What classics would suit an EV conversion?

[DodgyGeezer]

there's been talk about being able to convert classics to EV - however, IMO, not all classics would actually suit being converted. As an example whilst converting a Pontiac TransAm 455 SD may well provide the necessary oomph to do away with the engine would be missing the whole point of the car.

With this in mind which cars would actively suit EViifcation?

I'd nominate the Citroen DS/CX/SM - certainly for Citroen the whole idea (IIRC) was about comfort and the least comfortable thing about them was (reliability aside) the engine. Magic carpet ride and no clattery Citroen petrol/diesel lump to spoil your wafting...

[OutInTheShed]

How do you define 'classic'?

If you consider a classic to be something that's worth preserving, then why would you want to chop it about?
If the classic is not worth preserving, then recycle it and get a properly designed electric car.

Maybe what we really want is kit cars based on EVs?

But I think there are issues with putting heavy, high powered, amateur built vehicles on the public roads.
Maybe the proper outlet for this kind of thing is competition vehicles?
Sprints, Hill Climbs, maybe trials cars?

[DodgyGeezer]

OutInTheShed said:

How do you define 'classic'?

I figured 'classic' in the loosest possible terms - so anything no longer in production would be considered a classic for the purposes of EVficiation. Another good example might be a Lexus LS400 - majored on being smooth and wafty (albeit with a peach of a motor)

[LeeM135i]

You probably want an iconic body that doesn't rust / corrode that originally came with a rubbish / dull engine.

I would like to offer the DMC DeLorean. Truly iconic stainless steal body with great film vibes that was originally fitted with a shocking drivetrain. hopefully you can get a 1.21 gigawatts battery........

Would also suggest Ferrari 308 but it was originally a V8???? Classic old school Rolls Silver Shadow????

[The Wookie]

Citroen DS
Range Rover Classic
Merc SL, or arguably any older Mercedes
Any old Rolls

IMHO any classic that was luxury focused and either had an uninspiring engine or didn’t make the engine part of the experience

I’d also say cars like MGB’s which had crap engines are ripe for it too but I understand why some prefer to keep the engine.

[jamesbilluk]

I always thought the Nissan Figaro would make a good conversation, i would also like a K11 Micra EV!

And the VW Karmann Ghia


And VW Beetle

Or Fiat X1/9 maybe.

[jimmytheone]

LeeM135i said:

You probably want an iconic body that doesn't rust / corrode that originally came with a rubbish / dull engine.

I would like to offer the DMC DeLorean. Truly iconic stainless steal body with great film vibes that was originally fitted with a shocking drivetrain. hopefully you can get a 1.21 gigawatts battery........

Would also suggest Ferrari 308 but it was originally a V8???? Classic old school Rolls Silver Shadow????

DeLorean is a great shout, and it fits the image.

Also agree an DS/CX/XM would be great if you can find a body which isnt rotten and are prepared to spend a st load - as well as providing drive you also need to power the hydraulics so not cheap.

[ajprice]

I'm fine with them if the original car had a crap or dull engine, and something else about the car was the interesting bit, like the DeLorean or Citroen's. Or something where the quietness would suit it like an old Rolls/Bentley, Range Rover, A N Other barge car.