Why Electrified Classic Cars Make More Sense Than You Realise

[@stratosphericozone2645]

I would like to see more new EVs being inspired by the simplicity, lightweight and aesthetic design of classic cars.

[@sandernightingale]

Not possible because of regulations.

[@iaintdonknow]

​@@sandernightingaletrue, i believe it's said current regulations cause for 250kg minimum of weight extra

[@BAndersen-ee1xy]

If cars like Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari, are forced to go all electric, it will only cause the aftermarket to explode in size. And they won’t be electric.

[@oliver.gilbert]

@@sandernightingale Caterham are managing it, so it is possible.

[@nhand42]

You are so correct. I want an EV without a touch panel iPad in the centre console. I want an instrument cluster with a speedometer. I don't want self-driving. I don't want automatic parking. I don't want remote unlock or over-the-air updates. I want a car not another computer.

[@XenZenSen]

Tbh what I want in an electric vehicle is the drivetrain. I don't care for the touchscreens, lcds, plastic buttons, etc. the auto industry did itself a disservice when it decided to try and converge with big tech. Honestly taking 90s cars and sticking electric bits in them would be for the best. I want a car with a cockpit like interior with physical needle gauges, knobs, levers, and all that stuff. My current car... I have to dig thru touchscreen menus to turn on features. I want my buttons back.

[@davestagner]

I’m a guitar player, and classic guitar amplifiers are made with vacuum tubes. They’re somewhat distorted and impart a color that is half the sound of electric guitar. For 20+ years now, they’ve been trying to make digital amp simulators that sound “just like the real thing”. Whether they hit the mark is debatable, but one thing they did was “computerized”… complicated menu-driven interfaces that tried to sound like every amp ever made. But a few years back, Fender wisely started making digital copies of their classic “blackface” amps from the 1960s, some of the most enduringly popular amps ever made. And those “Tone Master” amps didn’t try to sound like every amp, didn’t have presets, didn’t have menus. They work exactly like the originals, and the sound was modeled by comparing directly to originals. I LOVE mine. I have a Fender Deluxe… except it’s reliable and lightweight.

[@TheDudleyReport]

Yes! Agree entirely.

[@hellowill]

Agree. Unfortunately, they've fooled most people that it's better, when it's really a cost saving measure. A bespoke analogue solution will always cost more.

[@mAthXjAzz]

It’s more about tracking customers (insurance, government) and creating the next hype than everything else.

[@pllat0scave]

excellent point , BUT..... you see electric motors , basic cabling , and battery ,,, are due to been around forever... STUPIDLY DURABLE .... they just don't break easily ,, and with automakers developing a sweet tooth for your money lately ,,,, (that lawmakers allowed them "a bit" of quality dodgines, as part of the deal, for them to accept the rediculus latest emissions regulations) ...... To put it simply , the needed parts, that FAIL... and due to interconnection of all of them together ,,,,, need to be replaced ,, and are expensive . you see my point. PS.....google the history of the lifespan of "the lightbulb",,,,,, the true colors will appear ..

[@TheDarthChief]

EV conversions is a market that needs to grow. I despise modern car interior design philosophy and especially in EVs. Taking old cars; even if they're not classics; and making them EV really is an amazing idea that needs more adoption.

[@ronanfitzpatrick1261]

Agreed, also seems a shame to scrap perfectly good frames, interiors etc

[@BAndersen-ee1xy]

I’ve worked in the aftermarket resto-mod industry for 30 years and I can tell you that at SEMA this year, there was maybe 1/3-1/4 of the previous EV conversion startup companies present. Converting a car like this into an EV is just not something people want. If they want to stay in business, they’ll need to expand far outside a conversion like this or do it along side ICE restoration or resto-mods.

[@ronanfitzpatrick1261]

@@BAndersen-ee1xy A lot of us think they're cool, but either out of our price range or

[@AlRoderick]

​@@BAndersen-ee1xyit sounds to me like that's not a sign of there being no demand, it's a sign of there being oversaturation in the market. Obviously with such a finite pool of classics available to convert not everybody's going to be able to do it forever, and most businesses do fold after a few years, especially ones in such a tight niche.

[@miskatonic6210]

Total bullshit. They will drive worse, it's not effectively using space, it's way too cost and ressource expensive and it ruins the original. Maintainability will also be shit and not sustainable.

