Would you daily drive this controversial modified Datsun 240Z with Drift mode?

[@shikoku14]

Such a strong start to the year Jonny, amazing stuff!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thank you v much. We hope this one gets people talking. There's lots to like, even if it's a divisive project.

[@marknelson2073]

@@TheLateBrakeShowTalking? More like hysteric giggling coming from the drivers seat!

[@johnbb99]

@@TheLateBrakeShow From the comments so far, it seems to be not at all divisive! (one luke-warm comment) (I will take issue with Jack's generalisation that EVs are bland --- Hyundai Ioniq 5? Honda e? BMW i3? But his styling touches are excellent.)

[@julianevans9548]

@@TheLateBrakeShow Ruined. Forever. Pointlessly. Putting electric motors in old cars has no environmental gain.

[@christoph3903]

Total shite. May aswell drive an old milk float

[@anusername8350]

If cars and the car community is still fun, I don’t really care what the cars are powered by. Builds like this are amazing

[@slartibartfast2649]

I agree, but I don't think it's really a classic car at this point. It has grown into something new and different. Having been in a 240Z, half of the experience (and joy, in my opinion) is the car vibrating lumpily at idle, the overwhelming stench of half-burnt petrol fumes, and arriving at your destination with a mild ringing in your ears. I love the idea of evolving these cars with new technology, but it's just not quite the same.

[@bunkaaa8726]

Thats fine, you're allowed to not care, but I absolutely care, removing the noise of a 'fun' car is removing 50% of the enjoyment I get from it. I just don't see the point. An EV van, daily commuter, grocery getter, kid hauler, fine but an EV classic sports car will 100% get boring quickly.

[@iancrawford2822]

You've convinced this 65 year old lifelong internal combustion fanatic that EV converted classics is the way forward. The engineering behind this particular conversion is simply outstanding and bodes well for the future of fun motoring. Simply brilliant.

[@alanbuller3371]

As someone in their sixties, you might think I would be one of the viewers who is annoyed. No way, I think this kind of creativity is amazing and is the future of the custom car scene. Great stuff!

[@johnbb99]

Ditto. (In my 70s) :)

[@Seelingfahne]

Hotrodding is hotrodding!

[@timlucykerridge6594]

I am Jack's father in my mid 70's I own a 1934 Supercharged Lagonda so I am old school. Having said that I love what Jack is doing great engineering and an amazing achievement. The video is just amazing. Well done Jonny.

[@stevedenny3547]

I had a Datsun 260z back in the 90's,it had a tuned 2.8 triple weber engine to Fourways fast road spec,about 240 hp,it was a lot of fun,coming back from a Billy Idol gig in Birmingham to Manchester with my sister raced a Porsche 911,had the speedo needle on the stop. Wish i still had it. This restomod 240z is a brilliant looking car and all ready for the future.

[@Nino500]

I'm 61 and I love this! I love what Moggy at Electric Classic Cars does too. I'm converting my Reliant Fox as a 'starter' project but, once that's done, I've got my sights set on a Scimitar. Also been eyeing up the GS450h powertrain for that purpose. Great to see what you can get out of it but I'd be happy with 200bhp.

[@cameraprepper7938]

I would be happy with 150bhp, but with a longer range.

[@fastEdCanuck]

What an amazing job they’ve done with this car, love the creativity. You need to do a feature on that Bond Bug too.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Love Bond Bugs. The world needs more of them.

[@Nino500]

@@TheLateBrakeShow Yes, I've been thinking about Bond Bugs recently (and Minicars, with one wheel drive!).

[@dancarter482]

@@TheLateBrakeShow When I was a little scrote in the '70s my parents had a lodger who lived in a caravan in our field and collected bubble cars! He drove one to work - big canopy-door on the front - and the others were under tarp's that we'd sneak a peak at when he was out. E.V. Bond Bug for the WIN!

[@kougerat5388]

Thank you Jack for not murdering your gorgeous Z with ridiculous large wheels. Absolutely one of the best conversions I've seen. Thanks Jonny a perfect end to my Sunday evening👍

[@rabk5702]

I grew up in the motor trade retired now and I loved these Datson's seen many of them hit scrap yard with perfect engines and gearbox's because the body just melted away its lovely to see one restored to higher standard and modernise with electric way to go 😁😁👍👍

[@danoaudio9896]

This is cinema... great episode, great car.... that closing shot...(chef kiss)

[@fiddlesticks9887]

Best quote from any video, ever, "it's ok to be different". Amen to that, wish more people thought the same. Great video by the way and a great company to do a promo for.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Well said!

