As EV (electric vehicle) technology continues to evolve and become more widely available, more retrofit mobility products using electric powertrains will be brought to market—including the aftermarket. Case in point: Mann ePower Cars, a new subsidiary of PA-based Manncorp, recently announced a new partnership with Alan Mann Racing (AMR), for producing electrified classic vehicles, starting with vintage Ford Mustangs. The new electro-mod company recently unveiled its first product offering—a 1965 Mustang Coupe—at the Philadelphia Auto Show.

On the outside, the vehicle resembles a beautifully restored classic, but under the skin, the first-gen Mustang has been transformed into a daily-usable GT, with performance, handling, safety, and comfort features far beyond those of any 1960s mass-produced vehicle, according to the company.

The show car is also fitted with a permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor delivering 300 hp (224 kW) and 662 lb·ft (898 N·m), the latter far exceeding the 418 lb·ft (567 N·m) of the latest ultimate-performance Ford Mustang Dark Horse. The electrified ’65 Mustang is a bit down on performance compared to the Dark Horse, with 0-60 mph () acceleration in 5.1 s (launch mode) and has a limited top speed of 100 mph (160 km/h). It also features a 72-kW·h battery, 220 mi (354 km) of range, regenerative braking, and a modern chassis.

Mann ePower Cars recently became the newest addition to the holdings of Henry Mann. His primary company, Manncorp, is a specialist in electronics production equipment, particularly the precision machines required for circuit board production. The company is also a manufacturer of LED lighting under its LED Living Technology subsidiary.

In the 1960s, AMR won several major motorsports titles, including the British Saloon Car Championship, the European Touring Car Championship, and the FIA World GT Championship for Manufacturers, with a variety of specially prepared Ford cars. The team has prepared cars for such legendary drivers as Mario Andretti, Bob Bondurant, Jackie Stewart, and Graham Hill.

“We have been watching the incredible growth of so-called resto-mods with interest,” said Henry Mann, Director of AMR and son of the team’s founder, Alan Mann. “We’ve seen cherished cars that owners want to improve, and we’ve seen those that owners want to future-proof, and thanks to our new partnership with Mann ePower Cars, we’re able to meet all those needs.”

(No joke, the head of the Manncorp company and the Director of the AMR racing team are both named Henry Mann.)

AMR’s Mann went on to explain the significance of the electric ’65 Mustang displayed at the Philadelphia Auto Show. “The model on the stand played a large part in the history of our company and is close to our hearts,” he said. “It was the first racing Mustang to achieve international success for Ford, and, back in 1964, it was all prepared in-house by my father’s operation.”

“This may seem like a departure for us, but we have long been admirers of Alan Mann Racing,” said Mann, CEO of Manncorp and head of the new Mann ePower Cars operation. “Although unrelated, we share the same family name, and of course a passion for technology, innovation, and cars in general.  We have been looking at ways of combining our strengths for some time and are delighted to be launching this project together.”

The base car, any 1960s Mustang Coupe or Fastback, can be sourced by Mann ePower Cars or provided by a customer. It is carefully stripped and the powertrain is removed. The body and remaining mechanicals are either replaced or refurbished, and the whole vehicle is then rebuilt around a compact electric motor driving the rear wheels on a modern, racing-standard chassis.

Each complete transformation (depending on the condition of the base car) takes around 1000 h, according to the company. All key upgrade components are engineered and supplied directly from AMR to one of a small number of specialist restoration partners around the country.

More specifically, the ePower Mustang transformation process sees the vehicle’s entire shell stripped, dipped, and restored, and the chassis is upgraded with racing-standard componentry developed by experienced Formula One designers, with independent double wishbone suspension and billet aluminum uprights replacing the original’s front struts and rear leaf springs. The 1960s brakes are replaced with a regenerative braking system featuring ventilated front and rear discs with six-piston calipers in front and four-piston calipers in the rear. Helping transmit the Mustang’s 662 lb·ft to the road is a low-maintenance Torsen limited-slip differential.

The design and feel of the original 60s interior are retained as much as possible, although every element is either restored, replaced, or substituted, with an emphasis on a period-correct aesthetic. The company says the only modern additions are more comfortable and supportive racing seats, climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, a carefully integrated video display, and seatbelts.

Using either AC or DC chargers, the best 20% to 80% recharge takes about 40 min, according to the company.

Mann ePower Cars said it plans to introduce more classic electro-mod vehicle offerings in the future.