The Road Less Traveled: Vintage Iron’s Journey Into Electric Classics

Vintage Iron and Restoration, founded by Mark Scalpone in 2004, has been a cornerstone of the classic car scene in Scottsdale, Arizona, for over two decades. Known for its expertise in restoring American-made vehicles, particularly early Mustangs and Camaros, the shop quickly gained a reputation for high-quality craftsmanship.  

In 2020, driven by a desire to continue to innovate, Mark Scalpone envisioned electrifying a vintage car. Despite receiving mixed reactions, his determination did not waver. The opportunity to realize this dream came in 2021 when a customer donated a 1972 El Camino for the project. This marked the beginning of Vintage Iron’s first foray into electric However, taking on an EV project required expertise and resources that were new to Vintage Iron.

Sourcing Parts and Smarts

Enter Legacy EV, a key partner in bringing Mark’s vision to life. In 2022, Mark turned to Legacy EV for support in transforming Vintage Iron’s capabilities. Recognizing the importance of upskilling, the team enrolled their lead technician, Logan Necochea, in Legacy EV’s Fundamentals Bootcamp. This program was designed to equip seasoned mechanics with the necessary knowledge and skills to tackle EV conversions. The training proved invaluable, providing Logan with a solid foundation in EV systems and safety protocols.

Beyond training, Legacy EV supplied Vintage Iron with a comprehensive EV conversion kit tailored to the project’s needs. The kit included a 250 hp motor with 650 ft-lbs of torque and a 66 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, giving the team the tools to create a powerful and efficient electric vehicle. Throughout the conversion process, Legacy EV’s technical team provided ongoing support, ensuring that Vintage Iron had access to expert guidance at every step.

The Electric Camino

The result of their efforts was the Electric Camino—a fully electric 1972 Chevrolet El Camino that debuted at the November 2022 Goodguys event in Scottsdale. This vehicle is powered by dual NetGain Hyper9 motors delivering 186 kW and 880 Nm of torque, paired with a custom chassis and suspension setup. The car also features a modular 66.6 kWh battery pack, custom-configured by Vintage Iron, ensuring reliable power delivery and impressive range.

Expanding the EV Portfolio

Following the success of the Electric Camino, Vintage Iron has continued to explore the potential of EV conversions, again with the backing of Legacy EV. Their recent project—a 1947 Ford COE powered by a ReVolt Systems CR-43B Crate Motor capable of 600 hp and 800+ ft-lbs of torque—further showcases their commitment to innovation. 

Additionally, the team completed a Tesla-powered custom build, demonstrating their versatility in adapting to different EV platforms. Legacy EV’s support extended beyond individual projects, providing Vintage Iron with the knowledge, components, and confidence to tackle increasingly complex conversions.

With three successful builds and more on the horizon, Vintage Iron and Restoration is positioned to be a leader in the emerging classic EV conversion space. Their journey from traditional restoration to pioneering electric vehicles, underpinned by the expertise and support of Legacy EV, is a testament to their ability to adapt, innovate, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of classic cars.