In the world of custom vehicles there are a lot of specialized terms meant to better define the changes shops do to this or that vehicle. Because most customization styles are very old, that list of terms does not grow on a regular basis. Yet, thanks to the rise of electric drivetrains, a new term is slowly making its way under the spotlight: electro-mod.
Predictably, the name is there to spell out a combination between a (preferably) classic car and an electric powertrain meant to replace the existing, internal combustion one. The cars made this way remain as they were visually, but most of their mechanical entrails are replaced.
We’ve seen plenty of such conversions over the past few years, but most of them target European classic cars because, well, there are a lot of crews on that continent in this business. But Americans seem to be trying to catch up.
To be honest, I have to think really, really hard if I’ve ever seen an iconic muscle car from America’s past being converted this way, and even so I’m not sure about the answer. But I’m pretty certain I’ll remember this electrified 1966 Pontiac GTO not only because of the way it looks, but also thanks to the way it was upgraded.
For many, the Pontiac GTO is America’s first true muscle car. It was introduced just before the other names that would go on to define the segment, in 1963, and was originally only around for about 11 years, until 1974. An unsuccessful attempt to revive it was made in 2003, but the moniker only held on for three years.
It’s the cars from the original run of the model, meaning the first four generations, that keep fascinating car collectors. Narrowing things a little more, you could say the first generation is also the most appealing, not only for collectors but for customizers as well.
The version we have here is part of that first generation. It was produced in 1966, at a time when the GTO moniker finally became a separate Pontiac model (it was initially a package for the LeMans), but it is now far, at least mechanically, from what it used to be.
Photo: Barrett-Jackson
The first-gen GTO was offered with a choice of two internal combustion engines, namely the 389ci and 400ci. We’re not sure exactly what powerplant this one used to have, but we do know what it packs now.
The ICE unit was taken out and replaced with the battery pack and electric motors of a Tesla Model 3 Performance, which were installed on the car’s original engine and transmission mounts. In this application, the motors develop a total of 350 horsepower.
For the designers of this car, the Canadian guys from over at Ness Customs, to be able to install the gear, the GTO’s chassis had to be modified and the frame reinforced. A Model 3 rear subframe was added, and the car was fitted with Tesla-sourced disc brakes, backed by Wilwood gear and a GM hydroboost system.
The new electric drivetrain was not the only piece of hardware that made it into the build. Because this is an electric car, it had to come with the required charging gear, and that has been installed as well, together with management systems for the battery and motors.
The car is supported by a 5-link independent suspension system rocking four adjustable QA1 shock absorbers. The connection to the ground is made by means of American Racing Rally-style wheels, sized at 18 inches and wearing Diamond Back EVO tires.
Photo: Barrett-Jackson
Visually, the Pontiac remains mostly its former self, because you don’t really mess with perfection. Staying true to its former shape may not seem all that impressive, from a build standpoint, but when you consider 75 percent of the sheet metal has been replaced, your perspective might change. In a nutshell, the car’s quarter panels, wings, doors, hood, firewall, and floor are entirely new.
When all the bodywork was completed, the shop behind the build drowned the bodywork in a shade called Carbon Steel Gray Metallic, and usually seen on Porsche cars. The hue is accompanied by tons of chrome and stainless trim, all of it original to the GTO but given a new level of shine, especially on the bumpers.
The GTO rocks new windows with a gray tint to match the exterior, and behind that we get glimpses of a stunning interior in beautiful red fabric – Portala Red, to be precise. Fully restored, the interior of the muscle car was also upgraded with the fitting of technologies the car’s original makers would never dream of.
The console, for instance, was modified so that the shifter could be replaced by a touchscreen tablet. Two more are located on the dashboard to allow access to vehicle settings. On top of it all there is a Blam audio system in there, backed by a RetroSound radio and Helix amplifiers.
The car is a convertible by trade, and it can be closed off by means of a black canvas roof with all the appropriate glass. Giving it a distinct look, especially at night, is a halo LED lighting system all around.
The electric 1966 Pontiac GTO with a Tesla’s heart is up for grabs during the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale in January 2024. Since it’s selling with no reserve, there is no mention as to how much it is expected to fetch.
