Electric Vehicles

Wrecked Tesla Model X helps resurrect classic Cortina with electric makeover

Published by

The Driven

Out of the ruins of a wrecked Model X has sprung forth an electric Cortina, resurrected to bring a classic car into the modern age of electric mobility.

For Tim Harrison, an electric vehicle charging infrastructure planner for Evie Networks, the 100% all electric Mk1 Cortina is the realisation of a long held dream of having an electric classic car. And it’s not just any conversion.

For a start, it packs more than triple the power and torque of the Mk1 Cortina’s original 1500 engine.

Inspired by legendary musician Neil Young whose converted hybrid-electric 1959 Lincoln broke the mold for classic cars in 2008, Harrison has also packed loads of modern conveniences into the small but sprightly package, including air conditioning and regenerative braking, and he ability to use DC fast chargers.

But the game changer, says Harrison, was being able to take advantage of battery tech from a written off Model X.

“As much as I wanted one, I couldn’t afford a Tesla, so I decided I had to undertake a conversion project,” Harrison tells The Driven.

To read the full story on RenewEconomy’s electric vehicle dedicated sister site, The Driven, click here…

Bridie Schmidt is lead reporter for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She specialises in writing about new technology, and has a keen interest in the role that zero emissions transport has to play in sustainability.

Bridie Schmidt

Bridie Schmidt is lead reporter for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She specialises in writing about new technology, and has a keen interest in the role that zero emissions transport has to play in sustainability.

Share
Published by
Tags: ford

Recent Posts

Bowen launches review of emission caps and credits for Australia’s biggest carbon polluters

Policy review will investigate settings for Australia's 2030 and 2035 emissions reduction targets.

7 August 2026

Energy Insiders Podcast: Will data centres make or break wind?

Kane Thornton has moved from the peak renewables body to data centres, now the presumed…

7 August 2026

Climate Active is dead. The funeral will not be certified carbon neutral

Australia's government-run "carbon neutral" certification scheme is being wound up. It is good news for…

7 August 2026

Australia’s first offshore wind auction is “going ahead as planned,” new energy minister confirms

Victoria's newly appointed energy minister says the state will go ahead as planned with Australia's…

7 August 2026

Labor’s data centre gas double-speak leaves the gate open for dodgy offsets

A promise of banning gas while waving through “gas firming” and “gas peaking” with unlimited offsets leaves…

7 August 2026

Massive wind project, with up to 280 of Australia’s biggest-ever turbines, seeks federal green tick

Plans for a potentially massive new wind farm start federal environmental assessment, proposing up to…

7 August 2026