Tag Archives: restomod

News

A basic, remixed: Driving an electrical Mercedes SL Pagoda

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Who spends nearly half 1,000,000 kilos on an electrified restomod? According to Everrati, it’s a really eclectic bunch.

Many of its clients are within the US; round one-third of them are feminine; and a few don’t but have a driving licence however are as an alternative the lucky beneficiaries of petrolhead mother and father foreseeing a zero-emissions future and ordering an EV basic to make sure their offspring could have one thing really particular to drive. 

Perhaps what’s much more hanging is that some patrons are already on their second or third Everrati.

The Oxfordshire-based electric car specialist has grown impressively since I final drove one among its automobiles, the Porsche 964-based ‘Signature’, nearly three years in the past. 

The mannequin vary now encompasses varied Land Rovers, a Ford GT40 tribute and this Nineteen Sixties Mercedes-Benz SL, which, alongside a brand new ‘Engineering by Everrati’ consultancy division, ensures its workforce has swelled. 

Founder and CEO Justin Lunny smiles as he lists the earlier firms on his workers’ collective CV: McLaren, Bentley, Rimac and Singer are essentially the most spectacular. “People are coming to us, we don’t have to go looking for them,” he says.

While the 911s and GT40s that got here earlier than the SL are able to whipping web sites’ feedback sections and social media platforms into frenzies, maybe this W113-generation SL ‘Pagoda’ is a safer guess: it’s a automotive that hasn’t historically traded on excessive revs and a sonorous soundtrack as a part of the expertise. 

It additionally helps show the idea of a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive automotive with the Everrati powertrain system; Lunny hints at way more to return from the set-up that’s shoehorned into the Pagoda’s compact transmission tunnel. Astons, Jags, Rolls-Royces… The prospects are monumental.

Bring Everrati a donor automotive – it may be a 230, 250 or 280SL – and its straight-six engine and gearbox are eliminated and changed by an electrical motor (made by Helix, whose tech powers the Lotus Evija) and a selection of two batteries: you’ll be able to have 54kWh or 68kWh for a 160-or 200-mile vary respectively. 

Motorsport

This Restomod Jeep Cherokee SJ Costs As Much As Two Wrangler 392s

We see a good variety of restomod SUVs based mostly on icons just like the Ford Bronco and Land Rover Defender, however the first-gen Jeep Cherokee would not appear to get as a lot love. This 1980 Cherokee breaks the mildew, exuding the fashion of the period with the colourful stripes of the well-known Golden Hawk package deal because of an organization referred to as JeepHeritage.

The first-gen Cherokee, which fits by the inner designation SJ, is much less boxy and extra visually complicated than the XJ that adopted in its footsteps. This one’s Golden Hawk package deal accentuates these placing traces. The base colour is Bordeaux Metallic, with darkish grey, brown, and beige stripes adorn the hood, flanks, and tailgate. The Golden Hawk branding is on the perimeters and rear. The wheels put on a bronze colour that completely matches the remainder of the physique’s earth-tone palette.


Opinion

Our favorite automobiles of 2023: Peugeot 205 GTi Tolman Edition

Is ‘restomod fatigue’ a factor? I’m unsure, however whether it is, then I’ve definitely been affected by one thing prefer it over the previous yr or so.

The early exponents of this updating artwork have been pretty easy of their strategy, serving up a sharper driving expertise whereas retaining the donor automobile’s retro appears to be like and character.

Yet just lately the scene seems to have modified, the emphasis shifting to outlandish money-no-object initiatives that seemingly obliterate the unique machine’s character in pursuit of the coffee-run (ugh!) bragging rights of a well-heeled few.

However, the Tolman 205 GTi proved that it doesn’t must be this fashion.

For starters, it truly appears to be like just like the automobile it’s primarily based on, to the purpose that even eager lion lovers will most likely dismiss it as a inventory instance, albeit a fantastically saved one.

And whereas the period-perfect exterior and inside disguise some closely modded mechanicals, not one of the many modifications dilutes the quick French hatch’s core enchantment.

James Disdale driving Tolman Peugeot 205 GTi

If you’ve pushed a 205 beforehand, then a blast within the Tolman will convey joyful reminiscences, and in case you haven’t, then you definately’ll quickly perceive what the fuss was about.

Yes, it’s sooner than the outdated automobile (a bespoke 200bhp twin-cam 16-valve 1.9-litre motor sees to that) however the razor-sharp throttle response and traditional hot hatch big-engine-in-a-small-car vibe stay intact.

And whereas there’s a welcome injection of precision, management and braking energy, the Tolman handles with the identical old-school Gallic aptitude as the unique, its acrobatic agility, fluid journey and limitless throttle adjustability serving up engagement and leisure no matter pace or circumstance.

News

Carbon-bodied Kamm 912c is 699kg Porsche 911

Tuning specialist and restomod producer KAMM has upgraded its ultra-exclusive 912c sports activities automobile with a extra highly effective, super-lightweight, carbonfibre-bodied version.

The automobile, which is predicated on the 1965 Porsche 912, is made utterly out of carbon fibre, and is tipped to weigh in at 699kg when absolutely homologated for the street. 

