ICON has been creating some very interesting and cutting edge builds over the years, specializing in mostly 4×4 type vehicles. Although they have dabbled in LS-powered and Coyote-powered vehicles, their latest creation is something entirely different.
Using a 1949 Ford as the basis for the build, ICON then took a Tesla battery and retrofitted it into the vintage Ford. It took a total of two years to do it, as well as build the rest of the car, but it will be making its debut at the 2018 SEMA trade show this Fall. Look for more info in the coming days!
Official Release:
ICON DEBUTS TESLA-POWERED 1949 MERCURY AT SEMA
The Newest Icon “Derelict” Is Pure Post-War Modernism
Jonathan Ward at Icon 4×4 has a track record for expanding automotive acceptability. One of the industry’s worst-kept secrets is that Jonathan and his engineers have spent the last two years retrofitting a Tesla powertrain into a “James Dean” 1949 Mercury coupe.
Some highlights:
• Vintage body CAD-scanned, custom Art Morrison chassis with independent suspension
• Original 1949 paint retained in its patina state
• Period-looking gauges that monitor all electronic functions
• “Vintage V-8” battery controller “engine”
• Factory gas filler repurposed as a CHAdeMO 125A fast-charger plug
• Direct-drive linear acceleration up to a 120 MPH top speed
To see this wild EV lead sled, please stop by the Optima booth (#20323) during SEMA. Jonathan Ward will be on-site answering questions.
Source :
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