's cool

[@tobyhatchett6971]

What a stunner. I’ve a Reliant Scimitar I’m about to restore and I’m inspired now to look into doing an EV conversion.

[@bistbost]

Princess Anne had one of those.

[@martinlaver007]

Please don’t. Princess Anne would be very unhappy. As would I.

[@reubenwilkinson6493]

Sounds like a great plan ! Especially if you live in london

[@kevowski]

That’s absolutely beautiful! I’d go for a Dolomite Sprint, I had one many years ago and still love them 😉

[@christopherriley1187]

We had one circa 1980 I’d be eight. I remember it fondly, it was beautiful & fast. The car before it was a mk2 triumph 2000 & the dolly was way better

[@kevowski]

Mine was an “R” reg so 77 I think, it was in magenta with gold alloys and was absolutely cracking but was too unreliable. It seized up in the fast Lane of the M1 on my way home one day and that was the final straw! God I wish I’d kept it now I always wanted a TR6 but never managed to get one

[@christopherriley1187]

@@kevowski idk what reg dads was. We didn’t have it very long. In the same period of time, say 18months. We had a Renault 16 TX (a wolf in sheeps clothing & a granada eater) a Daimler sovereign & a Vauxhall victor

[@kevowski]

All lovely cars and very collectible now! If only we all had the vision to keep them in a garage until now 😄

[@christopherriley1187]

@@kevowski or more importantly the finances. Tbh I bet finding a TX now would be nigh on impossible. The TL probably but the TX no chance. Of those mentioned an XJC v12 would be something of a dream car for myself

[@johnnysmith863]

I was already considering Oak Green for next time I have a car repainted - this has pretty much sealed the deal. What a gorgeous car. I'd have a saddle tan interior with mine.

[@owenjones8]

Amazing idea - I like the Singer conversions and have been thinking of doing a cheaper english version of this.

[@MaffuH]

@@owenjones8 CHeck out PH conversions they do porsche resto mods

[@MaffuH]

apologies, PS conversions

[@johnnysmith863]

@@owenjones8 cheapest way is probably with panels (carbon or fibreglass) from Club Autosport...

[@jerrydhillon6212]

Yeah the tan interior works too.

[@stuartm1396]

What a beautiful restoration - I love the colour. It’s really nice to see sensible and well considered approaches to conversions. Mad Tesla swaps with many hrspwrs are cool, but for many people living in cities, that want a classic, something like this is ideal

[@TheBigk1964]

I had a 2002, many years ago, and to see this car converted, makes me miss my old 2002! BEAUTIFUL!

[@tonys1636]

I miss my old 2000, bought new in the UK and immediately shipped by the owner to Morroco, 4 years later he came back to the UK and sold the car. 6 months later its 4 years in a very corrosive dry atmosphere showed itself with rust spots all over the white paintwork on top and underneath. It looked like it had Measles or Chicken Pox. I then knew why it was so cheap for a low mileage (23k) example.

[@tonys1636]

@Modern Classic Collectables Electric is the future and was the past as well, electric vehicles have been around since the 1890's. All New York taxis were electric in the early 1900's before the oil companies started to produce cheap Kerosine, TVO and Petrol. Electric vehicles didn't spook the horses that were used for haulage. Less maintenance and always ran without swinging a handle, zero pollution, animal origin or other. Early electric vehicles used the Edison patent Alkaline battery, a bank of them to a total of 96v, just needed a top up with deionised/distilled water before recharging but a rebuild about every year or so. The NY taxis had a range of 100 - 150 ml. and a top speed of 20mph. The average vehicle speed in a city then, horse drawn or other was the same as today, less than 11mph.

[@kiwiwifi]

During the war, My Grandfather ran a coal gas powered taxi cab.

[@thegremlin1999]

That was fabulous Jonny. I’m increasingly sold on electric as a power train, especially in a classic. My suggestion is a Volvo 480. They looked space age in the 80’s and still look great now. EV just seems to fit the aesthetic of them!

[@opelgold333]

absolutly!