[@richardgledhill]

Now I see why there's so much dirt behind the rear wheels ;-) Great video, excellent dronework too. I wonder if they'd convert a Rover SD1, and then somehow I'd need to find the money... that would be a fantastic sleeper. What a brilliant company and some fascinating project cars in that building. Love that Rolls - keeping it on the road in the best way possible. Thanks Jonny and the team!

[@richrowley8355]

What a great guy and company. The world needs people like that.. The 240z was a amazing. A 60's mini EV with 300hp, would be allowed to sit next to my 1380 petrol monster at home

[@alanwayte432]

The colour and the wheels look tremendous, I had a 260Z when I was 20 back in 1991 also impressed with the interior, this makes sense living in the city.

[@marklucas3025]

Personally I think this is an awesome build. Love every aspect of what he’s done here. The only thing would be why not convert to right hand drive whilst you’ve stripped it all? The colour, interior and performance shouts a quality build. Love that drift mode. A fantastic little film to brighten up a Sunday afternoon. 👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@TheCr0wsNest]

fantastic video jonny, the videography was brillaint and that car really is special. id love to see more content from you in this style.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Cheers v much!

[@MattTester]

After all that skidding did they actually have to drag Jonny out of the car to stop him? He was having too much fun.

[@chefluvfood]

Johnny this is by far one of the best looking car of it's era electrifying and modernizing it is class 👍

[@alackofspeed]

Jack came across very well in this video. His work helps keep the automotive landscape visually more interesting, which is very definitely a good thing.

[@drunktortila3632]

If anyone reads this The Petrolocious video of the 240z (dare to be different) watch that after this and decide if part of its soul is missing. Fellow 240z owner and I think there really isn't anyone in the Z community who is opposed to modifications, imean theres a whole forum hybridz dedicated to it, from BMW M3 swaps, V8, V6s, 2jz, rb26 it's all been done and EV is no different just glad another one is on the road and being enjoyed!

[@richardburnett6781]

First saw one of these as a teenager in the 80's and fell in love with the design but never been a combustion fan so this is a perfect marriage to me and so much fun. Thanks😊

[@battlingbats3040]

One of the best looking cars of its time, so glad it can be re commissioned in this way and can live on into the future.

[@cerbie70]

Someone mentioned old Rollers which are a good candidate, the silent wafting along to the wedding. Also, on a similar line, how about BMW 840/850 or Jag XJS, those ICE engines are big and costly and not so good for performance return. Personally, I'm not one for electric cars, but I'll go along with those who are.

[@kramnam4716]

I had a 260z with a 2.8 on with the original 240 hitachi carbs. And a janspeed stainless exhaust and manifold. It HOWLED!! Revved to 7k . A gem . The engine is the character of a car

[@Carrera-gp9od]

100% That why this thing is a travesty.

[@mariokajin]

Yes it is. Happy for you. No joke.

[@stephenwensley9328]

Now it is a born again reformed car, leaving its delinquent youth behind lol😂

[@alastairwatson3201]

I’m a dedicated petrol head. Absolutely love the sounds and smells, as well as the joy of shifting gears. However, electrification is inevitable; if it’s the compromise I eventually have to make, so be it; I’d rather drive a Tesla-powered classic than a Tesla.

[@Stuart602]

Absolutely love the Datsun Z cars from this era and now in an up cycled EV is just amazing. I love the Late Brake Show for these types of episodes.

[@portnaluinge]

You have to admire the inventiveness and creativity, not to mention solid engineering knowhow that went into this. I know the change-resistant will be raging as always, but what he’s done with all those OEM bits is deeply impressive.

[@williamfence566]

As a petrolhead i love this . The iconic shape is the draw and what it's propelled by is not as special as being able to look back as you lock it . I'd love my old E36 coupe to have been converted but sadly it's long gone.

[@MrGazhay]

Who doesn't love seeing classic cars on the road?! I just wish I could afford to do it myself!

[@garyhoward4813]

loved everything about this film, bravo Johnny & Jack and his crew

[@glennmartin2403]

I have a 240z and love it……happy to see an American chassis repurposed and the whole bitsa mash up is actually pretty cool. Nice work

[@sergigorchs7329]

This is beyond cars. This is craftman amazing work. Love the dash and If i could buy one, I' d ditch the tablet. Who needs a screen when you havr the whole scenary just in front of you eyes ?

