Icon Derelict '49 Merc

[Joe Handley]

Here's another one I want to watch now that SEMA is, especially since Jonathan Ward from Icon wants to start experimenting with EV conversions now too.

Apparently this swap is good for 400hp and 470lb/ft using the Tesla 85w batteries, should run 120mph and have a cruising range of 200 miles

 

This isn't even his only EV swap, built this little Fiat for another customer

 

[Force]

It would have been more environmentally friendly to leave the cars as they were. 

[espo]

I hate to see any car let alone a '49 Mercury desecrated in such a manor. 

[fumi]

I don't get why people are so worked up over it, personally I think it is great to see these old cars being modernized with new powertrains.  Can't be worse than a flathead or a small block if you ask me.

The 49-51 Mercury isn't even such a great car if not for Rebel Without a Cause.  Design wise the same period Ford was much more innovative and technologically the Hudson was more advance.

Edited November 4, 2018 by fumi

[Richard Bartrop]

The faux patina is the part I think is stupid.   If anything, electrification is just the thing for a lead sled, where the point isn't performance, but to look good.

[iamsuperdan]

The patina isn't fake. He bought the car like that, with the solid shell, and then preserved it.

 

Personally, I love Icon's products. One of the few builders of old cars I would consider throwing money at.

[Joe Handley]

Yeah, when hen does the Derelict builds, they start with ratty but solid cars and build from there without make the bodies look like they once did or customizing it beyond what is done for the drivetrain and chassis parts of the builds. I'll bet that if you could probably roll a stock chassis under this car and make it "stock" again, but then it would just be an old clunker car again.

[Deathgoblin]

I love the FIAT and the Merc is pretty cool.    If they're done right, the EV's can have as much or more power than the equivalent gas engine.  

[Joe Handley]

3 minutes ago, Deathgoblin said:

I love the FIAT and the Merc is pretty cool.    If they're done right, the EV's can have as much or more power than the equivalent gas engine.  

These two are definately done right, granted, Icon doesn't screw around. That little Fiat left the factory in Italy with 17.5hp, the electric drive now had 100hp and 80 lb/ft of torque. They can take it on the highway and run 65mph without any driveability issues!