[@azzamalamin8097]

With you on the 480. Under appreciated

[@bobskinner4389]

A very well thought out and executed project. I think it shows Richard from ECC and Jerry did some brain storming to deliver such a successful project. Congratulations😁😁😁😁

[@alansheard553]

Brilliant car, so simple, air cooled motor, kept the gearbox, looks really standard. Classic conversion, Hilman Avenger !

[@filibertkraxner305]

Brilliant. i love this approach: reuse, don't throw away stuff. One challenge with these old cars is the sensitivity to rust. Back in the 1980s, cars would normally de discarded because they had lots of holes in them, not because the mechanics were shot... That would worry me slightly. Other than that: absolutely brilliant.

[@billienomates1606]

From a different timeline where cars had soul and people actually lived there lives without constant scaremongering from the media and the government, ah wish I could go there once again. Absolutely beautiful BMW anyone would be honoured to own and drive, BRAVO.

[@radioactivepotato2068]

Bit of a blast from the past. Drove all my first cars up that stretch of the A3 on to Roehampton lane as a much younger man in the 90s. Haven't been there in twenty odd years since I moved to Suffolk. Mad nostalgia.

[@davidconnolly292]

I’m 50/50 on converting my Citroen DS. This is pushing me to do it

[@NicoSteinacker]

DS would be THE car to convert besides the DeLorean. The silence and power of an electric motor in the combination with the DS gliding driving experience. Do it - but do it wisely, I think I would do it the way you could always revert it.

[@davidconnolly292]

​@@NicoSteinacker I think the hardest bit will be getting an electric motor and the semi-auto working well together. the high pressure pump is likely to be very inefficient also, as it's an open system. Still, if the pump could be silent the wafting would be unbelievable :)

[@Twittler1]

@@davidconnolly292 You don’t need the gearbox at all with an electric motor; almost maximum torque at 0rpm! You can have one, of course (think of the acceleration!!!!!! 0 - 60 in 1 second 😆). But also the power consumption and range. The motor would probably sit where the gearbox is now (ahead of the front wheels). You’d need a separately powered pump for the hydraulics - a small (1-2kw) motor, powered separately from the drive motor. I read somewhere about a guy in the states who converted a DS21 Pallas. The drive batteries were under the back seat, and under the bonnet where the engine was, along with the power control system and the electric hydraulic pump and other needed gubbins. I can’t remember the exact reason, but he also changed it to rear drive - something about components that he couldn’t source. Ah, I remember, partially. He was using Tesla parts, and he couldn’t match them up with the existing suspension and CV joints/hubs. So he shortened the drive shafts, and put the whole, modified and narrowed Tesla rear subframe (motor, final drive, suspension (except for the springs - he put the Citroên hydraulic units in their place on the dual A-arm Tesla suspension). I may not have it all quite right as it was some time ago, but there you go - the memory’s not quite what it was.

[@jerrydhillon6212]

I think a DS is a great candidate. Electrogenic have done one. You should get in touch with them.

[@petergorton9848]

Absolutely!

[@jasonblair4057]

Great to see that BMW again. I watched the build on Vintage Voltage. What an awesome car and seeing the solution this gentleman has setup is great. 👍👍

[@zxr-cade2026]

What a beautiful piece of art

[@nicholasperry2380]

What a fantastic project and a beautiful result. Jerry Dhillon is awesome for doing and sharing this. Utter respect.

[@jerrydhillon6212]

Thanks for your appeciation.

[@mikejf4377]

You should see what they did for this car, it looks great and I’m happy to see it up and running. Looks beautiful.

[@wherearemytesticles]

Love how this car looks, especially the color!

[@jib6984ify]

One of the coolest cars I've seen in a long while

[@thebadger05]

Wow, talk about goals/aspirations. What a fantastic setup, big props to Jerry, money well spent. Another kick-ass vid Jonny, cheers.

[@trenttrevorrow5648]

I like how you timed that intro for him driving past.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Twice. Seriously.

[@marktoby8113]

Absolutely brilliant. I love what some people are doing to classic cars.

