Stunning Mercedes SL Pagoda Restomod Hides An Electric Secret

Electricdrivetrain swaps for classic carsare becoming a huge business. General Motors will even offer its ChevyBolt powertrain as an eCrate packagefor various interesting projects. Some purists object to these swaps because it eliminates the engine sound and vintage feel. But what if someone performed an EV swap on a classic car where the engine was never the selling point of the experience?

A UK company called Hemmels may have just found the perfect car, a Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda. Hemmels' all-electric Pagoda is currently available for pre-order, but only in limited quantities. The 280SL Electric looks true to the original, with the small exceptions of a new rear badge and the absence of an exhaust pipe. The car is drop-dead gorgeous.

As with the exterior, the classic cabin looks devoid of any modern modifications. There are no futuristic touchscreens or even any LED lights. Hemmels has kept the original analog instruments and refurbished the chromed dashboard and leather upholstery. If someone hopped into this car while it was parked, they might assume it is a standard Pagoda with the engine off.

There are some enhancements to the car, including improved braking, power steering, and drivability. As a nod to drivability, Hemmels added heating, window defrosting, A/C, and in-car entertainment. Each car is individually configured, so owners can choose which options they'd like on theirs. Hemmels only plans to produce 12 cars in the initial batch, priced at $295,000.