MONZA: The classic Mini Cooper makes a great basis for an electric car and that is exactly what the crew at an Italian workshop thought when they transformed the time-honoured runabout into a quiet electric.
Out comes the petrol engine to be replaced with a retrofit 45 kW motor system linked to 14 kWh battery pack. With this setup, Aznom Automotive's restomod, branded as a Toys 4 Boys electric Mini, is capable of a covering 140 kilometres between charges - making it best suited to urban drives and shorter trips.
The electron-sipping Mini joins a host of other classics that have been electrified by various companies, including Fiat 500s, Volkswagen Beetles and even a Ferrari and a Rolls-Royce.
Finished in metallic blue with a yellow roof and pinstripes, the electric Mini bowed in at a June show in the wealthy principality of Monaco. The production version goes on sale from September.
Monza-based makers Aznom said the electric Mini bridges the gap between the iconic past of the quick Cooper and "green" contemporary electric cars. A Mini Mk5 was chosen for the prototype conversion.
The bright looks are inspired by classic 1960s rally visuals and inside the seats are trimmed in cool and comfy blue Alcantara leather.
There are three different driving set-ups to choose from, namely eco, normal and sport. A second open-top electric classic Mini version dubbed "Cote d'Azur" is in the pipeline.
Aznom said the electrification kit is compatible with all Mini cars built from 1982 onwards and will be developed for installation in many other vintage and classic cars too.
Pricing has not been announced and even owners with a combustion-engined Mini donor ripe for conversion will probably need to haggle a little.
In any case, expect this green Mini Cooper to cost a lot more than the US$29,000 (RM128,000) charged for by the manufacturer of the current new shape Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop.