[@The2follow]

Really nice car, I have always been a fan of the 2002, first BMW I ever sat in, but now I have seen this my head has been turned again ❤

[@vintagevinylvets1187]

An incredible, well thought out vehicle. We were trying to answer the question you had regarding what vehicle we would convert and honestly, we couldn’t think of a better conversation than this BMW. It checks all the boxes regarding our particular taste.-Chris & Beth🎧

[@joeymacme]

Great conversion, perfectly conceived and stunning delivery. EV conversions I would personally love are the Suzuki Samurai and the Fiat 124 Spider. For something more meaty, I would love the Lancia Delta Integrale... and for something a bit more off the wall, I think one of those 90's Volvo Estate R's would make a cool "sleeper" performance EV.

[@achmadosman9807]

So far the best of the entire series. Beautiful car, lovely upgrade and motor. Delicious scenery. Love the BMs of that era, I had a 2002 back in the day, but switched to Alfa’s.

[@MartysWhiteSuit]

Really liked the video. The car is smart and subtle and the tyres are a lot wider than I expected. Classy. Looks great.

[@richardpoole2729]

This is awesome, I love the look of the car AND what he did with it! Thanks Jonny!

[@mikejf4377]

I love that conversion, saw it the first year of his show. It was in sad shape and he had everything done to it. It’s smashing to see the final result. Lots of people that have a electric car have solar on there property.

[@leonardbrown5452]

Respect from Australia,great post

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Cheers!🌍

[@jamespink4202]

Delicious end result and a great conversion! The 002 is a superb landmark shape with an airy interior and I love the colour scheme! Great job!

[@bmw128racer]

Beautiful car. The execution of the electrics is fantastic.

[@eamo234]

The one car I've really had my eye on for conversion is the Alfa 156. Just love the shape.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Alfa 156s have been too cheap for too long. They are handsome things, especially in that pale blue.

[@RUfromthe40s]

maybe the only car i wanted to buy new but didn´t happen but have 4 older alfa-romeus two from the 70´s and two from the 80´s and 90´s, at the time maybe the only car with an actractive design

[@griffogriff9532]

Love it, looks awesome, the stance wheels colour and EV with performance, perfect 👍

[@golfrichardvc]

I saw this actual car at the British Motor Show in Farnborough and it's mighty fine !

[@89five3five]

This is one of the best conversions ECC has done.

[@TimeConsumingInc]

When you asked what car we would convert to electric, I said out loud "Delorean" at the same time you did. To me, it feels like it should've always been an electric car.

[@markwalton8644]

The only Classic I'd convert!!

[@markmager1669]

Me too!

[@jonnytennant640]

Just as long as it can get to 88mph hehe

[@dotdewatgmail]

What classic to convert to match the style and practicality of this beautiful 1602? Obviously a W116 Merc. Pick up a 280 for under ten grand. Nobody will miss that engine. Tons of space for batteries. Refresh the deep blue exterior & blue interior. Smooth ride. Classy.

[@Mike_Costello]

The W116 is a great target for Ev swaps! Even the W123. I have a W124 with the M103 engine and I have done the numbers on that too. Both would need at least a twin hyper 9 motor set or the new Zonic 180 from ZeroEV. Both can handle about 12 to 14 Tesla modules at 5.3 (or 6.4) kwh each.

[@theautomotivetrainer]

Or a Peugeot 505 Familiale?

[@RUfromthe40s]

my first car was a 69 280S and i remenber driving 400 and something km´s with more or less good pavement highways and i paid a fortune in gasoline at the time but confortable no vibrations and four people seemd like we were in a living room a manual transmition ,only sold it in late 90´s but still today i repent having sold it ,had lot´s of fun in it

[@288gto7]

Hell no, the m110 is a beast. Go stick that electric motor bullshit in a tesla keep them away from classics

[@MGBranco]

Oh yeah !

[@MiguelRodriguez-nt5eq]

That BMW is just so elegant and sporty at the same time, such a beautiful German classic.

[@mark2too]

That is everything I love about an EV Classic. What a stunning car and set up. In London, it just works so well. Brilliant.

[@Chris-ww7fy]

This is excellent. I would guess the simplicity of the electric powertrain makes it a more reliable daily driver than a full resto of the original powertrain. That 80,000 is a hefty price but if you’ve got the means then more power to you. Great video as always Jonny!

