Legendary GT40 goes electric

Friday, 16 July 2021

EV specialist Everrati has teamed up with continuation specialist Superformance to create an all-electric GT40.

Everrati, a UK-based technology company specialising in the “redefining and futureproofing of automotive icons through the integration of advanced electric vehicle powertrains” is teaming up with Superformance, a US manufacturer of 1960s-era “continuation” sports cars, to produce electrified versions of iconic classics, with the first new model being an all-electric version of the legendary Ford GT40.

Everrati was founded in 2019 by entrepreneur Justin Lunny, and automotive specialist Nick Williams. Both car enthusiasts from an early age, the pair say they had become “increasingly conscious of the wider impact combustion engines have on the environment”, so started the company to redefine some of the world’s most iconic and performance cars enabling them to be used in a clean air, low-carbon world.

The company offers customers the ability to commission their own all-electric Mercedes-Benz SL W113 Pagoda, Porsche 911 (964) coupe, targa, and convertible (including Limited Edition models such as the officially licenced Gulf Signature Edition), and Land Rover Series IIa in a range of configurations, and each Everrati is fitted with a custom-designed electric power unit and battery system.

Superformance was started in 1994 and builds and distributes complete “continuation” Shelby Cobras, Daytona’s, Chevrolet Corvettes and Ford GT40s, along with rolling chassis replicas. Superformance says its products are “aesthetically and dimensionally correct” and are built under licence from trademark holders including Ford, Shelby, General Motors and SAFIR GT40 (the owners of the GT40 name), adding authenticity and value. In fact, the company’s Shelby cars are even eligible for the Shelby Registry.

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Just like the original GT40 was an Anglo-American collaboration, the all-electric version is a product of both countries as well.

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Everrati’s Justin Lunny (left) and Superformance’s Lance Stander.

The two companies say their partnership will allow enthusiasts to drive an electric-powered GT40, with development of this first model already underway.

A prototype chassis has been built and is being comprehensively adapted from ICE power to advanced electric propulsion at Everrati’s UK development centre in Upper Heyford, a former US air base in the English Cotswolds.

Everrati says that meticulous attention to detail is being applied to key factors such as battery location and weight distribution to “maintain and enhance the character and soul of the original.” Further details on this first new model from the partnership and reimagined icon will be announced in the coming months.

“This is the perfect partnership,” said Justin Lunny, founder and CEO of Everrati.

“The sole focus of both Everrati and Superformance is iconic cars and Lance and his team are the guys when it comes to authorised continuation chassis of some of the most legendary cars in history.

“Marrying these chassis with our advanced EV powertrains and precision engineering will enhance performance while keeping the essence and soul of the original. We aim to create the best electric driver’s cars while, at the same time, future-proofing these true past masters.”

Lunny pointed to the many legendary cars that were created by Anglo-American partnerships during the 1960s, referencing the fact that the very first GT40 was brought to life in the early Sixties by a UK-based team led by expat British engineer, Roy Lunn, at Ford Advanced Vehicles in Slough.

Its body was even made by Abbey Panels in Coventry, before the finished car was shipped to the US for its unveiling the day before the New York Auto Show, in April 1964.

“So, it feels highly appropriate for Everrati to be partnering with Superformance, furthering not only the legacy of automotive icons but the partnership between the UK and US. Another cross-Atlantic connection is that our development HQ is located on a former US air base in the Oxfordshire countryside,” he said.

Lance Stander, CEO of Superformance, said he was very excited about the partnership and Everrati’s “compelling vision for the future, along with the engineering pedigree and expertise to reimagine this automotive icon for the 21st century.”

“While I will always love a V8-powered vehicle, there is no doubting the ultra-high performance of Everrati’s advanced EV powertrains,” he said.

“I am genuinely impressed with the lengths to which Everrati goes to maintain the weight distribution and character of the original car. Electrification is the future in so many ways and adds another option for those who love classic sports cars.”