DEALER ELECTRIC FIAT 500S FOR SALE
Manufacturer behind eco-friendly cars is also now converting VWs and Porsches to run on electricity
Classic Fiat 500s converted to run on electric power are now being sold through a London dealership. Classic Chrome Ltd is selling the fully restored cars, with prices starting at around £25,000, depending on specification.
Managing director, Garry Shortt, says: ‘ We believe that electric classics are the way forward, with all the restrictions on petrol and dieselpowered cars.’
A demonstrator will be available for test drives at the dealership’s Mortlake premises by the end of this month and cars will be for sale from February onwards.
Garry has been involved with the car’s development with Mid Walesbased Electric Classic Cars, which is converting cars such as the Porsche 911 and Volkswagen Beetle.
The Fiats are powered by motors from HPEVS (High Performance Electric Vehicle Systems) using the Fiat’s original gearbox. The suspension and driveshafts are modified and the cars are fitted with uprated disc brakes.
They will top 60mph, and manage around 60 miles between charges. They can be charged at home overnight via a 13amp plug, or by using the UK’s current network of charging points.
Garry adds: ‘These vehicles are ideal for London conditions, and are extremely cheap to run, with free “historic vehicle” road tax, free congestion charge and even classic car insurance.’
Electric Classic Cars’ Richard Morgan, says: ‘I have always been around classics and owned a few of my own, including a Porsche 914 that I rallied. We were using an Ossett electric bike and I just put two and two together. We’ve had a lot of interest in the conversion of Range Rovers and Land Rovers lately, too.’ Nick larkin classic-chrome.net electricclassiccars.co.uk