The legendary Le Mans-winning Ford GT40 is being electrified thanks to a collaboration between electric powertrain company Everrati and Superperformance, a 1960s sports car component specialist.
The Ford GT40 dominated the latter half of the 1960s sportscar racing scene and, in various iterations, won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four times on the spin – beating the likes of Ferrari to the podium.
However, this new version ditches the V8 in favour of an electric drivetrain developed by Everrati. The chassis, meanwhile, will be created under license from General Motors by Superperformance.
“This is the perfect partnership,” says Justin Lunny, founder and CEO of Everrati. “The sole focus of both Everrati and Superformance is iconic cars and Lance [CEO of Superperformance] and his team 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.”
While Superperformance is known for its meticulous recreations of legendary ICE cars, Everrati claims that the new electric powertrain will not harm the character of the GT40 too much, with battery location and weight distribution being key.
“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,” says Lance Stander, CEO of Superperformance. “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.”
While shoehorning batteries into a classic V8-powered race car might seem heretical to some Everrati has nothing but the best of intentions.
The company was founded to further the legacies of some of the most desirable and iconic cars in the world, redefining and precision re-engineering them with state-of-the-art electric drivetrains, maintaining and enhancing the character of the original. Each Everrati is fitted with a custom-designed electric power unit and battery system, leading to enhanced performance and a zero-emissions future.
It’s important to note, however, that while you will be able to spec your GT40 replica with an Everrati electric motor and batteries, Superperformance will still sell you one with a V8 ICE engine. Everrati, meanwhile, offers customers the ability to commission their own electric Mercedes-Benz SL W113 Pagoda, Porsche 911 (964) Coupe, Targa, and Convertible, as well as a Series-II Land Rover.
There’s no word on pricing, however.
Creating battery-powered versions of classic cars is quite the fad at the moment. Opel has even debuted an official restomod concept of its Manta sports coupe from the 1970s.
Keyword: Electrifying Ford GT40 Restomod Announced by Everrati and Superperformance