Paging Dr. Franken-Merc! Everrati Electrifies The Sublime Pagoda
Image Source: Everrati.
Well, my breakfast crumpets are buttered and my morning tea is electrified. It seems that the mad scientists at Everrati have been at it again, this time Frankenstein-ing the sublime Mercedes-Benz W113 SL "Pagoda" with a jolt of pure electric juice. And for the princely sum of around half a million dollars, you too can have a classic Merc that's quicker than a scalded cat and silent as a mime on a hunger strike.
Everrati, those clever chaps who've been giving everything from Ford GT40s to Porsche 911s a new lease on electric life, have now turned their attention to the iconic "Pagoda." This isn't some bolt-on backyard conversion, mind you. This is a ground-up restoration that leaves the vintage aesthetics untouched while transforming the guts into a high-performance electric drivetrain.
Image Source: Everrati.
The discerning buyer can choose between two bespoke powertrain configurations: the Standard or the Touring. The Standard gets a 54.4 kWh battery (241 miles) and a 295-horsepower motor, good for a 0-60 mph sprint in under 8 seconds. The Touring trim packs a larger 68 kWh battery (300 miles) and shaves that 0-60 time down to under 7 seconds. Both top out at 124 mph (200 km/h), making this classic Merc as quick as most modern hot hatches.
Electric conversions are popping up like mushrooms after a spring rain, and for good reason. The classic cars, while gorgeous to behold, often come with a litany of mechanical woes that can make them a nightmare to own. Electrifying them solves those problems while retaining their timeless beauty. Plus, many of these conversions are reversible, so you can always return your vintage ride to its original, smoky glory if you so desire.
Image Source: Everrati.
Of course, all this electrifying wizardry comes at a price. The conversion alone will set you back a cool $415,000, and that's before you factor in the cost of a donor car, which can easily run you another $100,000. So, is it worth it? Well, if you're the kind of person who has that kind of cash lying around and wants a classic car that's both beautiful and practical, then perhaps the answer is yes. For the rest of us mere mortals, we'll just have to admire this electric Pagoda from afar and dream of a day when our wallets are as fat as our enthusiasm for vintage metal.
Justin Lunny, the co-founder and CEO of Everrati, describes this electric Pagoda as "the ultimate two-seater electric luxury grand tourer," a car that pays homage to its heritage while embracing the future. And you know what? He's absolutely right. This isn't just a car; it's a statement, a testament to the fact that even the most beloved classics can evolve and adapt to the changing times.
Yes, the naysayers will have a field trip with this one. We’ll hear how Everrati is destroying history and stomping all over automotive legacy. Let them enjoy the sound of their own voices, while you and I get to admire this marvel of engineering. The Mercedes-Benz W113 SL "Pagoda," is reborn as an electric masterpiece. Is it the most practical use of half a million dollars? Probably not. But is it cool as a cucumber in a gin and tonic? Absolutely. And sometimes, that's all that really matters.
