[Auto] You can now electrify your first-gen Ford Mustang with a 300bhp conversion

[El Máster Edwin]

Dubbed the ‘ePower Mustang’ and capable of over 200 miles on a full charge, the kit is a partnership between Mann e-Power cars and Alan Mann Racing

 

Manncorp, an electronic specialist firm from Hatboro, Pennsylvania, has teamed up with legendary motorsport outfit Alan Mann Racing (AMR) to create a new EV conversion for the first-generation Mustang, dubbed the ‘ePower Mustang’.

Under its new subsidiary company, Mann e-Power Cars, it will debut the kit at the 2024 Philadelphia Auto Show using a 1965 Ford Mustang, which will display the all-electric drivetrain and revamped chassis. Ultimately, that means we could be looking at the world’s first classic Mustang which actually… drives well.

The performance figures are certainly exciting: 300bhp and 662lb ft of torque lead to a 5.1s launch to 60, though the top speed is capped at 100mph. It’s worth noting that this is still much higher than most Mustangs from this period can manage, despite the brochure saying otherwise. Mann also quotes a range of over 200 miles from its 72kWh battery, with a 20-80 per cent recharge taking around 40 minutes. Interesting.

Powertrain aside, what other changes have been made? Well, the standard front struts and rear leaf springs have been replaced by an independent double wishbone suspension, while the woeful brakes are ditched in favour of an all-new ventilated set that’s augmented with regenerative braking technology. This means the car no longer ignores you when you try to stop it. Probably.

 

The ePower Mustang will also boast a Torsen limited-slip differential, while the weight has been kept as close as possible to the original figure of just over 1,100kg. Goodness, it really is shaping up to look like this classic Mustang will be alright to drive, y’know?

This is especially true when you consider AMR - which rose to stardom during the ‘60s by creating really slow racing cars for really slow drivers like Sir Jackie Stewart, Graham Hill and Mario Andretti - should have a huge say on how the thing handles. 

Moving on, the exterior has seen next-to-no changes to allow the evergreen appeal of the classic Mustang shape to thrive, but the interior has been given a few quality-of-life enhancements. Those include more supportive race seats, Bluetooth, climate control and an infotainment screen to indulge in a That ‘70s Show binge.

Henry Mann, director of AMR, said: “We have been watching the incredible growth of so-called restomods with interest. We’ve seen cherished cars that owners want to improve, and we’ve seen those that owners want to future-proof, and thanks to our new partnership with Mann ePower Cars, we’re able to meet all those needs.

“The model on the stand played a large part in the history of our company and is close to our hearts. It was the first racing Mustang to achieve international success for Ford, and, back in 1964, it was all prepared in-house by my father’s operation.”

The thousand-hour conversion can be applied to both the coupe and fastback body styles of any 1960s Mustang, with Mann even sourcing the donor car if you’re having trouble finding one yourself - Ford only made around three million examples of the entire first gen, after all. Sadly, no price estimates have been provided yet. Our best guess? An offer of around £150,000 and a packet of Tesco’s Finest jam doughnuts should seal the deal. 

 

 

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