[@MarkSmith-io3qd]

I’m patiently waiting for the Citroën DS electro mod test. That’s a car that really deserves a more modern and refined power train.

[@sholehan]

Impeccable taste on the colour choices. Green, Red leather, lots of silver and chrome. Perfect.

[@thewangster123]

Brilliant! Thank you for showcasing this vehicle.

[@nickfarrow9032]

Best classic EV conversion I've seen so far! Would love to see a Rover P6 conversion, like in the film Gattaca

[@Patriiiiick]

Bloody gorgeous. I think a few BMW's from that era would make it into my dream garage. Almost put in a bid or two for an E23 and an E28 when I was looking to buy my first car towards the end of last year but it was just a hair outside of my budget.

[@graemejohnson9025]

Yet another Tesla in Drag.. It ain't a resto mod.. It's a Tesla with a different nappy.. original car love it.. This is just another electric wank... you can also install this stuff in a Morris marina... and have a electric condom...

[@Patriiiiick]

@@graemejohnson9025 Cool, none of what you just posted has anything to do with my comment?? You've copy and pasted this comment over and over again.

[@kens8903]

I love your opinion about ev conversion in regards to older cars. I 100% agree. I love the idea on converting older cars to EV’s as long as you’re not getting rid of the part that made the car great in the first place. This conversion is perfect. Another dream car on the list.

[@gnuttz1972]

absolutely beautiful. love the droopy rear. the first BMW which really resonated with me. The wheels and colour suit it well. Want 👏👏

[@bronnovanderschans]

As a petrolhead, this is the first example of an EV I see thinking: this is cool! I would convert a Saab 99 or 900 classic and give it rear wheel drive. I’m inspired to make this happen one day. Thanks Jonny!

[@peterscott1899]

You're the first I've heard to address the valid point of what makes a car a good candidate for a conversion, cars that had dud engines from the start. Excellent point. Converting cars that have wonderful engines makes no sense. You're removing the only thing that gives that sort of car it's soul. Let's face it, while hi performance electrics are exciting for the power and torque, none have an ounce of soul. This conversion is lovely. Good for him that he has the money to indulge himself. .

[@SpottedCreeper]

This is a really classy conversion. Thanks for bringing it to the masses Jonny! If I could EV a car, i'd like my recently scrapped 1997 Nissan Micra 1.3 to be EV'ed. It slowly fell apart around me, but I loved that little car, if I'd had the money I would have restored it and converted to EV.

[@KO-pk7df]

Love all this, great BMW I always loved those. At 16 I lived in Spangdahlem Germany and got to drive a 72 BMW 2002 and just loved driving and feel of the windy roads.

[@mrclarky]

I've always said, if only BMW would somehow release these classic models with new engines, in this case EV, people would go crazy about them. This car is perfect testimony to that! Beautiful job :)

[@jerrydhillon6212]

That was my intention to think if it was built today how would it be done.

[@04dram04]

Impossible because of crash test standards. These old cars are death traps at freeway speeds

[@londonwestman1]

Think air bags, guys. Can't install the necessary air bags into the old body - especially here where body is fairly small.

[@douglasnapoltes1643]

I’m so happy to see that someone converted my favorite BMW of all time 1602 / 2002 to EV. I always thought it would be a great candidate. I’ve been watching YT videos by Hubnut & Twin-Cam on the Landcrab, and I like the looks of it, especially the Wolsesley 18/85, so that, the Lotus Europa & Porsche 914 would be my picks for EV-LOL!

[@akj1919]

This was really awesome to watch! That car is perfect, would definitely cruise around in something like that

[@willienelsongonzalez4609]

This is genuinely the way forward for a classic car. I do wish manufacturers spent time retrofitting current vehicles, how much waste, time, energy and money would be saved if they did that?

[@garybarnes1820]

Hi Jonny, really enjoyed watching the 1602 EV conversion. It does seem to make for a great ULEZ option. The1500 cc version of the M10 engine did have a part to play in the Brabham BMW F1 car of the early eighties so not necessarily that naff but I understand the point you made.

