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This classic Ferrari is fast, silent, green, and maintenance-free

Ronan Glon
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Eric Hutchinson/Electric GT
Outspoken Ferrari boss Sergio Marchionne has previously called the idea of an all-electric model “obscene.” A California-based enthusiast begs to differ, and he’s electrified a classic 1978 308 to prove his point.

Eric Hutchinson began his project by spending about $10,000 on a salvaged 308 destroyed by an engine fire, an issue that plagued the model throughout a good chunk of its life cycle. Working with input from a company called EV West, Hutchinson developed a new electric drivetrain built around three electric motors arranged in a V configuration, and linked via belts and pulleys. The V configuration allows the motors to slot neatly in the 308’s engine bay, which was once home to a carbureted V8 engine.

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The motors spin the rear wheels via a manual transmission borrowed from the Porsche parts bin; we can hear you scoffing from here, Ferrari purists. The 308 is equipped with no less than 48 3.3-volt lithium-ion batteries arranged in packs, and it boasts a total driving range of approximately 80 miles.

Ferrari 308 GTE

The three motors provide a combined output of 415 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, generous increases of 191 ponies and 121 pound-feet of twist over a stock 308. The car tips the scale at 3,350 pounds, a figure that makes it approximately 150 pounds heavier than stock. Performance specifications haven’t been published, but it’s undoubtedly faster with three electric motors than with a V8 engine. It’s also a whole lot quieter, for better or worse.

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With the drivetrain ready to deliver instant torque, Hutchinson turned his attention to salvaging the body. The fire damage was repaired, and the 308 was treated to a fresh coat of red paint. Custom-built billet emblems were ordered to add a finishing touch to the look, and help set the EV apart from every other 308 roaming the streets of Southern California.

Read more: An Aussie startup is planning an electric SUV that’s more capable off-road than a Jeep

Driving an electric, maintenance-free classic is seemingly addictive. Now that the 308 has been resurrected and electrified, Hutchinson is building a battery-powered 1980 Fiat 124 Spider, the car that inspired the modern day Mazda-Miata-based 124 Spider that made its debut in Los Angeles late last year.

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Ronan Glon
Ronan Glon
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Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…
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