Real-Life EV Conversions: Classics to Modern
Nothing screams badass like a car that looks like it just rolled out of a vintage calendar while packing the punch of 400 volts. Actually, it doesn’t even scream—not in the traditional sense, anyway. A vintage classic that roars in pure silence, now that’s what we’re talking about. Raw performance, sleek style, and the sheer joy of gliding past gas-guzzlers without a whiff of tailpipe smoke. This is an art form that’s on the come-up in a big way, and we’re going to talk about a few of our favorite pieces. Welcome to the first part of our Real-Life EV Conversions series.
1. Porsche 911 Carrera
Source: https://newatlas.com/automotive/moment-motors-classic-cars-electric-vehicle-retromod-conversion/
Imagine a 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera, its Miami Blue body shimmering in the Texas sun, silently gliding across the pavement. Your body instinctively knows that this isn’t your average Porsche. And it gives you goosebumps. This Porsche is the creation of Moment Motors, a garage that turns classics into modern masterpieces without sacrificing a shred of their original flair. Moment Motors is a car nuts dream come true, with vintage classics lining the shop from wall to wall. From Jaguar E-Types–like the Series 1 XK-E–to Healy 3000s to Porsche 911s, MM knows how to handle a classic. Their EV conversions pack Tesla underpinnings, delivering insane performance while maintaining the cars’ vintage heritage. The beauty of these conversions is that they’re completely reversible and non-destructive out of respect for the original craftsmanship. You can take that electric motor out if you’re feeling nostalgic and pop the old gas engine back in. But who would want to?
2. Fuel2Electric’s 1966 Mustang
Source: https://electrifynews.com/news/electrify-expo/electrify-showoff/classic-power-modern-innovation-1966-ford-mustang-ev-conversion-john-wilson-fuel2electric/
Our very own John Wilson built one of the most polished EV conversions in the world. Partnering with Southern Street Machines, John installed two NetGain Hyper9 motors and Tesla battery modules, delivering 140 miles of range while keeping the car’s iconic look and feel. The project maintained the original driving experience with a three-speed manual transmission and period-correct EV gauges—but what really makes this build special is how well preserved the car's soul is. It still drives and feels like the classic Mustang enthusiasts love. Its electric drivetrain smooth as silk, but the car’s interior looks as if it was frozen in time in 1966, creating a stunning contrast between classic heritage and modern tech. This project won John the Best Interior award at the Denver Electrify Expo.
3. 1960 Ford F-100
Source: https://foremostev.com/1960-ford-f-100-ev/
Foremost EV, one of Fuel2Electric’s premier partner shops, converted a striking 1960 Ford F-100. It is a gorgeous powerhouse blend of iconic classic design and the most advanced EV technology on the market. The specs: this truck features dual Hyper 9 motors delivering an astonishing 692 lb-ft of torque and 260 horsepower. With a 78kWh battery, the F-100 offers a range of 180-200 miles on a single charge, making it an ideal daily driver while maintaining its rugged, iconic look. The truck also received a full aesthetic restoration, including a satin pearl white vinyl wrap, black powder-coated chrome accents, and a sleek air ride suspension for a smooth, adjustable ride.
4. 1961 Chevy Corvair Wagon
Source: https://electrifynews.com/news/electrify-expo/electrify-showoff/how-a-1961-chevy-corvair-wagon-became-an-award-winning-ev-conversion-at-electrify-showoff/#jp-carousel-36275
If you want a story that embodies the grit of what an EV conversion takes, look no further than Terry Breheny’s story. Terry is a lifelong hot-rod enthusiast and the man behind State Of Charge - the one and only EV conversion annual conference, in Denver, CO. He’s a legend in the EV conversion community, and his 1961 Chevy Corvair Wagon was a labor of love. Converting it with the Atom Drive System, the Wagon delivers an awesome 340 HP and 3,000 lb-ft of torque. And he did so much more to make his passion project a true winner—one that went on to win him the Best Stance award in Denver at Electrify Showoff. And Terry isn’t stopping either—he’s bringing the next generation of EV enthusiasts the knowledge they need with his hands-on training program.
Enthusiasts are all about conversions for myriad reasons, but we’ll give you the main ones. EV conversions give you acceleration, power, and reliability that these cars could never have dreamed of back in their day. You get to keep their timeless style while selfishly driving them whenever you want. Whether it’s a Chevy Corvair, a Porsche 911, a Mustang, or an F-100, these conversions show that the heart of classic cars can keep getting stronger with every new generation. Just with a little less noise and a lot more power. These real-life stories prove exactly that.
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