[@SEOcretario]

08:32 Message for *VW software engineers* : aftermarket mini infotainment system implemented at this beautiful 911 is better than the original system that comes with an ID 4

[@Zarphag]

VW are struggling with that

[@trevorberridge6079]

VW have always struggled with software. That's how they got into trouble. They couldn't get their software to tell the truth about diesel emissions and fuel economy. I'm still dubious about their claims for the efficiency of ID models.

[@SEOcretario]

@@Zarphag VW needs to change so many things... 🙄

[@geralddavison]

I have an ID.3 on lease. I'll take some convincing to get another VW ID model. Infotainment is poor. But the most frustrating thing is the timed charging issues, especially when linked into an Intelligent Octopus Ohme charger. There are other things like hill start failing to hold as well.

[@DS-pk4eh]

It is because VW is buying that from some OEM supplier . . . The one that goes and use the cheapest parts they can in the system to have the biggest margins when they selling it to VW

[@ErinJWade]

I would love something like this - it’s the perfect blend of old and new.

[@philtucker1224]

The concept of this particular 911 EV conversion is without argument. However, I also feel that to convert a rare classic to this extent, (and with such a generous budget) one may as well create a completely new vehicle from scratch using new heritage panels and let the original models remain, retaining all of their oily smoky bits for posterity.

[@klowen7778]

Yeah, that's an interesting question... when does a 'Resto-Mod go 'too far'? And you can already see it in the reverse trend to preserving even the _original_ paint, including the scratches & dents (aka, 'patina').

[@philtucker1224]

@@klowen7778 yes, you can’t improve a legend, only ruin its legendary status. A replica car with EV power would surely be a better bet financially, instead of ruining the original..

[@aaronmontgomery2055]

​@@philtucker1224I can see the reason if the car is mostly trashed and all but the shell would be junked though.

[@philtucker1224]

@@aaronmontgomery2055 yes that’s not so bad but to use an original car in all of its rarity seems a little bit silly in my opinion. You may as well convert a famous Shelby Cobra and still call it a Shelby Cobra. (No, please don’t…)

[@aaronmontgomery2055]

@@philtucker1224 that would be crazy, outright wrong. I am sure it would even make more sense economically to find a broken down legend than to ripp apart a new one anyway. Hopefully no one is crazy enough to destroy a beauty.

[@jbmaru]

Now this is a really good-looking electric Porsche

[@porsche2610]

I agree

[@mAthXjAzz]

Beside the stitching.

[@chucklos391]

All of it is fantastic. Wow. Great color scheme. Love those wheels and that clean interior. Wow.

[@jabbawok944]

That’s pre 1974 bodywork. I guess that’s to make it look extra classic.

[@EM-yp1cf]

I was thinking, late 1980's?? more like late 1960's!

[@jgreenjeans]

I had to scroll too far down to see this comment. I am a big fan of electric conversions like this.

[@sumeragi69]

Obviously. Pre US spec bumpers era, with the turning signals just under the front lights and the tiny grills for the horn. How is it possible to make such a 14-15 years confusion ?

[@jabbawok944]

@@sumeragi69 for the vast amount of money it cost, I guess they make it look however you want. You can pretty much bolt on up to 993 bodywork to any 911 up to that point. I think they started galvanising the body’s around ‘89 so pre 89’ cars are rotten if they’re not Californian. Late ‘80s is probably the sweet spot for a resto-mod even if you want to make it look pre ‘74.

[@RichardFraser-y9t]

If this upsets you then you can always make brum brum noises

[@Macrike]

I’m not sure me making brum brum noises is going to correct the handling and retain the feeling of driving a 911.

[@enkryptron]

That "feeling" is all in your head.@@Macrike

[@Macrike]

@@enkryptron Sure buddy, whatever you say.

[@enkryptron]

I'm not here. This is just your head.@@Macrike

[@54mgtf22]

You’d have to move the wipers to the inside if your making 911 noises with your mouth…..

[@Madonsteamrailways]

It looks like an old classic car, but it’s gorgeous!! And although I’m not into fast cars, I think it’s a great car to drive!!

[@porsche2610]

Nothing beats the beauty of the classic Porsches!

[@KevKlopper]

8:28 that was a sick burn, made me spit my food from laughter 😂

[@pokeken]

This exposes the truth behind most classic car owners...that it's all about the looks and how it makes them feel (ego and self-worth) ....zero to do with the engine or handling as most sit in a garage, hardly ever engaging the engine or going around corners. If they were honest, this approach (zero-classics) is perfect!