[@richardjenkinson1851]

Fantastically well timed intro, Jonny. Being a seasoned pro, I’m assuming that was the first take?!?

[@jerrydhillon6212]

Yeah most if is it one take apart from the car shots. Was a pleasure filming this.

[@spinnetti]

Beautiful. Love it! Back when that was new, one of my dad's friends and made electric conversions and my uncle hybrids... Out of bugs, VW busses, Alpines, NSU Spyder, Sunbeams and others.... ahead of their time by a lot.

[@EVtripper]

This is the perfect combo of my loves! Great job! I'm excited to make one myself! I love my old BMW.

[@timwood7808]

Great episode Jonny. I'm not a BMW guy, but my word, that car, in that environment, I can't think of anything better. Loved it, loved it, loved it. 🤔.... Ooh what shall I have, a plasticy, boring Tesla 3 or a real world, retro piece of car art?.... That car will still be cruising the highway long after that Tesla 3 is recycled into some Tupperware salad spinner. Did I say I loved this episode?

[@rny64]

Brilliant! If I had the means, this is how I’d go EV. I absolutely agree with the logic behind this.

[@vitovitale9867]

I will never forget the 1991 Honda CRX Vtec with the B16A engine I had while living in England. The 2016 CR-Z I have now with the 130hp hybrid engine is no match in performance and I think would make a great EV car. $98K is a lot to spend on what was never an exciting car to start with but hey they transformed it into a rolling work of art. Richard/his associates with Jerry's enthusiasm have made a timeless piece of engineering!

[@kmc928]

Beautiful car. Really enjoyed that. Thanks.

[@bigsweade]

I had both a 1602 and a 2002 back in the day. Loved those cars. Would love to have one again, maybe even an EV. Tho I guess the price tag is beyond my reach.

[@alexharris2313]

So brilliantly executed. I agree that this should be done to classics where the engine is not the heart and soul of the car, so no Ferraris or Porsches in my view. My perfect family car would be an EV converted Range Rover Classic (2 door) or Mercedes S123 estate

[@willienelsongonzalez4609]

This is genuinely the way forward for a classic car. I do wish manufacturers spent time sussing out the technology to retrofit a range of their vehicles. I cannot begin to imagine how much waste, time, energy and money would be saved if they did that?

[@nigelbetts7934]

Absolutely Love that. Great video - Keep up the good work. Thanks

[@andygreen1a]

Beautiful, but the cost would be prohibitive to many people. But it’s absolutely gorgeous

[@MattyEngland]

Yeah, definitely only for the rich. Everyone else is struggling to pay their electricity bills as it is.

[@smhorse]

And that's the problem, really. It will never be an affordable option for most ordinary classic car owners.

[@fastEdCanuck]

Very well thought out and executed project. Would be interesting to know the breakdown of that 80K tally. How much was the vehicle purchase and restoration alone, outside of the EV parts and labour conversion?

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

We can certainly ask.

[@fraserwright9482]

This is always the £65,000 prosecco with a strawberry in an Islington bar solution to things. Just spend £80,000 and we can all be happy with our EV 1602 BMWs

[@howdy7359]

EV classics are the way forward. Just imagine a world full off Austin Princesses, TR7’s, Morris minors just pootling around, and they are all reliable!! And Black SUV’S my god what is with that!!

[@ralphmillais5237]

To be honest that sounds too cheap to me. To buy, restore including paint and trim, I would have thought you would go way past 80K before you even get to the EV conversion. I know someone who had a 2002 done at a local shop and he spent 40K on panels metalwork and paint alone. He did everything else himself. This car looks like a well over 100K project to me so I too would be very interested to see a breakdown of the work done. Restoring cars is expensive!

