A Porsche 911, Reimagined. Preserving an Icon Through Electric Conversion

For many collectors, a classic car is more than an asset or a weekend indulgence — it is a marker of time, memory and identity. For London-based lawyer Bradley Phillips, his Porsche 911 represents exactly that. Purchased over twenty years ago, newly married and at a very different stage of life, the car has evolved alongside him. Today, thanks to a bespoke electric conversion by Retroelectric, it has entered its next chapter.

This is not a story about a novelty or making a statement. It is about preservation, usability and ensuring that an automotive icon remains relevant and driven in the modern world.

A Long-Term Relationship with a Classic

Bradley bought his Porsche 911T in 2004. Like many enthusiasts, his passion for classics developed early, shaped by ownership of cars such as an MGB GT and a Volkswagen Beetle. What drew him to the Porsche was not just its design or heritage, but the way it made him feel.

Over time, however, the realities of running a decades-old sports car began to take their toll. Reliability issues crept in, and eventually, the Porsche spent long periods unused, sitting quietly in the garage. The love of the vehicle remained, but the car no longer fitted seamlessly into modern London life.

Rather than parting with it, Bradley began considering a different approach. One that didn’t involve replacement, but a reinvention.

Why Electric — and Why Now?

The idea of converting the 911 to electric power appealed precisely because it bridged two worlds. Bradley has always appreciated modern technology, but without any desire to abandon the craftsmanship and character that make classic cars special.

An electric conversion offered the best of both, the ability to preserve the Porsche he loved, while making it reliable, usable and appropriate for contemporary urban driving. Smooth, quiet power delivery, reduced maintenance and effortless drivability all made sense with how the car would be used — short, regular journeys around London, a few times a week.

Importantly, this was never about following trends or making a political statement. It was both a practical and emotional decision.

Choosing the Right Partner

As with any significant restoration or conversion, choosing the right specialist was critical. Bradley spent three to four months researching the companies capable of delivering a truly high-quality classic electric car conversion.

He spoke with multiple specialists, before deciding on Retroelectric through online and in person research. What ultimately mattered was confidence, in the technical execution, but also in the understanding of what the car represented to him.

This was not a project he planned to undertake himself, nor one that was to be rushed. It required experience, engineering rigour and respect for the original vehicle.

The Conversion Journey

The full project took approximately fifteen months, including restoration work alongside the electric conversion. Transparency around cost and scope was key, with the conversion itself coming in around £65,000, and the total project value reaching approximately £75,000. Bradley was particularly pleased that the experience was overwhelmingly positive and delivered exactly what had been promised.

Today, the Porsche charges at home using a dedicated Easee charger, integrating seamlessly into daily life. A far cry from its previous existence as a rarely used classic sitting unused.

Driving, Discretion and Design

One of the most striking aspects of Bradley’s experience is how quietly transformative the conversion has been.

“From the outside, you’d never know it’s electric. And that’s exactly how it should be.”

From the outside, nothing gives it away and that is entirely the point. Admirers comment on the beauty of the car, its condition and presence, without realising that beneath the surface it has been fundamentally re-engineered.

The absence of noise only enhances the experience. In traffic, on residential streets or during early-morning drives, the car feels composed, refined and purposeful, while still unmistakably a Porsche 911.

A Car That Says Less and Means More

Asked what he thinks the converted vehicle says about him, Bradley is characteristically understated. For him, the satisfaction lies in the preservation of this incredible vehicle.

This is a car he intends to keep indefinitely, likely passing it down through the family. With an estimated value well above the project cost, the conversion has not only safeguarded the Porsche’s future usability but also strengthened its long-term appeal.

Looking Ahead

Bradley has no interest in replacing his 911 with a modern OEM electric vehicle. In London, it simply isn’t necessary. Instead, he sees value in maintaining and evolving what he already owns, returning to Retroelectric for servicing and future developments as technology progresses.

His story reflects a broader shift among discerning collectors, a move away from disposability, and towards thoughtful reinvention.

“This wasn’t about making a statement — it was about preserving something important to me.”

A bespoke electric Porsche 911 conversion is not about erasing history. It is about protecting it, ensuring that remarkable cars continue to be driven, enjoyed and passed on, rather than quietly retired.

For Retroelectric, projects like this sit at the heart of what we do, working with knowledgeable, considered owners to create classic electric cars that respect the past while embracing the future.

In this case, the result is simple. A beautiful Porsche ready for the decades ahead.

About Retroelectric: At Retroelectric we take what’s truly great about classic cars and improve upon the parts that aren’t. We take iconic cars of the 1960s and 1970s and refit them with clean electric engines, luxurious interiors and choice upgrades.