[@ChrisHazell-e7t]

Always loved Jacks Z so glad you both got together and did a video to show the world.

[@ab3000x]

This dude built my dream car!!! I wouldn't change anything. I'll admit when I saw the picture for the video and it said "Lexus powered" I was ready to be disappointed. Instead I have a new favorite car. Sorry, Richard (in Wales) your Bug (same color?) is now #2.

[@AdamJRichardson]

Lots of fun! It's so stealthy. Lovely drone work (and editing) during the drift sequence

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thank you. We've never used an FPV drone before

[@markrowcroft2890]

The drone work really added something, looked really big budget and showed off the tracking shots and drift sequence wonderfully@@TheLateBrakeShow

[@noonehere1793]

I never cared much for those when they were new but i can appreciate them as classics now!👍👍

[@stephenkful]

I love this kind of stuff but I hate the whole "this is the future of modding line". In my opinion, this a new gallery to car modification in the same way that the low rider scene or the 2JZ, RB26, B16 etc swapping did added a new gallery to car modifications Personally, (and I know the purists would crucify me for this) I'd love to electrify a 4th gen Civic sedan and give it AWD set up. A beautiful looking car and would slap the chops off of any of its ICE or EV counterparts. Always excited to see what you're up to and never miss an upload. Thanks Jonny 👍

[@Nozes..]

Not really interested in electric conversions,but I stuck around to watch,this is how good the show is! Have a great year, Johnny!

[@kevincross9206]

Love that! I always thought the 240/260/280Z’s were good looking cars and to bring them up to date like this can only be a good thing. And this comes from an EV sceptic!

[@timwilliams2343]

You're right Jonny, this is far more interesting than a new EV and a very tempting proposition. Now to convince my wife..

[@samward4361]

This is great, I love the car. As a petrol head in his mid 40's and as a classic car owner, I'm coming around to the idea of EV's and classic powered EVs (even if I can't afford it, for now at least). This type of innovation and creativity is fascinating, a brilliant feature and a fabulous car. One last note; can we have a closer peak at the bond bug and possibly a couple of the fiats pllleeeease?

[@memsybabe]

The thing is, as time goes on, the number of people willing to continually put in the time and money required to keep a classic car running, in it's original guise, becomes less and less. So whilst many of us might find putting an electric drivetrain in something like this a little disappointing, it's probably the only way this car will survive another 50 years... I'm still not completely sold on the idea of ev conversions, but I think I'm slowly coming round... Great video again Jonny 👍🏼

[@knoxsp]

Great endorsement of Silent Classics. Such nice people. You're welcome to come and see my converted rx-8 whenever you like! It has the same gs450h motor.

[@benjasbikerestos]

well done kezza jonny and everyone what works at silent classic your smashing it

[@veniceartguide7270]

To answer your question , my ultimate electric classic is a Citroen DS, please and thanks.

[@mikurec]

I reckon Smart Roadster would be a fun conversion

[@mikebull1972]

What a beautiful car- brought into the modern era with intelligence and skill, but also, personal flair. Love it! Very nicely filmed video, too. Nice one Jonny and Co.!

[@spaceburge]

EV restorations are neat and usually really tasteful. Feels like the self elected cars are those with subpar drivetrains; DeLorean? Murena? Rover Sterling? Cars should express something of the driver when there’s this level of passion and commitment involved. I’m not a big EV fan but can seriously appreciate the engineering and sense behind this. That Bentley for example, the coach building is what sets that out and not the drivetrain. Seeing that sneak through London will be great!

[@scottwiper6360]

I love this 240Z restomod. It’s fantastic! One of my favourite inexpensive sports cars as a kid.

[@mrthemagneticnorth]

Really impressive to keep the weight low and the 50/50 weight distribution! My type of build

[@GavinByrneLand]

Beautiful job on a beautiful car. Great video Jonny, thank you.

[@Garaculas]

As a fellow 240Z owner, it’s just great to see another one on the road and being enjoyed! Cracking episode Jonny. P.S. I think my dream EV swap would be a 600 grosser

[@Slingshotgixxer]

Most EV conversions of classic cars Ive seen have been ruined by something goofy, the stance isn't right, or the wheel size is wrong, this one doesn"t compromise the original styling , beautiful job!!

[@rickb296]

Wonderful craftsmanship and one of my all time favourite cars. Thanks for sharing. My ultimate electromod would have to be a Lamborghini Espada. Acres of room for motors and battery packs in a timeless shape.