[@smortg]

I still believe that there's a chance for an industry to develop around electric conversions that make then more accessible. Maby vehicles from the 2000s are perfectly safe but gave been discontinued. I imagine something like a Skoda Yeti or Hyundai Veloster could maintain a good chunk of it's identity

[@FFVoyager]

I'm thinking electric Rover 75 Touring.....🤔

[@theairstig9164]

What needs to happen is a company needs to specialise in converting the 2013 onwards Corolla to pure EV. There are literally millions of these

[@rcjbvermilion]

​@@theairstig9164the value proposition isn't there for converting vehicles that new. Most vehicles made in the last decade likely still have lots of life left in them, and doing an EV conversion isn't cheap.

[@SweBeach2023]

It just doesn't make any kind of financial sense to convert an old ICE car.

[@FFVoyager]

@@SweBeach2023 they are generally not converted for economic reasons.

[@JonBoehm]

I would have liked to see under the hood/boot to see where/how they put the 250m range and how much weight was added. That's the real trick in converting small cars. Bring on the cheap and easy Miata NA/NB EV conversion packages.

[@t1n4444]

But where does your suitcase go?

[@jamessizemore7103]

They’re out there

[@NickFoster]

If you haven't already I suggest you look up the Electric Classic Cars channel here. A lot of this kind of detail about their conversions. Nothing cheap there though...

[@swecreations]

@@t1n4444It's a 911, so plenty of space behind the driver I'd think

[@swecreations]

I saw a video of two guys converting old Volvo 240's in their garage with a Nissan Leaf 40kWh battery pack and they actually lost a few kilos of weight. Considering that's a 70 kWh battery pack I'd guess it has added between 50-250kg, as removing that old powertrain and replacing it with a much, much lighter electric motor will lose you a lot of weight.

[@selbie]

I would love to see a thorough sustainability assessment comparing new EV production versus retrofitting of various types and conditions of older classics. I really think it should be part of the current market transition - especially to support people who simply love the design aesthetics but don't care about obsessing over museum-like preservation.

[@jackdeniston59]

I can give that with my envelope back. Retrofitting wins. By miles.

[@wigs1098]

Not going to happen. Think about it logically, you would have to have large supply of old cars in good condition and even these will need extensive work to be safe and reliable. There is a a huge variety of old vehicles so engineering kits for each is not feasible. People today in the main want safety and convenience which would be lacking in most such conversions. Efficiencies of operation will be lower as old cars were not designed to have electric powertrains. This ok as a niche market thing, will never be mass market.

[@TheTanman412]

It’s all in the battery, so whether new or old won’t make as much of a difference. Luckily after driving 19,000 miles a batteries emissions during production are already offset.

[@IslaSprollie]

Jack is killing it right now. Great video.

[@thomprd]

As a 911 owner and Porsche enthusiast.. I love it. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I'd order one of these and a Singer.

[@SingleTrackMined]

Beautiful! Another infotaining video from Jack - you are good at this, Mr Scarlett. Cheers!

[@Noukz37]

Are you sure Jack that this used to be a Carrera 3.2, because it looks like was the original 911?

[@niklaswejedal463]

No, Jack - it does not look like a Porsche 911 from the late 80s anymore, but rather one from the early 70s. Very different, if you compare the two... But nevertheless very cool!

[@philtucker1224]

Nik, I’m missing your point a bit, - what do you mean please? 🤔

[@niklaswejedal463]

@@philtucker1224 - The body style of this is made to look like a pre-1974 911, with the early, more slender bumbers, longer bonnet, different indicators and more chrome. The donor car is said to be late 80s, meaning two facelifts newer, with totally different bumbers and lights, no chrome, shorter bonnet and minor changes to fenders etc. Image-Google a 911 from 1970 and that one form 1990 and you will see the difference.

[@philtucker1224]

@@niklaswejedal463 thanks Nic, yes I get it now - ( they wanted to make it look like the older version evidently)..

[@ajcball]

MGB would be a good conversion. Most old British sports cars actually.

[@t8polestarcyan22]

Nah, MG Cyberster will do.

[@philtucker1224]

Plenty available now..

[@Mardy72]

Check out Electric Classic Cars

[@drxym]

Biggest issues I see with these conversions are a) they are stupidly expensive, b) the range is limited because there isn't anywhere to put the batteries.

