1964 Spitfire 4Sanded, ready for primerPrimered!The front Lithium cellsMotor fully installedLooking sharp, pre-paintTop DownAnother day driving down the street
OwnerDaniel Busby
LocationPasadena, California United States map
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Vehicle1964 Triumph Spitfire
Rescued from the high desert after sitting for 15 years. Light, easy to work on, attainable parts, no power brakes or power steering to complicate the build. After driving it in 4th gear, I realize direct drive was a possiblity. When the transmission gave up the ghost, I pulled it and remounted the motor straight to the driveshaft and utilized a reversing contactor for reverse.
MotorWarfield WarP 9 Series Wound DC
Mounted nicely in the vehicle.
DrivetrainDirect Drive 4.11 Differential.
ControllerOpen ReVolt Cougar
Assembled the kit from Paul and Sabrina. Easy to put together and it works great@
Batteries45 CALB/Skyenergy SE130AHA, 3.20 Volt, Lithium Iron Phosphate
130Ah * 144V = 18.7kWh

45 cells with a custom BMS.
System Voltage144 Volts
ChargerManzanita Micro PFC 20
The adjustable current knob is a great feature. It can also take 120 to 240, allowing me to opportunity charge with an extension cord or with a Level 2 J1772 charger.
HeaterWe'll see how much my girlfriend complains. I have the original hardtop, so it's not a stupid idea. I will dismantle a small space heater and put it in if necessary. It might be a good idea to keep a defroster for those harsh Southern California winters we have.
DC/DC ConverterIota 55A
Has developed a short which will drain the 12V battery if left connected, even while the car is off.
InstrumentationAnalog gauges to keep with the 1964 feel of the vehicle. An Amp meter and State of Charge meter at first. Ordered from Westach. They had exactly the gauges I wanted: bottom-half (for better visability), chrome bezel, and the perfect SOC voltage. 500A Ammeter.
Top Speed75 MPH (120 KPH)
So far... I haven't really opened it up on the interstate.
AccelerationQuick, even in 4th gear. Rubber squeals in 2nd gear.
Range65 Miles (104 Kilometers)
At least. I think I have about 70 miles in it, but I'm not finished with my SOC meter yet, so I'm going to take it slow.
Watt Hours/Mile225 Wh/Mile
Cruising on the interstate at 55-60mph is easy at about 100amps.
EV Miles
Current:2,800 Miles (4,505 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity2 adults
Curb Weight0
Unknown
TiresNew tires that came with the vehicle, nothing special. Hard to find LRR tires for 13" wheels.
Conversion TimeMany hours spent on the restoration.
More on the conversion.
Conversion Cost$7K for the electric parts
$7K for batteries
$3K for restoration of car
Additional FeaturesI have to rebuild the mechanical tachometer to an electric one, so we can use a Hall effect sensor on the rear shaft for RPM feedback to the driver.

This signal will also feed a high RPM limiter as well as a sound synthesizer that will output a "futuristic" tone reminiscent of the Jetson's car.
This is a great EV. It's fun to drive and a head turner. I get asked questions all the time. The best was a man who asked me to do a conversion for him while we drove on the interstate along side each other.

code by jerry