[@lptomtom]

Best restomod you've ever featured, this is GLORIOUS!

[@roybroughton6615]

What a car 😊 , low maintenance, goes like rocket , super cool & looks beautifully original 👌 nice one Johnny

[@imadeeplyspanishman]

Fantastic video LBS and I’m really pleased to read the comments 👍 plenty of love out there for this kind of ting, on that note I’d like a hotted up Citroen DS with electrickery spinning all that LHM 😜

[@bentleycreative6407]

i love the 240z and think it would be amazing as an electric Resto Mod. Well done Silent Classics

[@grumpyto5]

Great video. Bit heavy on tyre wear. Drift mode on the Magic Roundabout very early one morning could be fun.😊

[@lesflynn4455]

They managed to keep it light! That's very cool.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

They did. Cool, huh?

[@anthonyeyre8403]

I got three minutes then found out it was electric. You know what they say about opinions though. Great channel all the same.

[@c.c.5472]

Brings back fond memories. My first car was a Capri 2600 cc, loads of fun, but no comparison to my ‘74 260Z. That car was bullet proof and a true pleasure to drive, spiritedly. Wish I had kept it.

[@nicholaspayne8151]

Love the style of the 240Z and love the conversion to this one.

[@burnzy3210]

The 240z is in my dream 5 car garage. It's not what I would do with one but I'm glad he's happy with his :)

[@jasonblair4057]

Awesome car and video. The combination of parts is the next level in this kind of conversion. I don’t think Toyota ever thought their hybrid motors could do this. Nice video to kick off the new year.

[@jamespaul2587]

Thanks for this awesome review Jonny. It would be great if this vehicle, or another chassis could be designed with a modular battery pack so you could extend range when required for longer trips or in areas with poor charging infrastructure.

[@badgersalesman5595]

Wow just wow. Amazing film Jonny thank you. Looking forward to the podcast tomorrow.

[@descb600f]

Love this car. Looks amazing and has the go to match. 👍

[@nastybun]

This sort of thing is a great way to preserve classics, I love that there's such an industry in it. I have a '74 W114 Mercedes 280E that I think would be a great candidate for this sort of conversion. The engine that's in it is not particularly special, and getting hard to find parts for, plus there's lots of space available for battery packs once the engine and fuel tank are out. The character of the car would be preserved while updating it for a modern age to keep it going for the next 50 years.

[@graemethorne677]

I'd forgotten what a beautifully proportioned car the 240z was and thought it a shame to ev it but then the old Bentley made me laugh. It's better to give life to a classic and the discarded parts give life to other cars, then that classic is seen on the road to inspire younger generations to appreciate classic cars than to be kept as part of a collection unseen. Nice one Jonny great show. 😊

[@soulmod63]

I love the 240z & have been lucky enough to own a couple over the years, & I'm absolutely ok with it

[@stevenkelby2169]

Your channel gets better and better Jonny! Love this one, I had to a 240z 30 years ago but it wasn't as fast as this one! BTW, what's going on with Chops' Figaro? Did it ever get an EV conversion, OTSOT?

[@JoeTourist]

Oh be still my heart! A big thanks for this episode, Jonny. My first car as a young man was an orange 1972 240Z. I was *so* disappointed with Nissan when they debuted the new Z. Why not electric? Good to see Silent Classics running with it. I'm happy driving my Tesla Model S, but it would be *so* much fun to also have a 240Z EV in the driveway...

[@RemaL-2023]

Each to their own. It's not my car, but I would have an ICE. But the world would be boring if we all liked and wanted the same thing. Cheers for sharing, Jonny

[@EVinstructor]

Excellent video Johnny. It’s brilliant these businesses converting classics are emerging because as cars go EV demand for petrol will decrease and fuel stations will gradually disappear. Also over time the skills associated with repairing combustion engines will become rarer making it difficult to keep a combustion classic on the road. So converting to EV means we’ll keep classic cars on the road. They’ll be more reliable than when they were combustion powered. If classic EV conversion wasn’t happening in a couple of decades combustion classics will end up as static museum pieces. A few might be seen on the road driven by wealthy collectors who can afford expensive fuel and are able to store that fuel safely. EV conversions are the way to keep classics on the road beyond the ending of fossil fuel. My choice of conversion would be a 1980s Porsche 911. Or a 924, an underrated design classic. I’d choose the 924 over the 944. I’ve owned examples of both in the past. With EV power a 924 will be faster than an ICE 944 and the 924 is the start of the front engine family with the purity of the 1970s design.