[@jonwarshawsky5288]

Also … EV tech keeps advancing, so in 10 years the setup shown here may be antiquated. In which case the original flat six petrol setup will be the most desirable. I would not convert any old 911 unless it was a salvaged car without its drivetrain.

[@bob_mikhail]

Yeah! Johnny would love that

[@animal355]

I think rare classics should be kept as is, but the idea of repurposing older cars is a real world form of recycling. And is welcomed the converted car is more beneficial for the environment than creating an entire new car. The issue I have with modern EVs is that they don't excite most petrolheads from their ICE cars, they look soulless and try so hard to be edgy and contemporary. And they often come across as a boxy large 'thing' rather than being built upon passion. Classic conversions have their place, but the recent electric converted Ferrari Testarossa was just a bit wrong where the engine is the heart of a Ferrari.

[@timtroke]

It would have been great to see the frunk, now much space is gone, and how useable would it be for daily use?

[@clericstorm2009]

Love this. This is my favorite design and combined with EV. My new dream car.

[@Berretotube]

❤❤❤

[@P.Galore]

Most collector cars are not worth a lot of money. For those in the $25,000 and under range, an EV setup would need to be under $10,000 to make sense. The equivalent of 300hp and 200 miles range would be plenty.

[@francesconicoletti2547]

From what little I have seen and read , collector and driver are two separate markets. A collector treats their cars like say a rare comic book, stores it away keeps it mint and only brings it out to display. A driver wants a car they can use . And given the limited range of EVs and sports cars on offer today, picking something out of the last half of the previous century and adding a reliable motor creates a vast range of usable options.

[@philtucker1224]

Good logic, ( Although I still think creating a brand new 1960s / 70s Classic with EV power is probably more sensible than destroying the heart of an original example though…

[@choopa1670]

I like old cars for the noise as much as the body shape and lines.

[@BALANCEDPORTFOLIO]

and that's why so many people hate them ...

[@Adam.Piper62]

​​​@@BALANCEDPORTFOLIOFor some, it's a hobby. You cannot expect everyone to stop an activity due to another person not agreeing. If that was the case, we would all do nothing. I hate Morris dancers because they make a stupid noise - but I won't be selfish enough to ruin their fun.

[@muffty1337]

and now i hope that concept spills over to all the old Golfs, Civics, Smart Roadsters and so on. :)

[@rockydopeydoge6730]

Nice one. Plus I would as an owner and driver of one of these feel infinitely more smug about not killing the planet while giving a classic a new life into the next era of mobility technology.

[@Lord.Kiltridge]

There are a ton of classic cars that are gorgeous on the outside, with spartan AF interiors. I would love to have a 1952 MG-E MK II kit car, for example, with all the modern amenities inside. (I was smaller in the '80s too.)

[@Glathgrundel]

I have made an offer on a 1965 Morris Mini with no engine or gearbox, but the body is pristine(ish). EV conversions are currently quite expensive, but I am going to put the Mini into storage for a few years and see if it becomes practical. Certainly preferable to the plethora of generic alternatives. I’ve seen a few EV mini conversions and they look fantastic, fast and fun … considering that electric vehicles are not cheap now, I think it could be a more financially viable option.

[@AntonyoKnight]

Good move! 👍 I am sure you will have a great return

[@teknoid5878]

Get a wuling mini ev drivetrain

[@SirCrashaLot]

oh no, missed opportunity for some FPV follow up shots for this smashing car. Let me know next time you are busy in Netherlands. I think I recognize de buurt :)

[@rklauco]

ECC rocks, absolutely perfect youtube channel! Thanks for this video :)

[@UCreations]

According to the Dutch RDW (Dutch car registration) this Porsche has only a 45kW motor and a weight of 1552 kg...

[@speedjunkie78]

No! I still prefer the old 911 with the air cooled engine. It can be reliable if you take care of it. I was an EV enthusiast, but now as I became an EV owner I have my doubts that EVs are the future or the solution for the environment. Back to the little car. It's one of my favorites, with their noise and drama. Ohh that sound of the boxer engine....

[@CS-gg5hx]

I’m assuming no thermal management for the split battery system. If so, can’t stay on the power too long, not good for driving in very hot or very cold conditions, and charging at a dismal Rate.

