Vintage EVs and electro-mods to be showcased at British auto show

(During the month of October, we’re publishing a series of stories on the “futureproofing” of collector cars through the use of electric powertrains, which also are coming to seemingly every automaker’s vehicle lineup. As always, your comments are welcome, and if you have converted a vintage vehicle to electric power, we’d love to share your story with others. Contact us at journal@classiccars.com.)

Here’s one advantage of showcasing electric vehicles at an indoor auto show: The cars can be driven without worrying about emissions. 

Thus the “Our Friends Electric” showcase of classic electric vehicles in Hall 5 of the upcoming Classic Motor Show, November 12-14 at the NEC in Birmingham, England. 

In addition to vintage EVs, several “converted classics” will be displayed in motion at the show sponsored by Lancaster Insurance and Discovery. Twice-a-day drives are planned, with Mike Brewer of the Wheeler Dealers television show providing commentary about the vehicles.

“Electric cars may seem like they’re fast becoming part of our future but what most people don’t realize is that they’ve been part of our motoring heritage for over 100 years,” show director Lee Masters is quoted in a news release.

Among the vintage electric vehicles to be featured is a 1912 Baker Electric, which was powered by nickel-iron batteries produced by Thomas Edison, who was among those who bought and drove a Baker. The Baker is one of only three registered in the UK.

Also being showcased are an electrified Porsche 356; an electric-powered replica of the 1950s Lotus Eleven that raced at Le Mans; a Westfield Sports; the RBW Electric Roadster, which has the body shell of an MGB; and several vehicles converted by Richard Morgan of Electric Classic Cars, including a Mini, Land Rover, Ferrari and BMW 2002.

“With some classics being converted and other ‘restomods’ coming to market, we wanted to highlight the options available to enthusiasts who are interested in electric motoring but still want that classic styling,” show manager Morgan noted. “It’s a perfect fit for our show theme of The Journey Continues…”