EV Classic

20/07/2022

EV Classic is getting some attention. Who would imagine.

Seven Sharp article this Friday 22 July, 7.30pm

When Ben Nolan bought a written-off Lamborghini Gallardo, his first thought was to get rid of the petrol-guzzling V10 engine.

22/11/2021

13/10/2021

One of these is not like the other. The white MG has been converted.

It was great having the chance to compare an original classic and an identical but converted one.

We thought we would do a bit of a road test to compare the two cars. Once we got the yellow car running, cold morning, we headed off. For those who know Wellington, we took off over the Wainuiomata Hill Toad. This is a steep windy road that is the access to the Wainuiomata suburb. We did a bit of a rolling start side by side up the hill. The plan was to accelerate up the hill and see who got there first. Clearly, you can’t beat the torque of an electric car……! The electric car rocked up the hill, accelerating effortlessly, the driver only slowing down to get around the corners! The smooth power is absolutely addictive. Electric motors aren’t quiet. The sound of that motor winding up like a little jet engine is just fantastic! All in 4th gear of course. Meanwhile back in the very far distance was a poor driver hammering down through the gears, winding the poor engine up to the redline and making no headway at all.

We then headed down the steep drop into the valley. The regen braking making it a relaxing trip, no brakes required, and even a little throttle?! In comparison, the yellow car had the usual familiar smell of rather warm brakes. The engine pinking, while the electric motor just nothing…

It was a great day of comparisons. No question the rattle of an old petrol motor is nice to hear, on balance, there was no comparison. I know I might be biased, but I know which I prefer!

10/10/2021

We have just picked up a beautiful little 1971 MGB GT. It is a very clean well looked after example. Tidy interior, fresh paint job and a smooth runner.

Always up for an adventure, rather than transporting it back, I thought I would drive it from Palmerston North back to the Petone workshop. Nice evening with a bit of light rain. Perfect.

We filled up with petrol, checked the oil, water and tyres. Turned onto Fitzherbert Ave and headed past Massey University. That lovely smell of an old car masked by the smell of petrol…… still isn’t that is all part of it? We took off in a surge of 4 cylinder rattle. It was going to be a great trip, you always feel alive in an old car- going back to the real driving experience. Full of charm.

By about Shannon the charm was wearing a bit thin. I had forgotten how noising old cars are, and gutless in modern traffic. I missed the relative quiet and smooth acceleration of the electric car. Still, it was still a real buzz dodging in the traffic around a bunch of big modern cars which these days look so bland and all the same. Also, it is nice being in a car where you are so connected to the car, a real drivers experience.

We eventually got back to the workshop. It was a fun trip, and pretty quick for an old car!
I have to say, it was nice to be climbing back into the electric MG and going home a bit more calmly and quietly.