[@nikhiljoshi7736]

I am in love with the production quality of your videos

[@porsche2610]

me too! I love it

[@docboy989]

"had its heart ripped out" describes it perfectly 🤮

[@drunkenhobo8020]

The problem is that when EV conversions are this expensive they'll likely still be left in a garage never to be moved as the owner doesn't want to risk driving them.

[@Macrike]

Tbh, once the conversion is done, it’s no longer worth even preserving. This is not a Porsche, so what is there to preserve? Drive the thing and risk an accident, I’d say. The most important elements of the car have already been stripped out.

[@philtucker1224]

Agreed. Most Classics are there to walk around holding a glass of wine and showing them off to your mates. Very few (if any) are intended for domestic use and even if they were they probably would not be held in very high esteem..

[@philtucker1224]

Rob, this young man presenter and the young lady also, are just wonderful presenters all round. You have chosen well sir.!

[@TheDudleyReport]

The Caterham Project V is probably the electric I'd like most, but beyond that something like this would be brilliant.

[@jamescaldwell5]

Would be better if you put a weaker electric motor in and kept the gear box. I saw a review of an electric 356 which was configured that way and the journalist could not stop grinning.

[@bearlogg7974]

I'll never understand why EV converters prioritize small & sport cars. The real appeal is being able to drive a mid century sedan/wagon without the whole *_11.9 mpg for a V8 that can't surpass 95mph_* problem & there is room for the batteries.

[@nomdeplume2724]

Fantastic! Perfect in every way. Especially the colour💥 Great work guys 👍

[@szszg]

As much as I despise wasteful, huge new EVs, like the EV9, I adore these EV restomods. If I could afford it, I'd have a 2-door Volvo Amazon converted. New EVs should be small, light, and simple. That way they could be really efficient and frugal with resources.

[@oellasawandtool]

nice upgrade to the early 911/912 series. Seeing more and more classic cars being changed over. There are a lot of tesla salvage motors out there, I'm considering it in he near term.

[@Buncesfg]

This looks great! Also very much enjoying the 80s music and editing. Hoping one day to convert my Morris Minor to EV, so always find these vids interesting.

[@Pottery4Life]

Wonderful conversion. Thanks.

[@philtucker1224]

Bargain.

[@loki9898]

I think it's great. Maybe I wouldn't do it on a 911 but as an idea it's brilliant. Once the prices come down and the kits become more accessible, I'd definitely consider this as a project

[@trevorberridge6079]

Richard Morgan's Electric Classic Cars workshop have developed kits that can be fitted to Porsches, Ferraris, Fiat 500s, VW Beetles, Minis etc. He will sell them to approved companies so that they can fit them into cars on request. Obviously the process is quicker and cheaper than it was a few years ago. It includes any repair and refurbishment the car requires in order to safely house the new powerful motor.

[@markbryan9115]

that '80s Porsche has a '73 and earlier long hood and early bumpers in front and back. Singer takes late 964 and converts them the long hoods also.

[@JonBvideostuff]

I have a 1938 FIAT Topolino which I bought purely because I thought it was the perfect vehicle to add EV without taking anything away. Two seats plus dog space, with a boot ideal for a battery. Maybe even use the roof to add charger panels. Ladder chassis, so my idea was to put an electric motor attached to the prop shaft... should be simple? At my advanced age (approaching 80, with the usual physical problems), I need to get someone else to do it... in the olden days, it would be simple to do myself! However, not only have the 'quotes' I have been given been around £30k, including unnecessarily 'removing' the original engine... I think WTF is a good reply... 10K I would be happy with! Any ideas?

[@Obvsaninternetexpert]

diy... people doing it for you will only ever be a niche for rich people willing to pay

[@theairstig9164]

Convert a 2007 Fiat 500

[@Sashazur]

30K sounds reasonable when you consider it would be a fully custom job and when you look at the prices of these classic conversions. But if you are going to spend 30K you would be much smarter to buy a used EV that was built as one. You’d end up with a far more reliable and safer vehicle.

[@JonBvideostuff]

Sort of understand that... if I just wanted an EV... but this is a different sort of project!... I want to keep it as Classic Car (I have several), so that the ICE can still be used if needed... indeed it would ideally actually charge the battery needed. Range about 6 to 10 miles twice a week at 20mph max. Perfect for me, my wife and dog once a week... and what a beautiful vehicle! I can get all the hardware needed for about £500. In the old days (did I say I am approaching 80), when I ran a company doing Special Effects for films, I would have costed this out as 2 people for 3-4 days... we did that sort of thing back in the 70s! Just speaking as an ex aero/space engineer, pilot and mechanic who can unfortunately no longer lift a drill, I reckon even at £500/day that is £4k labour, +£500 parts?