[@andrewholt3849]

Looks great for a fantasy novelty just around town like Postman Pat in his animated van. Doesn’t look like it would stand up to a few motorway journeys or be able to accelerate or manoeuvre out of trouble. I didn’t think EV had gearing. Been watching all the usual UK 🇬🇧 suspects on EV and Hybrid and they talk about 50mpg. But it isn’t as you’ve used an electric motor and battery and had to charge it with expensive electricity: like using an old immersion heater; equivalent to boiling a 3KW kettle to heat water. P Reg was 1976 year Reg: coming in 1 August 1975. R - Reg was 1977 25th Jubilee year, coming in 1 August 1976. Looks great. But would spend £80K on something new. Hybrids will be outlawed by 2030 or 2035? Bentley will be all EV by 2030 and won’t say what will happen to the internal combustion engine models they currently sell: will there be servicing and parts support and for how long. The 1959 Alec Issigonis swinging 1960s dinky by today’s standard Mini, if any are surviving or could be copied for EV inner city only usage.

[@toninocars]

Really good episode., thanks for sharing👍⚡️

[@muttleysb5830]

Beautifully restored and wholly practical and amazing to look at! When car manufacturers are intent on building huge Ev’s that take up the road, don’t fit in car parking spaces especially when they have more space in a build to make them smaller this type of restoration would make me stop and go wow!! Just wish I had the type of cash flow required!

[@MyDboy27]

I’d have that as the ev. It’s great. Totally makes sense to just hire a car for the long family Journey

[@ShaamoneHeeHee]

Not sure if they are regarded as classic but loved my e30 BMW. A 1.6/1.8 convertible would be an ideal donner car. Keep the 0 to 60 around 7. 5 seconds and focus more on smooth performance and distance of battery

[@kiae-nirodiariesencore4270]

Thanks JS for another entertaining video. The great thing about electrifying an old car, classic or not is that its life will be much extended. Keeping old ICE powered vehicles going is a constant battle, if it isn’t the starter motor it’s the water pump, the oil pump, the exhaust, radiator, gearbox...it goes on and on! Thousands of parts and many sub-systems to empty your pocket and drive you crazy. Once electrified there really isn’t much to go wrong and when a component does need changing you know the car will stay fixed for a lot longer until the next thing needs attention...never the case with an old ICE. The BMW is a great looking car built 2 years after I passed my test!.

[@jerrydhillon6212]

Yes that was my thought process, and plus that some of the parts are getting harder to find, and most times aren't original anyway. I'm happy that I don't have that headache.

[@harisdevedzic3167]

Like the idea, certanly in the future we'll see more and more of this which is probably the best way to keep vintage cars on the road

[@rushja]

Great episode. This is a solid 10 of a car build. I've totally gone off ICE drivetrains tbh, feels weird saying that but they're yesterdays tech. I'm with you on the Delorean and the DS, the Volvo is a good one. I'd go for something old and big like a MK10 Jag or a Roller where the engine is second to the relaxed ride and comfort, plus lots of room for batteries

[@martinlaver007]

Yesterday’s tech on yesterday’s cars. Fine by me.

[@MrGrentch]

You always deliver Jonny. 👍🙂 One of my first memories is of my dad's Mark 3 Cortina 2000e. I'd love one of them as an EV.

[@petergreenwood608]

I’ve had my Citroen DS converted in exactly the same way and what a car it is now. It was always a slow clanky “tractor” engine in there but now it’s so much fun. Very lively and quiet. Great video this. My car was a bog standard South African DS the lowest spec and it stank of fumes, got very hot and used a lot of petrol. It’s a town car essentially so plug into my solar panels for free energy.

[@bleueyze3007]

Wow and double wow! One of my favorite vehicles done right. If I ever win the lottery I would do much the same with more HP to my pro-touring '65 El Camino.

[@cjp6527]

Wow, what a car, love it. Nice chap Jerry, with a good eye for detail. Top drawer conversion from ECC. Very nice the colour combo. Win win in my opinion. Re your question Jonny, how about a Citroën BX GTI 4x4 Thanks again Jonny and TLBS peeps for another great episode...🎩

[@Lazydonkey_]

Saab 900 turbo on 3 spokes with an ev conversion. Yes please. Loved the BMW though. So so cool

[@jerrydhillon6212]

Definitely 3 spokes on the 900

[@Vermeij]

Great video, thanks for all the content

[@freeheeler09]

That BMW is a thing of beauty, absolutely gorgeous!