Hello folks on the EV list, My mother has been dreaming of owning a 190SL since I was a kid, or maybe longer. The 190SL is a roadster that Mercedes made between 1954 and 1963. It has very beautiful lines and is a very elegant machine.
Here is a link to a very pretty one: http://oursl.com/sys-tmpl/19541963190sl/view.nhtml?profile=19541963190sl&UID=52 Mom called me today and told me she really wants to own an electric conversion of a 190SL. Somehow I knew this was coming! :-) She drives a decade old ICE Honda now, yet has wanted an electric car since I started working with them. Recently her work situation has changed so that a modest range of 35 to 40 miles would fulfill her needs. She says there's no big hurry to do this, but since she is about to turn 70 I think it can't wait too long. I have a 8" advanced DC motor lying around. I also have access to a machine shop so I can get the motor mounted. It's no surprise that I have spare parts for at least 600 Amps of DC controller in my scrap bin, so that's no problem. The charger I can build and the batteries will need to be bought. So I think we can pull this off for just a couple thousand dollars for some batteries, racks and miscellaneous parts plus some sweat equity. Mom doesn't go for the speed like I do, so I think flooded batteries may be an option. Even with flooded batteries and only 600 amps I suspect we can still out accelerate the 1.9L that came with the car originally. And it will be done quietly, how elegant! The donor car for the conversion may not be so easy to find, and this is where I'm looking for help from you people on the EV list. As far as I can tell, A clean 190 SL costs between $20,000 and $60,000. This is a bit tough to swallow, but since this is a long term dream it has to happen somehow. I suspect we could scrounge up close to $10K for the car if necessary. It doesn't need to be a cherry car to fulfill the dream. Originality of parts means nothing to her, it needs no engine, brakes will be upgraded to disc, and some rust is OK if it's doesn't compromise the structural strength too much. Yet is should look good to the layperson. So I'm asking you all to please let me know if you see a 190SL that might be appropriate to fulfill this dream. I'm not sure of this, but I may be able to find a way to get a tax write-off if someone was willing to donate one to this project. Please contact me of you know of a potential donor vehicle that may fit the bill. I can see it now, this spunky septuagenarian who is my mom, showing her Electric Mercedes at the local EV shows. What fun! -Otmar- http://www.CafeElectric.com/ Home of the Zilla. http://www.evcl.com/914 My electric 914
