This is quite the pioneering project. It started with a few simple questions ; "Why are all production EV vehicles devoid of heart and soul? Why is the aftermarket EV-conversion industry so slow to evolve and provide comprehensive systems and solutions? Why can’t you have the best of both worlds: the style and quality of a vintage vehicle with modern performance and functionality?" Well, we say you can have your cake and eat it too! The powertrain is all-modern and was a co-engineering exercise between ICON and Stealth EV. The dual electric motor, transmission-less design provides 470 lb-ft of freight-train torque and the equivalent of 400 horsepower, with no shifts all the way up to the Merc’s 120 MPH top speed. A full Tesla Performance 85kWh battery array is strategically fit throughout the vehicle for exceptional weight balance. It is capable of an estimated 150- to 200-mile range and has 1.5-hour full recharge capability. ICON positioned a CHAdeMO 125A fast-charger plug behind the tilting front license plate frame and also converted the original gas filler into a Tesla supercharger plug to expedite in-transit charging. A pioneering EV management system protects the batteries from overcharging and also provides thermal management and a host of capabilities and protections. This is only the beginning!
To keep it visceral, and to reference the hot rod tradition, we crafted this "motor" in the engine bay. It actually houses some of the Tesla batteries and controller system components. It is CNC'ed in aluminum.
Note the black and red cloth braided lines. Those are actually properly insulated modern high voltage cables, but we wrapped them in the more traditional cloth braided as was the original wiring harness in '49.
The dash has been modified to integrate the A/C vents (patina painted aluminum, design referencing the front grill. All knobs and indicators redesigned, along with the shifter and turn signal stalk. A modern column is fit below the original steering wheel, wrapped in leather. The stock gauges have been replaced, yet still referenced, in the LED display panel which shares all pertinent EV functions and levels.
All leather and textiles are of the highest quality, sourced from non-automotive suppliers. Colors and textures designed to look vintage, but with superior hand and durability.
