Electrify Your Porsche: How Sacrilege Motors is Shocking the Classic Car World
Blame the pandemic. Phil Wagenheim, a high-energy New York investment entrepreneur and CEO of Sacrilege Motors, certainly does. Wagenheim, who struck gold during the early SPAC (Special-Purpose Acquisition Company) frenzy, found himself spending a lot of time at home with his kids during the COVID-19 lockdown—a lot.
Origins in Lockdown
A lifelong Porsche fan, Wagenheim needed a drive to clear his head. Heading towards his beloved 993 Turbo, he noticed oil leaks and smoke coming from the right tailpipe. Frustrated, he reached out to his longtime friend Bobby Singh, a prominent Porsche mechanic and race engineer. In a moment of exasperation, Wagenheim said, “Bobby, my car is leaking oil and it’s smoking out the right tailpipe. Let’s just convert this thing into an EV.”
Singh, who founded Manhattan Motorsports and now runs a high-end Porsche shop, was initially skeptical. “Phil, you can’t do that. You’re an asshole,” Singh responded. Wagenheim persisted, and eventually, Singh relented, suggesting they convert an M491 Turbo-look model instead.
The Birth of Sacrilege Motors
The journey had begun. Alongside Singh, Wagenheim launched Sacrilege Motors, a company ready to convert your cherished G-body (1973-1989) or 964 (1989-1994) Porsche 911 into a stunning electric vehicle. “Earlier cars aren’t strong enough for all the torque of electric motors, and later ones are too big and computerized,” explains Wagenheim. His preference for simplicity and modest size is evident in their latest creation, the Blackbird Roadster, a converted 964 America Roadster.
The dashboard of the Blackbird retains the classic 911 look but subtly reveals its electric transformation upon closer inspection. Despite starting life with a Tiptronic automatic gearbox, the car exemplifies Sacrilege’s philosophy: innovation without sacrificing the soul of a vintage Porsche.
Engineering Excellence
“There are no players in the U.S. that are making engineered components to do this right,” says the ambitious Wagenheim. Singh’s meticulous engineering standards set Sacrilege apart from other EV conversion outfits. In Bobby’s facility, you’ll find a 959S, a 993 Cup car, and other high-end Porsches, all undergoing in-depth maintenance. Singh’s expertise ensures Sacrilege's EV conversions maintain the authentic driving experience of classic Porsche models, complete with added benefits like instant torque and higher horsepower.
The firm drew inspiration from Welsh company Fellten to perfect their systems, relying on a single, tuned Tesla motor and custom batteries. The result? A 500 horsepower roadster weighing in at a nimble 3,009 pounds—a significant savings over the original ICE cars.
Top-Notch Performance and Design
The Blackbird Roadster, which I had the pleasure of testing on winding roads near Nyack, NY, proved to be an extraordinary driving experience. Silent at rest but exhilarating on the move, the car features a three-position gear shift for simplicity and a bespoke suspension system developed by Penske Racing. The lightweight design ensures it has excellent handling and body control, making it a joy to drive at any speed.
According to racer Steve Katz, who tested the car: “It’s basically the best street car he’s ever had on the track. It’s closer to his race car than any street car he’s ever driven on the track.” High praise indeed.
Customizable and Reversible
One of the standout features of Sacrilege’s conversions is the 100 percent reversibility of modifications. The original chassis and pick-up points remain unchanged, and cars can be customized with any paint color or interior materials the customer desires. In the case of the Blackbird, the interior boasts a tasteful combination of basket-weave leather and Italian suede, with high-voltage air conditioning adding a touch of modern comfort.
Evading Legal Pitfalls
However, Sacrilege Motors is careful to avoid infringing on Porsche’s branding. They’ve removed all Porsche badges and emblems, opting for a unique design featuring the engineering symbol for a battery. “We want to start a conversation with Porsche,” Wagenheim says, emphasizing his respect for the brand.
The Future of Classic Cars
With ambitions to become the “Singer of EV-converted 911s,” Sacrilege Motors aims high. Priced at $850,000 without the donor car, the conversions are not for everyone, but for those who can afford it, the result is a perfect blend of vintage charm and cutting-edge technology. As they prepare to showcase at Pebble Beach, it’s clear Sacrilege Motors is ready to make waves in the classic car and EV worlds alike.