ELECTRIC DEVIL: THE NEAR-50-YEAR-OLD PORSCHE THAT'S STILL AHEAD OF ITS TIME

Electric restomodding is becoming an increasingly popular option for classic car owners who want to continue enjoying their historic automobiles without having to suffer the burden of imprinting carbon emissions on the environment. This is a topic that has left two sides divided since the reveal of early adopters, with one side arguing that it ruins the authenticity of a collectible classic. The other side motivates that electrification makes older cars faster, safer, and more reliable, with multiple other benefits. We also can't deny the noteworthy tax benefits, particularly for European regions that have to pay high carbon taxes for cars that emit high carbon emissions.

Another argument that might promote classic car electrification is the possibility of it being a cheaper option, but the opposite is in fact true. Adding an electric drive unit to an older car requires a lot of cutting, reinforcing, and redesigning. It also makes the car substantially heavier, due to the battery packs. In fact, the battery pack is the biggest reason why this restoration process is such a challenge, but recent developments have made the task a bit of an easier one. One private owner of a classic 930 Porsche 911 racecar embarked on the long journey of converting his beloved vehicle into a more modern electric car. Bear in mind that this was a circumstantial job intended to save the retro German track toy after it was wrecked by a disastrous mudslide in the Silverado Canyon.

The Electric Devil's Miraculous Story

Chris Ashton from Ruffian Cars owned this 1976 Porsche 911 track car as a recreational classic vehicle, but it was sadly affected by a mudslide that hit the Silverado Canyon in California a few years ago. It was originally a John James Racing product, who is one of the highest-rated Porsche motorsport conversion specialists.

This means that it featured a modified flat-six engine with track-day use in mind. After the internals got caked in mud, Ashton decided to retrofit a Tesla electric drive unit to the rear axle, together with an OXD-Power Lithium Battery Pack split between the front and rear trunk. The result is a more rapid track-only 911 that benefits from improved front and rear weight distribution. The project took a total of three years to complete, due to a series of mishaps that Ashton explains in the video below.

Ashton happens to be the owner of Ruffian Cars, so he knows a thing or two about restomodding classic cars into EVs . Ruffian Cars currently specializes in custom electric conversions of classic Ford Mustangs, with the goal of blending vintage muscle car styling with modern EV performance, efficiency, and reliability.

The company focuses on high-quality craftsmanship, using state-of-the-art electric drivetrains and components to create unique, sustainable restomods. Its builds retain the iconic look of the Mustang while delivering impressive electric power and acceleration. Restomodding a Mustang is a bit of an easier task because there's a lot more space to work with. A Porsche 911 suffers from a much more compact platform, which works well if you're trying to make an agile ICE sports car.

The Electric Devil's Incredible Performance Figures

Almost no part of this 911 has been left standard, but that's not because of the EV conversion. In fact, the electrified Frankenstein monster retains most of the parts that John James Racing fitted, but with some minor reconfiguration to accommodate the EV drivetrain. Managing the drive unit is an AEM Centralized Electronic Control System, which includes an AEM vehicle control unit, battery management system, and two power distribution units.

Up front, you'll find Rennline headlights, while Lauern Teile sits on the rear bumper to complete the restomodded appearance. Elephant Racing shocks and struts with camber plates and 935 spring plate kit, Retro RSR swaybars, and chassis reinforcement kit make up the revised chassis. It also features the original Porsche 930 racing brake system.

Performance Specifications

Its connection to the road is a set of 17-inch John James Racing wheels fixed to a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. John James Racing applied the widebody, but Ruffian Cars and Anvil Autos worked together to craft a new set of sideskirts to give it a more muscular appearance. Auto Addiction OC applied the Jägermeister 934-inspired orange paint , resulting in a truly historically inspired electric racing restomod.

The interior features a set of Porsche carbon GT2 buckets with custom upholstery by Auto Addiction OC, an AEM digital electric dash, and an AiM customizable eight-button panel to manage some of the vehicle functions. Keeping things safe while on the track is a John James Racing full roll cage construction, a collapsible steering column, and an onboard fire suppression system.

Fitting A Tesla Powertrain To A 930 Chassis

Ashton details how much of a learning curve building the electric 911 was in the video included above. His first test drive of the model resulted in him sending the 911 straight into a curb and damaging one of the rear wheels, and this was despite having considerable driving experience. Ashton explains that they quickly resolved this by adding a limited-slip differential to the drive unit, which assisted in the distribution of power between the left and right driving wheels. Tesla's drive units feature open differentials and control traction through the braking system, which is a more viable option for a fully electric family sedan.

Despite being such a minimalist build, Ashton included a comprehensive monitoring system that lets him keep track of every single cell, so that he can appropriately manage the state-of-charge and lifespan. This system runs on an independent 12-volt battery also located in the engine bay. As for the drivetrain itself, Ashton notes that the drive unit itself didn't require too many alterations, because it's a more compact drivetrain compared to a full Porsche engine and transmission . They did have to create custom adapters so that the motor could connect to the rear wheels.

Electrifying Classic Cars Contributes To A Cleaner Future

Classic electric car restomodding is always going to be a controversial topic, but it's also a trend that's going to become increasingly popular, especially for those who want to use their cars on a frequent basis. Converting a classic car into an electric vehicle benefits both the environment and the vehicle's longevity. By swapping the internal combustion engine for an electric drivetrain, you immediately cut emissions, reducing the car's carbon footprint and air pollution. Classic cars often emit more pollutants than modern vehicles, so electrifying them brings them in line with contemporary environmental standards. This helps preserve automotive history without a negative ecological impact.

Other Companies Invested In Classic Electric Restorations

• Jaguar transformed its iconic E-Type into an all-electric vehicle, combining timeless design with cutting-edge EV technology.
• Aston Martin created an electric version of its DB6 Volante, maintaining the luxury of the classic while adding zero-emission power.
• Everrati reimagined the classic Porsche 911, replacing the engine with a high-performance electric drivetrain while preserving the car's original aesthetic.
• Charge Cars reworked a classic 1967 Ford Mustang into a high-powered electric car, boasting modern tech inside the vintage body.
• Volkswagen partnered with eClassics to offer a fully electric conversion of the classic Beetle, retaining its iconic design while providing modern performance.
• Lunaz restored and electrified the Rolls-Royce Phantom V, combining luxurious heritage with sustainable, emission-free driving.

Electric motors have fewer moving parts than combustion engines, meaning less wear and tear, which extends the vehicle's lifespan . This also reduces maintenance costs, allowing the car to run longer with fewer mechanical issues. Moreover, converting classics prevents them from being scrapped due to increasingly stringent emissions regulations, preserving their aesthetic and cultural value while making them more sustainable for future generations. Electric conversions also align with future urban restrictions, as more cities move towards banning or limiting fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. Ultimately, converting classic cars to electric drives enhances their relevance in a world that demands greener transportation solutions.

2024-09-13T03:11:10Z dg43tfdfdgfd