During my time at the 2024 Mooneyes New Year’s Party at Irwindale Speedway, I was utterly captivated by the astonishing sight of 1300 classic cars spread across the grounds. As I explored further, I stumbled upon the vendors' section, offering an array of memorabilia, haircuts, and various collectibles for sale. Amidst the bustling sales tents, I encountered several special vehicles and their builders, among them, Magnetomotive LLC’s latest electric converted Ford Mustang was being showcased, displaying their work in electrifying classic cars.

Front of the Magnetomotive LLC electric Mustang

Over the past two decades, automotive manufacturers have been striving to develop cleaner vehicles for road use, with the ultimate goal of achieving emission-free automobiles in the near future. This technological shift in automotive innovation has gradually extended into the aftermarket sector. Baudelio and Magnetomotive LLC emerged as pioneers in this movement, spearheading electric swaps for classic Mustangs and other vintage vehicles alongside their diverse range of specialty services.

Rear of the Magnetomotive LLC electric Mustang

Baudelio's fascination with electric vehicles dates back nearly a decade. By around 2014, he was overseeing a vehicle fleet in southern California that integrated electric-powered vehicles. Over time, he delved deep into the realm of electric vehicles, evolving into an expert in the field. His expertise led him to become a professor at various colleges in the area, where he shared his knowledge and insights into electric and hybrid automobiles.

The electric plug-in of the 1965 Ford Mustang

Seven years ago, Baudelio transitioned into a private contractor role. However, three years ago, he made a bold move by opening the doors of Magnetomotive LLC, a performance shop dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of services. From drivetrain swaps to suspension and brake enhancements, the shop offered myriad improvements to its customers. Under Baudelio's leadership, the team at Magnetomotive embarked on the journey of converting classics into electric vehicles, exemplified by their work on this stunning purple ‘65 Ford Mustang.

The Netgain Motors HyPer electric motor sits at home in the Ford Mustang's original engine bay, even given some details to comically replicate a Ford V8

The 1965 Ford Mustang notchback underwent a remarkable transformation, with work commencing on this iconic pony car in August 2023 and culminating in the final product being completed less than 48 hours before SEMA 2023—an anecdote commonly shared among SEMA enthusiasts for generations. With his extensive experience specialising in Ford Mustangs, Baudelio embarked on a mission to create a vehicle that would resonate with his childhood self, aiming to replicate the excitement of a Hot Wheels toy brought to life. The dedicated team at Magnetomotive spared no effort in ensuring the Mustang stood out, infusing it with a unique paint scheme reminiscent of Initial D's distinctive aesthetic. To further enhance its appeal, the Mustang was adorned with an oversized spoiler, extending beyond the width of the car itself, adding to the Hot Wheels-inspired and cartoonish styling the team aimed to achieve.

The Heidts independent rear suspension and inboard aftermarket brakes can be easily seen through the custom rear diffuser

Under the hood, the original internal combustion engine was swapped out and replaced with a potent AC permanent magnet motor from Netgain Motors Inc., specifically their HyPer motor model. Boasting 180 volts of power and peaking at 500 amps, this motor delivers impressive performance. The battery pack, constructed using 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E battery modules, supplies a robust 50 kilowatts of power. To harness this enhanced power, an upgraded Tremec T-5 5-speed transmission was installed. Collectively, these upgrades enable the Mustang to achieve a range of 150 miles between charges and comfortably cruise at speeds of up to 120 mph.

Inside the electrified 1965 Ford Mustang

The transformation of this wild stallion went beyond electrification. The front suspension received a pro-touring upgrade, enhancing its performance and handling characteristics. