Standing in the pickup zone at the Austin airport, the intense humidity of that region greeted me as a man accustomed to the drier High Plains further north on the map. The heat of the rain-soaked Lone Star State during summer was palpable. However, my attention was soon captured by a baby blue Porsche 911 Carrera pulling up to the curb. This classic car, with its impact bumper indicating it was a 1974+ model, was now powered purely by electricity, thanks to Moment Motors’ latest conversion for a client.
Heading to Moment Motors’ headquarters with Marc Davis, the former IT professional turned drivetrain conversion expert, I was awestruck by the meticulous process of converting a vintage ride into an EV. The unassuming office and garage space of Moment Motors belied the highly skilled craftsmanship happening inside. From Alfa Romeos to Mercedes-Benz models, Porsches to Jaguars, the shop was a car lover’s dream come true.
Specializing in converting collectible and classic cars, Moment Motors ensures that the original drivetrain can be easily reinstalled if needed, preserving the vehicle’s history and value. The process begins with full documentation of the vehicle, followed by the removal of the engine, transmission, and fuel system in a step known as ‘De-ICE’. Three-dimensional scans are then made to create virtual models for the engineering process.
The engineering phase involves designing a 400- to 800-volt powertrain system, fitting modular components, and customizing solutions for power steering and brakes. OEM parts from suppliers like Tesla and Cascadia Motion are used, ensuring reliability and quality. Battery packs from reputable manufacturers like CALB and LG Chem are integrated into sealed enclosures designed in-house.
After test fitting and assembly, the vehicle undergoes rigorous testing and tuning to ensure it drives like the original yet boasts the benefits of an EV. The attention to detail is impeccable, focusing on every aspect from suspension calibration to address any unusual sounds or quirks.
Ultimately, Moment Motors delivers restored classic cars that are transformed into daily drivers without compromising their authenticity or value. Each conversion represents a labor of love and dedication to preserving automotive history while embracing modern technology. The shop’s commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction shines through in every meticulously converted vehicle that leaves their premises.
