Not sure if this has been referred too before, but happened to drop on it by accident. Thought some of you may be interested.
https://www.behance.net/gallery/1437...a-Vision-Alpha
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Not sure if this has been referred too before, but happened to drop on it by accident. Thought some of you may be interested.
https://www.behance.net/gallery/1437...a-Vision-Alpha
Nice rendition - looks like that body might fit an LB chassis !
I read the story about Lancia dealers struggling to shift the Stratos and it?s not like you see the Emira or even the Boxster up the sales charts and Alfa pulled the plug on the 4c.
As this is a site with more than a few Hawk/LB readers I guess we should hope a Craig White or Gerry Hawkridge of the future can develop a carbon tub kit to which drivers can add in Fiat electricals cos at the moment, honestly, the makers of electric cars seem to reach for the ugly stick. I?m investing a lot of hope in Renault not ruining the R5E Alpine concept.
I'm still struggling with the idea of having to lug a tonne of batteries around - however the chassis is configured. I cant help thinking that the technology isnt there yet - I think we're still at the Model T Ford stage of electric car development (whatever happended to epicyclic gearboxes and central clutch pedals?) - rather than the final iteration and that we will no doubt see some more ingenious attempts to resolve the weight and the aesthetics into an attractive package but it will still be a compromise for a year or two yet.
Electric kits seem to be a very specialist area at the moment but no doubt there will be some interesting kit developments in the near future - and maybe a need for specialist training before we are allowed to be let loose on high voltage cabling.
I?ll you one thing. I?ve been looking for an electric motor company to refurbish / rebuild all the electrics I?ve been amassing for my build. All that comes up is companies, 10s of them already all wanting to convert classics to electric power. Frankly I think taking a motor out of a classic whether it be a B series in an MGB or a 308 Dino it?s absolute vandalism. I can just about get my head round having a new series Fiat 500e to go to the shops but taking motoring heritage that is doing so very little harm and wrecking it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stratos Fear
Did you read about the poor sod who had a classic Mini converted to electric? Picked up by DVLA when a change was submitted, queried and told to submit for an IVA test? Failed due to a hole cut in the bodywork somewhere. And to add insult to injury reversion to original power wouldn't allow him to keep the original registration... ?20k spent and written off apparently! Absolute lunacy from pen pushers!
Guy this is a quote from the owner of the Mini you ar referring to.
As some of you know, I restored a 1960 Mini ditching the 850cc engine for an electric motor.
Unfortunately, DVLA said that because I drilled holes in the boot, it is now a modified kit-car.
They couldn't fault the conversion, but due to the holes my car needs an IVA test which it could never pass.
They refused to allow the holes to be welded up so this is terminal, the car is scrap.
This has now been reported in the press a little, by those who actually believe that it is real (it is a little like ''I married Elvis on the moon").
My MP has written 3 times and been fobbed off 3 times.
The British Classic car EV industry is in big trouble and trying to get a liaison going with the dept of Transport to establish a code of some sort to allow them to stay in business in light of this DVLA idiocy.
The holes I drilled were to safely mount the batteries. The conversion was designed by a Doctor of engineering and a degree qualified engineer, but over ruled as unsafe by a bureaucrat.
IMHO if DVLA get away with twisting their old rules to apply to the new issue of classic car EV conversions, then what is to stop them from popping up any car show, finding a car with a hole drilled, rusted or otherwise, and insisting it should have an IVA and then a Q-plate.
So if you or anyone you know is planning a conversion, be careful. My lovely Mini no longer has a registration and I'm not even allowed to convert it back to petrol, even if I thought that was ethical in light of the planet pollution problem!
Thanks Kenny - looks like it gets worse!
Isnt there a Trade body that could plead the case on the part of the Kit car / restomod (dare I use this word?) industry ?
So you're not a fan of Vintage Voltage then? I find it quite tempting when I see immaculate P6 Rovers selling for 3 or 4 grand - and then maybe to convert one to electric for another ?20-25k . What's not to like ? A P6 or similar is hardly a DB6 is it?Quote:
I can just about get my head round having a new series Fiat 500e to go to the shops but taking motoring heritage that is doing so very little harm and wrecking it.
Having been through the IVA process 3 times in the last year (twice unexpectedly !) it is challenging but not impossible . The Mini owner should persevere.
Not a huge fan no. Apologies if you are associated to them in any way but my reasoning is this.
Many surviving classics are all about their engine. Any Alfa or Lancia or indeed Fiat, any MGB - the B series was described as a duck farting through long grass but that’s it, that’s the car. What’s a classic BMW without its M10 or straight 6. Even a mk1 Freelander was unusual as they fitted the high revs fantastic when they are working k. Can anyone imagine a mk1 mx5 with a battery. The car is famous for marrying that concept to the twin cam and slick box. When it comes to Stratos replicas, it’s just impractical if not impossible to source Dinos. But I’ve no doubt had the Busso been available that’s what it would have got as it’s been used in many rally cars and a supercharged twin cam must have been in the running so to my mind both engines are entirely reasonable substitutes. The PRV also makes sense.
There are a handful of cars saddled with a bad motor that survive. I used to have a Matra Murena and it was saddled with the most mundane motor ever but even most MEC members would faint it was given volts.
Then there is the compromise. To the extent there are issues with EV it’s range. Surely the range of a converted classic is going to be dire. Classics can be used for high days and holidays. For all their shortcomings enthusiasts do like a road trip. Look at the Northern Run Out - how many people in my region got to see a piece of history, the worlds most famous car because a handful made the trip.
If people want a classic EV both Morgan and Caterham will need to adopt in due course and Porsche and Lotus already have . At some point we’ll have an electric mx5 designed for that purpose. If the poor chap with his mini could have his time again would a mini spirit or Ogle kit have been a better starting point?
Andrew you make some good and valid points but I am thinking that some of the older cars are no longer quite as practical as daily runners but have a great period appearance - like a P6 Rover, a Triumph 2000 or a Sunbeam Rapier . If electrification keeps them on the road as practical daily - or regular - runners then I think that's preferable to keeping them locked in a garage for 9 months of the year - but each to his own ! I dont feel that strongly either way but can see both sides of the argument.
Interesting article (but an unfortunate typo - the shipping Co. apparently "burns all E-cars , hybrids ..... " .) I think it should be "bans" - but interesting that when they do catch fire they are very much more difficult to extinguish.
My family owned both a Rapier with Twin Carbs and a Triumph 2000. The 2000 is fine as long as you replace the fuel hoses. The rapier engine wise is just fine.
With all three cars the engine is not the issue to their continued operation, it’s keeping the bodywork right. It’s another reason why for real longevity and usability the Stratos appeals. Try and find a competent welder to do automotive welding…I have burnt through many panels.
As this is a Stratos forum I just had this thought. In 600 years time will people visit a city in Italy to see Gandini’s Stratos as we go to Florence to see Michelangelo’s David now.