What classic cars do you think are "right" for an EV conversion?

[stab6902]

Hey guys,

We're seeing more and more classic cars (VWs, Porsches, pony cars, etc) being converted to electric. Inevitably, some people think converting a given car to electric "ruined" it.

I'm a bit of a traditionalist, and I would be hesitant to convert the typical 60's - early 70's muscle car (I'm thinking Camaros, Mustangs, Chevelles, Cudas, Challengers, etc) to electric since to me the V8 is a big part of those cars' identity and experience.

That said, I think other classic cars, such as VWs, Corvairs, early Toronados, 1961-1963 Tempests, Fieros, and DeLoreans would be good fits for EV conversions, since they were generally forward thinking cars with non-iconic drivetrains. A lot of mini/micro cars would fit the bill too - I'm thinking original Mini Coopers, MGs, Triumphs, Subaru 360s, etc.

What do you think? What classic cars do you think are "right" for an EV conversion?

[Larry Callahan]

I used to have a '65 VW bus. I would be all over updating that.

I also would not hesitate to got the EV route with my 4 door '55 Bel Air if I wasn't so far into it.

[ryeguy2006a]

I have thought it would be pretty cool to do the EV swaps, but with a manual transmission. Would be a really interesting combo.

[thedugan]

Well the cobra that was done would be my choice todo..

[Jonathonar89]

If it wasn’t too much money and the EV motor made good power, I’d consider swapping in my ‘79 Trans Am. The GM website is eluding to a 700hp EV motor package but we’ll see what actually gets released. 700hp EV bolted to the original 4spd T10 would be cool for me.

Hey GM, I’ll take it. Sponsor me! haha

[Vimes]

I wouldn't think twice about converting the plain 6cyls or small V8s, but not one of the low number count high value models that should really be in museums. The sound is nice, but not necessary when you have 0-60 times in the 3-4 second range. Plus, if gasoline ever goes the way of the dodo, I'd still want to be able to drive my car.

[130fe]

Well the cobra that was done would be my choice todo..

Saw this one at Amelia Island last month. Interesting….

[raustinss]

I think really any older truck and or 50s-60s era cars. they seem to have floors which are more flat ,allowing batteries to be tossed under . lower C.O.G, crazy torque, j guess we could toss any full-size wagon , cadillac and Lincoln's in there too ????

[Tsaints1115]

If the choice is to convert to EV or have a lawn ornament then I'm going EV. What type of car is incidental. The ICE will be legislated out of existence long before the oil dries up.

[Jonathonar89]

If the choice is to convert to EV or have a lawn ornament then I'm going EV. What type of car is incidental. The ICE will be legislated out of existence long before the oil dries up.

X2. I love my gas engine the sound it makes but I will swap rather than have a lawn ornament….not that my car hasn’t been on Jack stands the better half of the past 10 years lol

[Tsaints1115]

X2. I love my gas engine the sound it makes but I will swap rather than have a lawn ornament….not that my car hasn’t been on Jack stands the better half of the past 10 years lol

Yep. And for all those that say that there car has to make noise there'll be a market for downloads of designer exhaust tones. Flat plane, Hemi, nitro blown, etc. Make any noise you want.

[67gtonut]

I hope I am dead and buried before this becomes a thing.....

[Bad Bowtie]

I hope I am dead and buried before this becomes a thing.....

Me too 1000%... generations behind us are going to miss a lot of what made our car culture great.

BB

[dhutton]

I am dreading the day but at the same time as an electronics engineer I am sort of looking forward to the challenge. The cost of the conversion is too high at this point.

I would do a conversion on my 57 Buick Estate hardtop wagon. I think it would be a great platform.

Before and after pics….

Don

[stab6902]

I am dreading the day but at the same time as an electronics engineer I am sort of looking forward to the challenge. The cost of the conversion is too high at this point.

I would do a conversion on my 57 Buick Estate hardtop wagon. I think it would be a great platform.

Before and after pics….

Don

Wow Don, that's a beautiful car. Nice work.

I agree that someday 50's cars will be good candidates, especially for the less common platforms where original drivetrain parts are getting harder and harder to find.

[Tsaints1115]

Me too 1000%... generations behind us are going to miss a lot of what made our car culture great.

BB

Generations evolve. When was the last time you drag raced your horse?

[dhutton]

Wow Don, that's a beautiful car. Nice work.

I agree that someday 50's cars will be good candidates, especially for the less common platforms where original drivetrain parts are getting harder and harder to find.

No the black one is not mine. Sorry for the confusion! The black one is what I hope mine will look like. That black one is a pretty famous car. I can only wish I built it.

Don

[Vimes]

Generations evolve. When was the last time you drag raced your horse?

No the black one is not mine. Sorry for the confusion! The black one is what I hope mine will look like. That black one is a pretty famous car. I can only wish I built it.

Don

Due to the order the pictures appeared in, I was gonna go with "If that's before and after you must REALLY have wanted a rat rod!" While I'm not into tail fins, that looks like it'll be an interesting project.

[JustJohn]

1970 Buick Electra 225 convertible, just because "Electra."

Any Corvair that can be saved...

Waiting patiently on my Tesla Model 3 performance in a couple of weeks (I hope).

[BMR Sales]

I have ridden in a Porsche 914 EV - couldn't wait to get out of it. The theory was OK but the execution was Not.

as someone whose parents always had Station Wagons, I would go that route







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