Iconic Revival

As more brands embrace the electric future, our dreams of owning a reliable vintage car are finally coming true.

Electrification is the wave of the future, and the automobile industry is being swept away by it kicking and screaming. Purists are fighting for their right to rev the engines and blow smoke, even as simpler designs and complicated software’s begin to render internal combustion obsolete. It seems counter-productive to hold on to such antiquated notions of what it means to be a car, yet when it comes to car enthusiasts, antiquity has always been the strongest currency. The vintage car community understands this sentiment deeply, as their favourite machines have long since been lost to time, only surviving on the nostalgia that shines through the classic designs and mechanical precision. It is the only thing that forces people to pay exorbitant amounts of money for vehicles that aren’t even reliable enough for regular use.

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However, there are certain models that have thrived despite the tide of time, either by changing to fit in, or through the grace of owners who don’t mind living in the past. Fortunately for them, modern technologies like 3D printing, custom machining and simplified electrical powertrains are the perfect solution to help retain the old world charm while updating the vehicle for a second life. We are talking about custom vintage restorations that place modern electrical powertrains over vintage body shells and interiors. While there are certain fan projects that have successfully accomplished this feat, what is special about our list is the fact that the companies in question are already involved in creating their own in-house powertrains for these models, so the quality of engineering will certainly be far superior. So let us take a look at a few dream machines that could one day be parked in your own garage.

1967 Mustang Fastback

When it comes to iconic car designs, there is hardly any car that can compete with this particular model of the Mustang. Despite the fact that Mustang already has a current model in production, this particular body remains the most restored version ever; to the point where you can not only get every single nut and bolt of the vehicle from authorised third-party dealers, but even an entire new Aluminium body shell modelled around the year. With such a dedicated fan following around the design, it was only a matter of time before someone took the iconic body and mated it with a custom electric powertrain. The company responsible for this feat is Charge Cars, and they are already in the process of making 499 limited edition 1967 Mustangs for a very select group of people. So, right now is probably the best time to live out your Mustang dreams.

VW Minibus

There are very few vehicles that end up defining an entire generation, let alone culture, but that is exactly what happened with VWs unassuming bus and the counter-culture movement of the 60s. The vehicle represented the freedom to explore new worlds and the sporadic intimacy of a nomadic lifestyle. Interestingly it is also the only model on the list that stayed true to its original design language to its last days. Therefore, it wasn’t a big surprise when VW announced their own plans for a future electric bus, with one of the concepts taking the form of the classic Type 2 design. With the promise of 3D printing parts and a custom electric powertrain, it sure seems that the company is all in for the revival of this cultural icon.

Rolls Royce Phantom

The Phantom is one of the oldest production cars in the world, with a history that dates back to 1925. Even in its current version, it sits on the pinnacle of automotive luxury and refinement. It has also been one of the most reliable cars ever, with even the earliest vintage models running smoothly as ever, to this date. To continue this tradition of bespoke luxury and engineering excellence, the company has announced plans for an all-electric autonomous vehicle, with the promise of custom interior cabins that can be designed entirely by the clients. This means the options to pick not only the materials, but also the layout of the entire vehicle. With such a range of customisations available, it’s not a stretch to imagine a version that comes with a vintage body as well. If the promise of the Vision 100EX is any good, we might just get a chance to find it out for ourselves soon enough.

Mini Cooper

One of the models that helped define the small car category was the Mini. It took simplicity and functionality to a whole new level, and despite its diminutive size, it remained one of the best selling cars of the century, even winning several races and rally accolades to its name. Sadly, the unique design and character that had made it such a runaway hit were lost to time, as the body had to be adjusted to accommodate stricter safety standards and more complicated machinery. The evolution hasn’t stopped either, as the company has officially launched an electric Mini for the masses. While the current design of the electric version isn’t any more appealing than the standard version, it still opens up the possibility of transplanting the company designed internals into a vintage body. It would be the best of both worlds, as the smaller and lighter body will feel even more agile on the heavy and low-to-the-ground electric powertrain. We certainly hope to see more such restorations in the future.

From the January 2020 issue of L’Officiel India.