Calimotive isn't your average restomod shop. In fact, it's not a restomod shop at all: it's a California-based Tesla parts and service business that spends most of its time dismantling EVs and selling off their components. After years of seeing customers create their own EV-based conversions, however, the team decided to spend some of its time building one for the shop. What they created is so cool, Tesla itself is hyping this build. Behold: a 1966 Ford Mustang coupe with a Tesla Model 3 soul.
“The inspiration behind the project was selling components to other people,” the shop’s owner told Road & Track. “We are a Tesla recycling yard, and throughout the years, we’ve had plenty of people buying components with plans to convert some sort of car. Eventually, I thought, why don’t we do one, but do something classic?”
The result is something between a body swap and an EV conversion. Calimotive retained the Mustang's overall body, flaring the fenders by about 2.5 inches and extending the rocker panels ever so slightly to hide the high-voltage battery. Under the skin, the team grafted the front and rear chassis of a Model 3 and installed the sedan's full battery pack — but to make sure it fit without changing the dimensions of the Ford, they shortened the battery case. All in all, they transplanted three sections of the Tesla's floor into the Mustang.
The payoff? A classic coupe that not only drives like a modern EV, but also retains the Model 3's high-tech features. Autopilot works. Summon works. And judging by Tesla's own social media nod, even the mothership approves.
The Model 3's dual motor setup is good for around 400 horsepower and 471 lb-ft of torque. Assuming it can still motor like a regular Model 3, that should help this car scoot from 0-60 mph in around 3.5 seconds. As for range, well, we can't imagine the Mustang's Sixties-era body does much for aero versus Tesla's slippery designs, but we'd venture it's still good for at least 200 miles on a charge or more, especially around town.
For Calimotive, the build is more than a showpiece. It's proof of what's possible when vintage style meets cutting-edge EV engineering. For everyone else, it's a tantalizing glimpse of a future where the best of all automotive eras coexist.
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