[@Obvsaninternetexpert]

@@JonBvideostuff are you saying make it electric but keep all the original stuff as well!! Never heard anyone try that... if its front wheel drive you could add a motor to the back and I small battery... I do what you used to do... film cars don’t tend to be built to last is the only problem there

[@aeonturnip2]

The only downside is the lack of safety features (crumple zones, etc).

[@rhion]

It's a brilliant idea - the problem is the lack of companies that will do this kind of work!

[@trevorberridge6079]

There are more than you think. You can find them in Norway, America, UK, Netherlands and various spots across the world. And they are growing in number as second hand parts become more available.

[@rhion]

@@trevorberridge6079 There is EV West in the US, but any others are iffy. I REALLY wish this would change!

[@trevorberridge6079]

@@rhion It will. Classic conversions are making new converts of traditionalists all the time. When they see some owners go from only driving once a year to take the MOT to driving every day without issue they will think again. £100k of classic car sitting in a garage 11 months a year against £200k of refurbishment for a lifetime of daily use. It's a no-brainier if you can afford it.

[@samon_kurowassan]

You should have mentioned when you talked about the 50-50 distribution that the engine of the Cayman is in the middle and the Cayman handles way better than the 911 - Cayman is the best handling car actually.

[@paulmurden7621]

Great closing speech Jack.

[@ericschneider3521]

This is exactly the kind of car I want. Ngl, I'm not much of a gearhead but I just like classic styles. Rivian has started to clue in on this w their latest designs and I really hope that more EV companies come out w rapid, electric, good feeling cars that don't have the anodyne designs of most modern cars chasing MPG

[@user-vu4tf3eb9l]

In Dutch tradition this probably cost more than buying a brand new car

[@roland9367]

He mentioned a quarter million so yes, more expensive than a new Taycan. I am hoping the galvanized the body or something, that it will really lasts for a long time. But yeah, a complete overhaul to a higher level costs a serious amount of money. Also because you only build a few and you had to develop it first.

[@DeadnCold]

With the way the price of old Porsches are going these days just buying the donor car to start the process will cost you about the same as some new cars.

[@gramos9115]

Not an eighties 911 , sorry , its 70/72 . it was said to be light , so what is the weight ?

[@CC-qe1gq]

I'm not a fan of these EV conversions for vintage sports cars. I am fully in favour of going electrics for daily driving but I would never change the authenticity of my 911 3.2. The vintage experience goes even with the mechanical feeling of an engine and transmission designed at that time.

[@Sai.the.Breizh.Pirate]

One of the main "problem" I see in retro-fitting is that from the moment you use essentially the same electric kits to equip all these different models ; so you lose most of the driving pleasure, the character of the classic automobile in question !? Because what is largely the specificities, the character of a car is her powertrain (with obviously ger proportions, her line, her running gear, her weight, etc...) I'm really not excited about this practice, however, that professionals passionate about automobiles and electric vehicles produce vehicles inspired by vehicles of the past (in Their designs), replicas, or even completely new but fair vehicles inspired by Colin Chapman's approach there I'll say a Big YES !

[@GamerplayerWT]

Curious about the registration process in the UK and America. It’s gone from petrol to electric, so how would you register something like this and show proof?

[@fontana6394]

I’d so miss the sound of that flat six !!

[@santosh911]

Just a little note: the bumpers and indicators are actually '70's pre-impact bumpers not '80's. So the looks are retro, not original. I think they are betterlooking, but theyre still not original.

[@bewilderbeestie]

"...and still better that the infotainment system in our ID4 crew car." That suddenly sounded very real.

[@johngreen5867]

Loving the car but they need to have a word with whoever did the stitching on that dashboard

[@clintwedel5704]

I remember one of the first EV conversions I saw was a 914. I can only imagine how much better it would have been with today's motor/battery tech!

[@Yanquetino]

I really hope conversion shops will start to proliferate. We've hung on to my wife's '98 BMW Z3, with only 41K on the odometer, simply with the hope of making it electric someday.

[@gordonmackenzie4512]

Ask Moggy at Electric Classic Cars. He has a KZbin channel. He may have done a Z3 already.

