Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

peter scott · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 7214 Location: Edinburgh

I just watched a TV program showing the conversion of a VW Karman Ghia.

The batteries cost £10k. The motor £4k and installation and other parts brought the final bill up to £30k.

The car had better performance and handling than the original and a maximum range 150 to 170 miles.

I don't think I'll be going down that route for a car with no heater.

Peter
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1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 7105 Location: Derby

The Karman Ghia may well convert well to electric but without being rude it was always just a beetle in a party frock.

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22784 Location: UK

I just cannot see the point or appeal in converting a classic car to an EV, the engine and how it sounds and works is the heart of a car and often its defining feature. A 1970s 911 at the NEC the other day had been converted and had been ruined IMO. I can only assume that such cars appeal to posers in their Steve McQueen Gulf Oils jackets who want the look but have no interest in, or concept of, a car's history, and how/why it (in the case of this 911) became to be as revered as it is today. Next they'll be piping digitised 911 engine sounds into the cabin (if they aren't already).

I partially "get" brand new EVs in city centre locations and where long trips aren't often attempted, although hybrids PHEVs seem to make more sense to me.

RJ
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peter scott · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 7214 Location: Edinburgh

Perhaps folk converting old cars are desperate to be seen using them in London's ULEZ but they must be planning a lot of use just to avoid the polluting vehicle charges.

Peter
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https://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

Miken · Joined: 24 Dec 2012 Posts: 577

It seems a bit pointless to do an alteration like this at the moment, but I think that 10-15 years after the last new petrol car has been sold in this country and the demand and supply for fuel has inevitably declined, more people will consider converting their old car to electric. Although a large proportion won't be able to afford to do this or be so inclined.
If I'm correct, I can't see many people paying a lot of money to buy an old car and then a lot more to convert it. In which case I think a lot of old vehicles will become difficult to sell.

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 7105 Location: Derby

alastairq · Joined: 14 Oct 2016 Posts: 2119 Location: East Yorkshire

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 7105 Location: Derby

ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4236 Location: South Cheshire

I was at a car show in Manchester a couple of years ago, where Ed China was giving a talk; much (I suspect) to the disappointment of the audience, he raved on about electric conversions being the way forward for the classic movement!

I really don’t get it, in the main the interest and preservation of an old car has to be about about the whole thing, preserving the technology and style of the period, granted there have and always will be folk who want to modify their vehicle with a different engine or a special body, and I wouldn’t object to an individual doing that as it’s also part of our heritage.

Just don’t force me to fit an electric motor!

Dave

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 7105 Location: Derby

It seems to me that we are our own worst enemy. The more valuable the car the less it matters if it is allowed onto the road or not. The best Classic cars are hoarded by collectors like priceless works of art and are seldom - if ever - driven on public roads. All those trailer queens are good for is an investment.

The only hope for the rest of us seems to be the tax revenue that the hobby brings in. It is as we know worth bllions£ to the economy.

One little matter that may hold more sway than we realise is the the London to Brighton Veteran car run.

Could it be that the thing that spawned the preservation of old cars be the same thing that could save it. The Run is an intrinsic part of our National Heritage and woe betide any Government that deliberately ruins it.

Miken · Joined: 24 Dec 2012 Posts: 577

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 7105 Location: Derby

It has always been the case that if you pass your test in an automatic your license will not entitle you to drive a manual.

It is also not mandatory to have driving lessons before sitting the test.

Miken · Joined: 24 Dec 2012 Posts: 577

mikeC · Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2021 9:45 am Post subject:

[quote="Ray White"]

ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4236 Location: South Cheshire