Not one, but two electro-modded classic Porsche 911s are set up cause a kerfuffle in California. Against the backdrop of a Concours d’Elegance where absolute originality is all that counts, the cars from Britain’s Everrati and Connecticut’s Sacrilege Motors are sure to draw crowds.
The big question is whether the masses will be carrying pitchforks or check books. How will traditional classic car enthusiasts react to the removal of a sonorous and characterful flat-six engine in favour of a near-silent drivetrain?
In the case of the rather knowingly-named Sacrilege Motors it’s a 1992 991 America Roadster that receives the EV treatment. A 500bhp single-gear motor is powered by a 62kWh battery to provide a claimed range of 200 miles and 0-60 acceleration of less than four seconds. Adjustable Penske race shocks and uprated Brembo brakes are fitted to help deal with the car’s 1,450kg weight.
“Our passion for Porsche cars is paramount to this project,” says Bobby Singh, Sacrilege Motors’ president and technical lead. “We want to deliver an analog, air-cooled-era 911 with the reliability and instant power of an EV, while preserving an exhilarating driving experience that’s familiar to air-cooled 911 enthusiasts. Retaining the 911’s best handling characteristics, with added performance and upgraded components, all while reducing its environmental impact, was our ultimate goal. We’ve kept the same weight distribution, which is crucial to the car feeling like a Porsche 911 should.”
Not far down the coast Everrati will be displaying one of the first cars built by U.S. partner Aria Group. The carbon fibre wide-bodied 964 is finished in Mexico Blue and will be exhibited alongside a concours-condition 911 S from 1970 – which, for the time being at least, still has its original motor.
“We are excited for visitors to see up close our redefined 911, which represents our mission to future-proof and preserve the most iconic cars ever created, to be enjoyed by future generations,” says CEO Justin Lunny.
On the 75th anniversary of the Porsche 911’s introduction does 2023 mark a turning point for the future of classic cars or will the resistance to electrification be too strong?