[@vootronic]

Your BEST work in a long while there Jonny

[@Massimilianop]

It's funny, cause I don't see my self driving a sport car that's been converted to EV, but, deffinetly do see me on 126! This is great Jonny!

[@ipadhome5549]

It’s a judgement call. When the shell is better than the engine cool; when the engine is better than the shell not cool: Can not decide which this is, think 50/50 - not sure!

[@felix-bk7ne]

I was expecting a lexus v8 swap, but you can't be mad at such a well thought out and finished product. Headlights are the only jarring thing for me, otherwise I like it. Great video!

[@Tom-bp6no]

Yeah, I don’t mind that it’s an ev, but first thought was the ‘blue’ light doesn’t suit it.

[@petesplaneta9340]

How inspirational! It’s such a beautiful car and I love the idea of enjoying the character of a classic but the reality is that I feel so much more comfortable jumping into an electric car than an ICE with all the fumes etc. I sold my old classic for this very reason, so this 240Z is inspiring and make me wonder what toy I really want sat in my garage. Brilliant video, production, presenting all A**

[@timredford6608]

Brilliant way for converting classics low maintenance it's definitely the future if you can afford the conversion

[@ColonelJGHyde]

Its a beautiful car a great example regardless of being electric powered. If anything you're getting the best of both worlds. An up to date classic.

[@Coverly]

I love the idea of upcycling cool looking cars into something light, practical, green and with 21st century comforts. Screw the petrol heads, they can keep the engine in theirs and preserve that car for posterity! An early 2000's BMW Z8 would be a VERY tempting project... ...so could you cover the legal stuff one day? Airbags, seatbelts, crumple zones, MOT, indicators & lights etc? Power packs, brakes, suspension, paintwork & interiors are all cool, but how DO you make a huge conversion street legal and is it as expensive as it sounds?

[@commuterbranchline8132]

Happy Cold Beer Johnny! A fantastic start to the year!

[@philipbellew9645]

Whilst I appreciate everything thats been done its rather like watching a music video with the sound down. Its different but not to my personal liking but I have no issue with converting anything if thats what the customer and owner wants to do. Not seen many presenters giving their drive impressions of electric cars with the cheshire cat grin you used to see after some fearsome petrol car encounter.

[@joeelder8526]

I absolutely love that car, the colour scheme and trim is right up my street also. What a brilliant idea and not as expensive as some resto mods like the eagle e types. I’d love to see an e type with 500 horsepower electric.

[@GT.Bugger]

One of my bream cars would love a Samuri. This 240z looks amazing regardless of what's powering it.

[@adriaanserrao2016]

I am not usually the type of person who likes EV restomods but this has been done so well.

[@gordonhughes4603]

Now EV's like this I do like. Mainstream mass production EV's don't really excite me. (All too modern & digital) I love this as he's done a brilliant job moulding modern tech with classic looks and surroundings. The car looks superb! Just the cost is prohibitive for the likes of me. But lovely work.

[@S-T-E-V-E]

23:51 Is that you fluffing a Range Rover Johnny? 😂

[@bolf]

Love it , That big steering wheel looked like it made the drifting a busy activity! , Super interested in the Bond Bug , a car from my youth!

[@Oldenroadie]

Wow! That is awesome. I’ve been considering for some time about the possibility of converting my ‘73 BGT.

[@cameraprepper7938]

The Datsun 240Z is my #1 wish for upcycled drivetrain. A Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe (C3) would also be very nice to upcycle, there are many classics that would be nice to upcycle, Dino 206, Dino 246, Volvo P1800 etc.

[@JamesPrince-n5g]

Its not for me, but I appreciate the skill and effort in its production, am a grateful for the video and insight.

[@1986XRV8]

Beautiful restoration! I still love the sound of the original inline-six. Its nice to see that it's not "stanced" with the usual bolt on arch flares.

[@jodydewald19]

Opinions are like..... but wow, that car turned out fantastic! ICE or EV, who cares. He saved a classic and made it fun as well as beautiful. Congrats.

[@Seelingfahne]

High-Voltage EVs are miles better than the old systems, it really helps keep the weight down across all components. Cant wait to do my own conversion, so many great choices now for drive units and batteries

[@SteveSmith-qf3sk]

We had one from new on a K plate and I loved that car. The only thing I'd ask for on this one is the spoiler, other than that I love it.

[@AsqRob]

That thing is gorgeous. I'm fully on board. Wish I could afford to do something similar myself!