Electric MX 5

[Flying Phil]

We have two MX's - a 1.6 Mk 2 and a 1.8 Mk 2.5 Sport but I am increasingly drawn to electric. I saw a you tube video of a Zero EV converted MX 5 and was impressed. Has any one tried one or will there soon be an EX-5?

[TVRees]

I didn't realise it was April 1st !

[VladD]

Phil, seek help. We can help if there's noone at home. We're here for you buddy.

[Flying Phil]

Thanks Vlad and TV..
I can understand that this seems strange, particularly on PH, but to give it more context it is probably an age thing. Yup I'm old! I brought a frogeye Sprite in 1970 and became a sportscar addict - still got the car. I drag raced for 20 years. I built, raced and still have a Rover V8 frogeye. I built raced and sold an MGBGT V8. I built and sold a V12 BGT. I've had the 1.6 MX from new (so 20 years). The Mk 2.5 owned for 12 years. Now wafting around in an SLK350.
I still love sportscars...but like the idea of the ease of owning/ driving/wafting (with the odd squirt!) in an electric car. We have a drive and garage for charging overnight and a family car for longer trips and tip runs.

[Oldandslow]

I saw Johnny Smith trying out a converted Mk2 and it all looked good up until I realised there was no gear change. I can see how the 100 mile range wouldn't be a big issue for a fun weekend car but the deletion of one of the main fun factors is.

It just confirmed for me that the ideal setup is EV for the dreary commute, petrol for fun at the weekend.

[fido]

I watched that video as well (EV Mk2) and also wished they kept the 'box.

[Gad-Westy]

Oldandslow said:

I saw Johnny Smith trying out a converted Mk2 and it all looked good up until I realised there was no gear change. I can see how the 100 mile range wouldn't be a big issue for a fun weekend car but the deletion of one of the main fun factors is.

It just confirmed for me that the ideal setup is EV for the dreary commute, petrol for fun at the weekend.

Yeah, I watched that. It's definitely interesting and a lot to admire but I think too much of what I enjoy about an MX5 has been removed. The gear change in particular is a key feature of the car.

I do have a bit of time for these conversions generally though. I watched another youtube vid (hubnut I think?) of a 60's Fiat 500 conversion and that actually really appeals to me.

[PushedDover]

There was a thread about Blib's Mrs having their Fiat 500 converted on here.

Electrifying classic cars I think - I can see the merit in it.

If and when my engine dies - I go either Electric or Rocketeer

[Gad-Westy]

Cheers I’ll try to find it.

[PushedDover]

Gad-Westy said:

Cheers I’ll try to find it.

here : https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

but got better traction in another thread about cars being converted on the whole

[VladD]

A sports car has to make a proper noise. An EV sports car makes no sense to me. I used to have a BMW 750i when I did a long commute, and an EV version of that would make sense to me. A big luxury silent car would be great. Sports cars should howl under acceleration and burble on the overrun. They should put a smile on your face and an EV wouldn't do that for me. Have you listened to Formula E?

[RM10]

Flying Phil said:

Thanks Vlad and TV..
I can understand that this seems strange, particularly on PH, but to give it more context it is probably an age thing. Yup I'm old! I brought a frogeye Sprite in 1970 and became a sportscar addict - still got the car. I drag raced for 20 years. I built, raced and still have a Rover V8 frogeye. I built raced and sold an MGBGT V8. I built and sold a V12 BGT. I've had the 1.6 MX from new (so 20 years). The Mk 2.5 owned for 12 years. Now wafting around in an SLK350.
I still love sportscars...but like the idea of the ease of owning/ driving/wafting (with the odd squirt!) in an electric car. We have a drive and garage for charging overnight and a family car for longer trips and tip runs.

Do you race that Sprite at Santa Pod by any chance?

[Flying Phil]

RM10 said:

Flying Phil said:

Thanks Vlad and TV..
I can understand that this seems strange, particularly on PH, but to give it more context it is probably an age thing. Yup I'm old! I brought a frogeye Sprite in 1970 and became a sportscar addict - still got the car. I drag raced for 20 years. I built, raced and still have a Rover V8 frogeye. I built raced and sold an MGBGT V8. I built and sold a V12 BGT. I've had the 1.6 MX from new (so 20 years). The Mk 2.5 owned for 12 years. Now wafting around in an SLK350.
I still love sportscars...but like the idea of the ease of owning/ driving/wafting (with the odd squirt!) in an electric car. We have a drive and garage for charging overnight and a family car for longer trips and tip runs.

Do you race that Sprite at Santa Pod by any chance?

Sorry for delay but Yes I have raced Sprites as "Muscle Sprout" GM9, JM26,JCA4, DCA4 and the "Super Sprite V8" in the Rover Championships.

[Halmyre]

If they ever make an electric MX5 I predict it will have even less boot space than the current version and limited range. It'll be no use for a trip to Italy or Southern France.