GT40 goes electric
The Ford GT40 is the latest classic car to get the EV treatment, with UK-based electric conversion company Everrati joining forces with US-headquartered continuation car company Superformance to bring an electric version of the endurance racing icon to low-volume production.
Electrifying the GT40 is part of Everrati and Superformance’s mission to ‘future-proof’ automotive icons for existing and upcoming zero-emissions legislation, suggesting more classics – at least from the Superformance stable - are likely to get the EV treatment after the GT40.
The joint venture, announced on 15 July, continues a history of Anglo-American collaboration that not only produced the original GT40 and Shelby Cobra, but also several American-engined British cars, like the Sunbeam Tiger, Jensen Interceptor and various TVRs and Bristols, to name a few.
New Energy for an Icon
The GT40 has been enjoying renewed popularity in the wake of the 2019 feature film, Ford v Ferrari, and while some reproductions of the iconic four-time Le Mans winner been converted to electric power in the past, these have mostly been one-off efforts by enthusiastic amateurs. The Everrati/Superformance project is a professional effort, back by two companies that, while relatively new, are well-regarded in their respective fields.
Founded in 2019, Everrati have already electrified classics like the 964-generation Porsche 911 (in coupe, targa and convertible form), Mercedes-Benz SL W113 Pagoda and Land Rover Series II. In each instance, the conversions were completed as part of a concours-standard restoration.
Superformance has been distributing South African-built continuations and reproductions of cars like the Shelby Cobra, Shelby Daytona, early Corvettes and Corvette Grand Sports, as well as Ford GT40s, since 1994. Built under licence from GM, Shelby and Safir GT40, most Superformance vehicles are completed as rolling chassis for customers to add their preferred drivetrain combinations, which under the Everrati partnership, will make the electrification process slightly easier.
Positive Move
“This is the perfect partnership,” said Justin Lunny, Founder and CEO, Everrati. “The sole focus of both Everrati and Superformance is iconic cars and Lance and his team (at Superformance) are THE guys when it comes to authorised continuation chassis of some of the most legendary cars in history.
“Marrying these chassis with our advanced EV powertrains and precision engineering will enhance performance while keeping the essence and soul of the original. We aim to create the best electric driver’s cars while, at the same time, future-proofing these true past masters.
“So many legendary cars were created by Anglo American partnerships during the 1960s, so, it feels highly appropriate for Everrati to be partnering with Superformance, furthering not only the legacy of automotive icons but the partnership between the UK and US.”
Lance Stander, CEO of Superformance, is equally enthusiastic about the joint venture.
“I’m very excited about the partnership. Justin and the team at Everrati have a compelling vision for the future, along with the engineering pedigree and expertise to reimagine this automotive icon for the 21st century.
“While I will always love a V8-powered vehicle, there is no doubting the ultra-high performance of Everrati’s advanced EV powertrains. I am genuinely impressed with the lengths to which Everrati goes to maintain the weight distribution and character of the original car. Electrification is the future in so many ways and adds another option for those who love classic sports cars.”
Coming Soon
Development of the first Everrati/Superformance GT40 is already underway. A prototype chassis has been built and is being adapted for conversion from internal combustion engine power to advanced electric propulsion at Everrati’s development centre in Upper Heyford, a former US air base in the English Cotswolds.
The specifications of the type and number of electric motors being employed, their placement in the GT40 chassis (the ICE was mid-mounted) and the type and capacity of battery pack were all unconfirmed at time writing, but Everrati say that meticulous attention to detail is being applied to the electric GT40’s construction, including key factors like the battery location and weight distribution to maintain and enhance the character and soul of the original.
Similarly, safety equipment and interior specification is yet to be confirmed, but the latter will likely be able to personalised to each customer’s taste from a range of options.
Everrati and Superformance say that more details on the first model from the partnership will be announced in the coming months.
