“What a thoroughly horrid thing to say”, was my initial thought. But then I realised that it’s in fact true.
I recently read the words of the title in an article about classic cars which get converted into electrical cars. I think it’s prudent to clarify that converting classic cars like this is not something I would ever do myself or have anyone do for me – or for that matter advise anyone to do. But regardless of how I feel about it, there’s no denying that it’s a trend which seems to be getting trendier.
For example, it wasn’t that long ago since Jaguar presented a factory-converted electrical E-type! I think that was mostly a PR-gimmick though. But it wasn’t the first time a design icon was given the electrical treatment – and I doubt it’ll be the last time either. I still recall being quite puzzled as I came across an electrical Citroën DS at a classic car show a few years back.
It’s all too easy to regard it as pure sacrilege! Or one could merely settle with asking: “Why?” – which is probably where I’m currently at. Isn’t this electrification of classic cars just the perfect embodiment of the electrical lemming-effect which the whole automotive industry currently suffers under? That’s been my answer to the question…
But while the title – at least on the face of it – might seem awful, it is perhaps an even better answer. Classic electrical cars aremore exciting than new electrical cars.
And why not? After all, I’m sure we can all agree that classic cars are much more interesting than modern cars. So surely, any classic car enthusiast would also feel better about an electrical classic car than they would about an electrical modern car?
As I started off by saying, that’s not to imply that I’m considering it myself. Not even close. Nor would I ever applaud such a conversion. Yet, I can’t argue against the suggestion that electrical classic cars are indeed the most interesting of all electrical cars.
Just have a look at the video below. This classic Beetle from 1966 has lost its air-cooled boxer engine in favour of a cavalry of batteries. Now you tell me, does it strike you as being more interesting, more charming and more characterful than a modern electrical car?