[@swecreations]

@@gordonmackenzie4512There's an electric Z3 for sale here locally actually haha

[@steveyountz1757]

I think I will buy an extra lottery ticket this week....... Absolutely beautiful, but I would want the Targa in 'Guards Red'.😎

[@johnrogers1423]

Great idea and execution. The only problems that EV conversions that I have seen are small batteries, but not with this conversion, and no luggage space.

[@shuashua958]

Thank you. I have been preaching this for about a decade!

[@whitneylake2107]

I have a donor vehicle, the tooling and a shop space and with all the price-gouging it will still cost $35,000 to do a conversion. A conversion to all electric should be half that. Any useful suggestions ? Thank you

[@thekat-dg9fx]

This is a pretty car, but the challenge with many classic cars is they lack the safety features in modern cars.

[@keelferm]

Ok, I'm convinced.... I'll buy two!

[@northernbias4985]

Great content, had a 1972 911T too long ago and if it were still with me would have loved to have accomplished something like this. Non car question though where is the blue jumper/top from Jack?

[@danegreenwood1427]

desperately trying to figure this out myself

[@54mgtf22]

Hey Jack. Love your work 👍

[@jonevansauthor]

What 'classic' cars would you actually want to have converted? I'd go for a Smart car with more batteries than Mercedes managed (or better ones) and remove any legacy ICE stuff they could. Maybe new, lighter panels. Possibly a classic Italian Job Mini because they're actually small. I wouldn't want an expensive conversion though, just the cheapest thing that can get me to the local city and back (which means 50 miles real world range at minimum but don't need too much more than that).

[@jonevansauthor]

There is no sacrilege with an old Porsche, at least, not that generation of them. This is not an Aston Martin or a Silver Ghost. Even Clarkson would always point out how awful they were in every review, then rave about how wonderful it is driving terrible cars that don't handle well because that makes it fun. But as became clear when May got on that show, he never actually knew that much about cars or engineering - as is true of anyone who raves about ICE vehicles and thinks they're better than EVs.

[@delta250a]

I would like a Morris Minor estate changed to electric. Plenty of room for batteries.

[@jonevansauthor]

@@delta250a yeah that's got a distinctive look that'll make you stand out :) Don't see many of those these days.

[@philtucker1224]

Yes or even fit a towing bar and have a small trailer to house the batteries?

[@mattcragon6482]

That car is a long hood, so it was made before 1974. It is not an eighties 911. It is a 60's or 70's 911. 80's 911's also did not have horns front in the grille. It would not have been a 3.2 liter, it would have been a 2.0 , 2.2, or a 2.7. It might even have been a 912 with a four cylinder engine. An electric repower might make sense for an early car where the engine is all but gone or missing. There were many 912's which donated their engines in the restoration of a 356's back in the day, so those would make good candidates for an electric conversion. This could be one of those cars. I have an 87 911 3.2. I think you would have to be a lunatic to repower one of those with electric motor. I get that an electric repower makes the car faster, quieter, easier to use. That is pretty much everything you can get from a more modern car of just about any type. Most family cars today have more horsepower and are easier to drive than an older 911. This has been true for many many years. I have owned my car for about 20 years. There is a saying in the air-cooled community: "It is more fun to drive a slow car fast, than a fast car slow." The 911 is a car that never lets you forget you are driving it. From the smell of oil to the sewing-machine-like sound of the air cooled engine, the car rewards you as you row through the gears changing it's engine note as you pass 3K RPM to redline. You cannot help but smile as you top out third gear. So yes, electric could make my car faster, quieter, easier to drive. It only has to give up it's soul to get there.

[@freakygoblin3068]

It's no longer a classic car after an EV conversion. It's a new car with an old shell. Some imperfections are retained but many are not. By making it "more comfortable", making the improvements you destroy the "soul" of the car.

[@Larkinchance]

You could have a cassett player in the car with recordings of the throaty rev of a porche engine.

[@pittyman]

6:13 Are you showing where the power for this EV is coming from?😁

[@sharepointservices]

I highly appreciate taking a saturday spin with my petrol car after having passed the week in an EV. An enthusiast sports car with an EV sound removes a large portion of the aural pleasure. Ev's are great but not at making pleasurable sounds.

[@paullyjay]

Would have been nice to see some of the engineering under the hood!

