An old-Mercury Coupe able to run in silence

The modern electric vehicles era does not mean making fans of classic retro cars stop to end with their unique hobbies. A number of companies look at this as a future business opportunity by providing an electric drive system that can be adopted by classic cars as a substitute for their old-rusty engines.

Now, this 1949 Mercury Coupe able to run in silence thanks to its new electric motors. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2RCd9zU)

For an example is Zelectric Motors which provides a modern electric-powered drive system to be installed on the 'ordinary' cars. Besides Zelectric Motors, apparently there is a Los Angeles-based company named Icon, which through its Derelict program that takes classic vehicles in almost every era to be transformed into a more practical and more modern car, without changing the outer appearance to maintain the character that it possesses.

The battery control section and Tesla modules are wrapped in aluminum casing and are designed in such a way as to resemble the V8 engine configuration. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2NbqsbU)

As a result, it becomes a vehicle that is very contrasting, rusty on the outside but can glide quickly without noise and pollution. And this time Icon took the base of the 1949 Mercury Coupe as their 'victim'. This vehicle was taken from the original owner in the Southern California region. The exterior is left as it is, which looks like it just came out of a dusty warehouse after several decades of silence.

Nevertheless Icon seriously handles the interior behind the rusty body. All parts of the body stripped down, and replace all components made of rubber. Previously, Icon carefully adds silencer and combining the body parts of the vehicle without repainting.

Icon followed the same pattern of "new equipment, classic looks" inside, using vintage-appropriate fabrics and leathers. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2NbqsbU)

The chassis section was updated through assistance from Art Morrison Enterprises as well as replacing old braking system with the Brembo braking devices. While the biggest modification is of course done on under its hood. Yes, the old engine was removed and replaced with an electric drive system whose design was assisted by two electric vehicle solution companies named Stealth EV and Zelectric Motors.

Those two supporting companies decided to use two electric motors without transmission. As a result the latest project named '1949 Mercury EV Derelict' is able to spew a total power of 400 hp (298 kW) with a maximum torque of 637 Nm. The car's electricity supply is taken from Tesla battery with a capacity of 85 kWh which makes these classic car can be driven as far as 150 to 322 km. And its maximum speed can touch the number of 193 km/hour.

Icon has strived to update key pieces of this 1949 Mercury Coupe while keeping the exterior look true to age. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2NbqsbU)

The battery module is deliberately spreaded around the vehicle with the aim for better distribution of weights. This car is equipped with a CHAdeMO 125A fast charge plug pinned behind the front license plate holder, plus a Tesla Supercharger plug located behind the cover of the original fuel-cap.

What is quite amazing is the display behind the hood. The battery control section and Tesla modules are wrapped in aluminum casing and are designed in such a way as to resemble the V8 engine configuration. Even the parts of the cable are deliberately wrapped in woven cloth to stay true to the vintage look.

The same pattern is also applied to the interior through classic fabrics and leather. While other interior fittings also carry the 'new equipment with a classic look' theme. While to open and close the car's windows are now more practical with the addition of power window. Meanwhile to activate it by using the old window lever so as not to ruin its classic impression. Likewise with digital instruments that are deliberately made with a classic looks, including the buttons that are still made in the old-school style.

And Icon has been shown off these classic Mercury EV at the 2018 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas held on November 6 to 8, 2018. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ICON | NEW ATLAS]

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