Classic Fiat 124 Spider EV Conversion Has Manual Transmission, $89,995 Base Price

The electric conversion of classic cars is a phenomenon that’s picking up speed, despite objections from FIVA, the world’s authority on historic vehicles.

The organization claims that classics can no longer be considered historic vehicles as electric conversions fundamentally change the “historically correct condition” of a vintage car. A part of the public seems to have a different opinion, however, as sales of electrified classics are going up rapidly.

Here’s the latest one that caught our eye: the Spider America EV built by Barrington, Illinois-based Roadster Salon, a company that specializes in classic Fiat 124 Spider restorations.

$139,995 Roadster Salon Spider America EV

It’s not just a classic Fiat 124 Convertible that has undergone an electric conversion but also the first custom EV on the market to feature a manual transmission. Thanks to a twin-motor drive unit with nearly 200 HP and over 200 lb-ft (271 Nm) of instantly available torque, the car can be driven as a standard manual with clutch.

When that becomes tiresome, the driver can simply put the transmission in town or highway drive mode and enjoy it like a conventional automatic gearbox.

$89,995 Roadster Salon Spider America EV Junior

Specifically developed for Roadster Salon by California-based Electric GT, the drive line enables the top-of-the-line Spider America to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (96 mph) in approximately 6 seconds, slashing the classic 124 Spider’s 0-60 time by half. The top speed is 130 mph (209 km/h) and the driving range is said to exceed the 87 miles (140 km) of Fiat’s own electric model, the 500e – though no exact figure is provided.

The Spider America costs an eye-watering $139,995 but for that amount buyers do get a “luxurious, artisan crafted interior” featuring hand-stitched full leather with burled walnut accents. Additionally, Roadster Salon made improvements to the braking and handling performance of its electrified 124 Spider as well as the weight distribution.

$89,995 Roadster Salon Spider America EV Junior

For those who are reluctant to spend 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 money on a reconditioned Fiat 124 Spider EV, Roadster Salon also offers a more affordable version. Called Spider America EV Junior, it packs a single electric motor and a simplified battery package for a base price of $89,995. This version is said to cover the 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) sprint in around 7 seconds and offer “more than enough power and range to make a Sunday cruise entertaining and worry free.”

Roadster Salon plans to build only 20 units of the 124 Spider EV this year and is now accepting $5,000 refundable reservations. The company promises to provide customers with a firm build date within 90 days of the reservation.