5 Classic Cars Transformed Into Electric Vehicles

A restomod is what you get when you combine the words “restoration” and “modification.” These are typically classic cars equipped with modern parts and technology. They retain the car’s original look and style while improving on performance, comfort, convenience, safety, and reliability.

A new crop of restomods has been springing up for the last few years: Classic cars with modern, electric powertrains. It may seem blasphemous, but you’ll want to check out the craftsmanship and execution of these projects.

1. ECD Land Rover Defender 110

Though we wouldn’t be surprised to see an official all-electric Land Rover soon, one company is getting a head start. ECD Automotive Design offers an electrified Defender 110 based on the original chassis that’s been rebuilt from the ground up.

Rather than designing an electric motor itself, ECD borrowed one from the Tesla Model S P100D. Two Tesla batteries, totaling 100 kWh, feed power to the 612-horsepower electric motor, which is connected to the stock four-wheel drive system. This truck will hit 60 MPH from a standstill in 5.5 seconds and has a range of about 200 miles.

Though a Tesla motor powers it, this truck lacks the luxury features you get in those EVs. You get an electric display and some updated gauges, but aside from that, there’s not much to distinguish this interior from that of an original Defender.

2. AC Cobra Series 1 electric

AC Cars have been intermittently reviving the Cobra over the years. This offering is based on the 1962 model, but it does not use any original parts. The AC Cobra Series 1 electric’s steering, brakes, and chassis were built to accommodate an electric motor.

That electric motor produces 310 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, propelling this new Cobra from 0-60 MPH in 6.5 seconds. The 54 kWh battery is good for 150 miles of range.

3. Lunaz 1953 Jaguar XK120

Lunaz was founded in 2018 to “further the legacies of the most beautiful cars in the world.” Among the company’s first projects was a 1953 Jaguar XK120. You’d be hard-pressed to find any difference between an original XK120 and the electrified one from Lunaz, but that’s the whole point.

Lunaz uses in-house powertrains, and the XK120 gets two electric motors that send 375 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. That’s more than twice the power of the original Jag. The 80 kWh battery pack is good for 250 miles of range.

It’s not just about electrification. The Lunaz XK120 gets modern suspension, power steering, fly-by-wire throttle, and regenerative brakes. Comfort and convenience come via modern climate control, cruise control, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an infotainment screen with satellite navigation. Safety features include traction control and antilock brakes.

4. Zero Labs Ford Bronco

Zero Labs offers an electrified version of the first-generation Bronco, using meticulously restored vehicles. There are numerous options available: Do you want the factory steel body or one spun out of carbon fiber? Soft top, hard top, or no roof at all? Racing shocks or air-ride suspension?

You can get a single electric motor that powers the rear wheels or opt for dual motors putting out 600 horsepower to all four wheels. Upgrade to the 100 kWh battery for 235 miles of range.

Standard features include push-start ignition, power windows, regenerative braking, digital display, and Bluetooth.

5. Charge Cars 1967 Ford Mustang

This EV is technically not a restomod because it’s not based on an original car. Charge Cars uses officially licensed Ford bodyshells for its creations, and this one is based on the 1967 Mustang Fastback.

Four electric motors replace the big V8 — one for each wheel. The combined peak output is 536 horsepower and 1,106 pound-feet of torque, propelling this electrified pony car from 0-60 MPH in 3.9 seconds. The 62 kWh battery pack is good for 200 miles of range. The drivetrain is sourced from EV company Arrival.

This Mustang EV packs in the safety with traction control ABS, electronic stability control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition. Cruise control, keyless, access and digital interfaces are also standard.