This represents a 300kg lower from the 1965 automobile (initially produced as a funds Porsche 911), and a weight saving of 51kg from the unique Kamm 912c, which is simply partly constructed from carbon fibre and can stay on sale alongside this new model.

Kamm founder Miklós Kázmér stated: “I’m a perfectionist and constantly search revolutionary new methods to enhance the 912c. Our new carbonfibre physique is a good instance of that, with good match, unimaginable power, and additional weight saving. In addition, the 2024 912c will supply a spread of enhancements to additional improve driving pleasure and provides an much more rewarding possession expertise.”

Underneath, the absolutely carbonfibre 912c good points a sequence of efficiency adjustments that embody an influence increase to the air-cooled 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, improved aerodynamics aimed toward excessive pace stability and diminished wind noise.

In the usual automobile, this engine produces 187bhp, has a 0-62mph time of 6.0sec and a high pace of 140mph. With such a major weight saving, these figures are prone to be additional improved upon.

Elsewhere, it stays near the unique 912c in its near-50-50 weight distribution, five-speed ‘dogleg’ gearbox, ZF limited-slip differential, hydraulic handbrake, and multi-adjustable dampers.

Inside, it will get upgraded air-con together with an improved stereo system to make it suitable with fashionable smartphones. This comes with the usual automobile’s bespoke carbon fibre seats, light-weight carpeting, and carbonfibre inside trim.

Motorsport

This Gorgeous Porsche 911 Restomod Has A Carbon Body And Five-Stage Dampers

Theon Design has created another stunning vehicle following the debut of its first 964-based restomod back in March. The second sports car, named “GBR002,” showcases a handsome Oak Green exterior with dark ‘ghost’ stripes and is equipped with 18-inch Fuchs-style wheels. This model also boasts increased power.

The 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine generates 406 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. This power is delivered via a proper six-speed manual transmission, an improvement over the 400 hp produced by Theon Design’s first model.

Theon Design Porsche 911 Restomod GBR002

GBR002’s body is entirely made of carbon fiber, reducing its curb weight to just 2,577 pounds – 440 pounds less than the original. This results in power delivery at a rate of 100 hp per liter, which is only slightly less than a modern 911 GTS.

The vehicle features a new five-stage TracTive electronic damping system that works with a limited-slip differential to enhance cornering performance. Additionally, Theon Design has equipped this model with a full RS braking kit.

Theon Design Porsche 911 Restomod GBR002
Theon Design Porsche 911 Restomod GBR002

The interior features reworked knobs and dials in billet aluminum, along with muslin leather seat and door panel covers. Additionally, unique green and gray woven accents adorn the dash, complementing the exterior colors.

While the price for this particular car is not disclosed, Theon Design’s builds typically start at around £380,000 in the UK or $482,000 at current conversion rates. This places these 911 restomods at a slightly more affordable range compared to some of the more recent Singer models, which can reach into the millions.

News

MGB reborn with electric power, keeps manual gearbox

MGB restomod specialist Frontline Cars has relaunched with a pair of bespoke sports cars based on the classic MGB GT, led by an electric conversion that pairs an electric motor with a fully functional manual gearbox.

The electric model, called the Bee GT, aims to provide an engaging and enjoyable driving experience despite its modern powertrain. Equipped with a Hyper 9 100V motor, it delivers torque comparable to a conventional combustion engine and has a rev range of up to 9000rpm. The Bee GT can reach 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds, thanks to its 114bhp and 162lb ft of torque that is sent to the rear wheels.

Frontline claims that the electric motor allows the Bee GT to start and stop in any of its five gears, eliminating the risk of stalling. Additionally, the driver has the option to exclusively drive the car in second and third gear.

The Bee GT comes with a 40kWh battery, which offers a claimed range of 140 miles, a range that Frontline believes is sufficient for enjoyable electric car ownership. It takes approximately five hours to fully recharge the battery using a 7kWh charge point.

Frontline MGB Bee front quarter driving

The Bee GT is notably lighter than most electric sports cars, weighing only 1186kg compared to the Abarth 500e’s 1410kg. The weight is evenly distributed over each axle.

Inside the Bee GT, the original rev counter is replaced with a power delivery gauge that shows how much of the electric motor’s potential or energy recuperation is being used. The remaining range is displayed on the fuel gauge.

Externally, the Bee GT features subtle styling modifications, including period-correct Dunlop racing wheels and a more aggressive front chin spoiler. It is available as both a coupé and a roadster, with the roadster variant omitting the ‘GT’ moniker.

Frontline MGB Bee charging port

Motorsport

Eccentrica Lamborghini Diablo Restomod Combines Minimalism, Modern Tech

The Eccentrica, a prototype restomod based on the 1990s Lamborghini Diablo, was unveiled in Milan today. Initiated by entrepreneur and Lamborghini collector Emanuel Colombini, it combines the work of the BorromeodeSilva design firm, a team of engineers and technicians who worked on the prototype’s development, and premium brands like Pirelli, Brembo, Marantz, Capristo, and Alcantara participating as partners.

The Eccentrica prototype maintains the essence of the original Diablo while offering a more modern driving experience through numerous technological and design upgrades. It retains the original car’s bold proportions while utilizing composite materials and a reinforced and hardened steel tubular chassis. The interior blends 1990s minimalism with state-of-the-art mechanics.