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Oldtimer are beautiful, but have a number of disadvantages in terms of equipment, safety and emissions compared to modern cars. You can change that with the electric classic cars. Quite contemporary even.
There are currently two exciting trends in classic car restorations: While some companies specialize in the electrification of old cars, so-called restomod experts are trying to modernize old cars both optically and technically. This also fits together, as our five examples show.
Opel Manta
The presentation of the Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD in spring caused a sensation. The basis for the conversion project completed by the manufacturer was a Manta from 1973, in which the original fascination of the original was optically preserved. At the same time, however, the Manta was upgraded with LED lights, a fully digital cockpit and battery-electric drive. With 108 kW / 147 PS, the latter provides significantly more momentum than the old petrol engine. Only the range of the 31 kWh battery of a good 200 kilometers could dampen the euphoria for some. This also applies to Opel's ambitions to offer such conversions to customers: Unfortunately, it is officially a one-off, with which Opel wants to build a bridge between the past and the electric future for marketing reasons.
Hyundai pony
This is the job of a 1974 Hyundai Pony that has been converted into a Stromer. Here, too, the manufacturer has electrified the drive itself and given the vehicle a modern twist on the outside and inside. The exterior paintwork in matt silver, camera-based exterior mirrors as well as U-shaped LED taillights and LED round headlights with pixel graphics are new. The latter is to be understood as a reference to the light units of the new Ioniq 5 electric car. The renovated interior offers a mix of high-quality materials as well as modern and classic-looking equipment elements. The instrument panel with illuminated vacuum tubes is unusual. There are digital touch sensors for gear selection, and there is a storage space for cell phones next to it. Voice control is also on board. Hyundai does not provide any information about the battery-electric drive of the Restomod pony.
Porsche 911
The English company Everrati converts old Porsche 911s not only for show purposes, but also as an object of sale for solvent customers. The British have developed a renovation concept called Signature especially for the Porsche 911 of the 964 series, in which new body parts made of carbon are fitted to make the vehicle wider. Instead of an air-cooled six-cylinder, Everrati installs a 372 kW / 506 PS electric motor and a 53 kWh battery pack. The sprint to 100 km / h should succeed in under four seconds, the range should be 240 kilometers. Modern chassis components and a discreetly modernized interior round off the measures. If you want, you can equip the Stromer with two tailpipes and an engine sound simulator. If you want an Everrati Signature, you have to invest around 350.000 euros.
Ford Bronco
In the USA, the Californian company Zero Labs has specialized in refining old Ford Bronco and converting the drive to electric. The basis is the Bronco generation built between 1967 and 1977. Customers can choose between a Classic or Restomod conversion. With the Classic, licensed replica steel sheets are installed. The modern variant, on the other hand, has a body composed of carbon parts, which ensures weight savings. The Restomod-Bronco can be recognized by the closed radiator grille with Zerolabs lettering and LED daytime running lights. There is also a choice of 220 kW / 300 PS rear-wheel drive or a twin-engine all-wheel drive with 440 kW / 600 PS. A 70 kWh battery supplies the traction current that is sufficient for around 300 kilometers. For its e-broncos, Zero Labs is calling for prices between 160.000 and 210.000 euros.
Fiat Spider
The company Roadster Salon, which specializes in the Fiat Spider 124, is also based in the USA. It brings the cute Italo diva from the 80s back into shape with new brakes, suspension elements and steering components. In addition, the combustion engine is exchanged for two electric motors from the Electric GT company, including a traction battery. The electric drive with 147 kW / 200 PS and 270 Newton meters of torque enables a sprint from standstill to 100 km / h in around seven seconds and a maximum of 210 km / h. The E-Spider costs the equivalent of around 120.000 euros, alternatively the Americans also offer a junior version at prices from around 76.000 euros.
