You want a classic roadster like the MGB but also want to be future forward and have an electric vehicle? Well, a British car manufacturer may just have your car; for a price.

Classic motoring manufacturer RBW EV Classic Cars has revealed the pre-production model of its electric classic roadster.

Inspired by the MGB Roadster of the 1960s, the RBW EV Roadster takes the classic sports car design and enhances it for the modern world, whilst retaining a stylish elegance, says RBW.

Production begins early 2021 with prices starting from £90,000, that is NZ $176,000, so a lot of cash for a niche electric car.

Under the brand-new heritage body shell from British Motor Heritage, sits a patented power drivetrain system that has been three years in development.

RBW has worked with Continental Engineering Services (CES) and Zytek Automotive, both part of Continental AG, which provides the world championship winning technology applied to Formula E racing cars. Following RBW founder Peter Swain’s vision, together they have created a vehicle with the aesthetic appeal of a classic car but with modern electric engineering.

Managing Director Peter Swain said: “Our patented system places the electric motor at the rear of the car and Hyperdrive Innovation’s lithium-ion battery technology under the bonnet, which gives perfectly balanced weight distribution. Not only does this give the driver much better handling of the car, retaining that sports car feel, but it also affords maximum battery volume to be housed. 

“The RBW system has been tested and has achieved European Regulation No 100 of the Economic Commission, which confirms RBW as a recognised automotive worldwide manufacturer.

“What is even more exciting for us is that the RBW System and architecture can be installed into other body shells such as Austin Healey, Jaguar E-Type, Mini, and many more. Each car can be built to the clients’ personal specification and requirements. The opportunities are endless and therefore safeguards the future of classic motoring.”

The roadster has a 260kms range and a top speed of 128km/h, so we’re talking a city commute car or a Sunday quiet road trip rather than a vehicle for long journeys on the motorway.

Further model developments are already underway with a fixed head GT version to follow in 2021 along with a second RBW electric recreation.