Are Quirky eBay Conversions Really Worth Buying?Are Quirky eBay Conversions Really Worth Buying?

If the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, 2011 Nissan Leaf, 2011 Coda Sedan or 2011 Tesla Roadster are a little too modern for your tastes, an eBay auction ending this weekend could offer just what you’re looking for. 
But is it and other converted or one-off cars worth buying when commercially made cars capable of a higher range and better support are just around the corner?
Unique Car, Electrified
The unusual car detailed on eBay is certainly handsome. Based on the classic 1938 SS100 sports car, this all-electric version for sale in Canada offers the lucky winner the looks of the legendary British sports car with the kudos of driving an environmentally responsible car. 
Designed by William Lyons and made between 1936 and 1940, original gasoline-powered SS100s are in high demand. With only 314 vehicles made, they still command a high price at auction houses worldwide. In 2007, a near perfect concours example of the car sold for over $320,500.
Less Than A Leaf To Buy, But A Whole Lot Less Car
But the electric car listed is little more than a basic conversion. Using off-the-shelf components found in electric car conversions across the U.S. the replica is an enthusiast’s car first and foremost. 
Although the car is currently listed at just $8,000 on eBay the listing details nearly $20,000 of parts used int making the car. It doesn’t even list labor costs. As such, we don’t expect it to sell for much less than the 2011 Nissan Leaf. 
Be Willing To Learn
As with any converted car, this example requires the owner to either have an active interest in what happens under the hood, or be friendly with a local EV guru. 
While we all know electric cars are inherently more simple than their gasoline counterparts and require less servicing, anyone considering buying a conversion like this should understand that service and support won’t be as simple as going to their local dealer because there won’t be one. 
Rich Boys’ Toys?
With a top speed of 100 mph and a 0-60 time of 6 seconds this all-electric SS100 is no slouch, and certainly produces performance greater than the original 1930s car. 
But it’s no Tesla Roadster. Lead acid batteries and a mere range of 50 mph lead us to think that while aesthetically pleasing, this all-electric conversion is destined to be little more than a ‘Trailer Queen’ – A car which is hauled from auto show to auto show on the back of a trailer to save it from the wear, tear and dirt which normally occurs when a car is actually driven. 
EvPorsche Electric Porsche 959 ConversionA Hot Rod For EV Fans
If you’ve got this far you’ll probably think we’re completely against such vehicles, but that’s not necessarily true. 
Just as hot-rods have their fans among vintage car fans, so too will custom electrics gain a section of EV Fans needing a fast, classic electric ride. 
But that’s where it ends. For most consumers, who just want to get to work and back using electric or plug-in electric vehicles these cars are not a good buy. 
As more and more major automakers jump on the electric bandwagon the choices for a would-be electric car owner will increase. But just as regular electric cars start to drop expect one-off cars like this to start flooding eBay, as entrepreneurial conversion specialists appeal to the individual and unique tastes that make the U.S. what it is.
 
[eBay] via [Electrovelocity]

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