[@trevorberridge6079]

Jack complains about the weight distribution being 50/50. But drivers have long complained about the rear heavy balance of the Porsches because it gives you massive understeer that you have to manage carefully when going at speed around corners. The fact is that despite this flaw Porsches are known for their handling. But, with 50/50 weight distribution they handle even better. They are more sure footed and safer. Another thing purists moan about is ruining the car. Now this particular Porsche is bespoke. But all the classic car converters I know about make sure to mount everything to original brackets. That means the process is completely reversible. You can return it to it's original form whenever you like. So far, almost no-one who has converted a classic car has requested that it be restored (I personally haven't heard of a single case). For one thing they can actually drive their classic car every day, safely, among modern traffic. And they don't have to worry about it's woefully substandard (by today's measure) levels of pollution. Jack sums it up very neatly. You lose a little bit of personality for a whole heap of every day usability. And if you fancy a track day, it'll pants any original ICE version.

[@zapfanzapfan]

I hope you visited the museum at the harbor gates there in Rotterdam that you passed by.

[@MrRoyck10]

The soul of Porsche is the BoxEngine, I don’t care about Apple car play or LCD this is just another EV and nothing can replace the cool start splutter of a Porsche! Good attempt though.

[@JimBob_1975]

There's definitely a place for electric conversions of old classics and I'm sure my lowly 986 Boxster 2.5 would be quicker with a decent electric motor, but there's no way I'm losing the flat 6 sound track (even if I could afford to).

[@anotheracademicwithhornrim3247]

I love my 80s VW van because of how it looks and feels. I increasingly hate its unreliable engine and fumes. An EV conversion would he amazing i get to keep the character but gain the modernity i need to make it more usable

[@SHOdown13]

I would love to see some start taking big American luxobarges and convert them. With their huge size for large battery packs and their long forgotten ultraplush interiors, they would be lonnng distance haulers like nothing else.

[@23ofSeptember]

Curious as to why they didn't show the E engine or the batteries in the video. Maybe they are hiding something?

[@thilog5874]

I possess a F Model Targa. I am the second owner and the engine only has 51.000 km. However I would totally change it to EV if the costs would not be as high as they are at the moment. But I think this is only a matter of time.

[@Jonoponomono]

Interesting perspective on a hotly debated subject.

[@litestuffllc7249]

It is rediculous to compare your chance of a fossile fuel engine or gas catching fire in a wreck vs a lithium battery that isnt well engineered. Any rupture of the lithium battery pack will mean certain fire; exposure to the air will result in a fire. If the car is well engineered it can be as safe or safer but a battery pack provides it's own oxygen it will burn under water.

[@CarbonMotorsEU]

The dashboard upholstery has messy stitches. Such a disgrace for EV-restomods

[@tc7539]

I absolutely love this! I’d order one today if I had the funds. However, this is the problem with converted classics, they are very expensive. Even for Land-Rovers and Fiat 500s, you’re looking at a minimum of £35k for a conversion, plus the cost of the vehicle. What we desperately need are new electric sports cars, coupes and pick-ups. We are crying out for EVs for car enthusiasts! SUVs, saloons and hatchbacks just don’t cut it.

[@nottooherbal]

Perfection .

[@SomeNerd361]

Honestly, the body and other non-engine parts are still good. We should be advocating more for EV-conversions of older vehicles rather than creating new vehicles just to toss all of the gas-powered vehicles into the scrap-heap. Can probably recycle the engines anyway. Far more sustainable environmentally.

[@philtucker1224]

There is already a massive and growing number of companies preparing to harness that demand from 2030. It will be commonplace for owners that want to hold on to their old body shaped cars…

[@matty946]

I want one!! There was a news story here in Canada of a 2017 Hyundai Ionic owner being quoted $50,000 to replace a defective battery, that was just 15k kms over warranty! I'd rather own an electric restomod that's cool and exciting than a boring appliance that can become a giant paper weight at any time!

[@peterduxbury927]

One of the biggest benefits of the Classic car EV Conversions - is not mentioned here. There is zero depreciation - if the Conversion has been done properly. I saw some stats the other day, where just about every commercially-made EV depreciates up to 38% in its first year. I'm not certain that I agree with those statistics, and feel that Tesla would be an exception.

[@IgorEngelen1974]

Been thinking for a long time now to get me an old Ford Escort or even older Fiat with a rally body but I have zero experience with classic car tech. The looks without all the problems with solve a lot for me.