When Porsche decided to move on from its very successful 356 line, there was a faction of people who were concerned that the 911 would be too expensive and wished the German automaker would stick with its successes -- four-cylinder sports cars to be specific. While history will look back at the 911 as being the quintessential sports car, regardless of manufacturer, Porsche was hedging its bets by also introducing the 912, which had the body of the 911 along with the engine from the 356. The 912 turned out to be a sales success, outselling the 911 for the first two years they were both on the market. Ultimately, though, the faster and more expensive 911 won out and the 912 was discontinued.

Now that history class is over, take a look at this Porsche 912, which has had its four-banger tossed in favor of an 88-horsepower electric motor. The lead acid batteries allow for a top speed of 100 miles per hour and a range of about 55 miles at a steady 62 mph cruising speed. While this car might be a nightmare to some die hard Porschephiles, it's a really well done and very nice-looking conversion. Thanks for the tip, Christian!

[Source: German Car Blog]

The video lasts only 14 seconds but it shows a Porsche 912 converted to run on electric power smoking the tires with enough style to make John Force blush. But that's not why I really thought the video was important to post. The info box on the YouTube page calls attention to a small outfit called Grassroots Electric Vehicles, a company based in Florida that provides variety of parts and advice for DIY electric car builders. The shop offers motors, adapters, controllers and batteries in addition to all the hardware and switches necessary for a home-based conversion. They're even into solar options, scooters and NEVs. And if you don't want the hassle converting your own vehicle, they have a few for sale.

[Source: grassrootsev.com via YouTube]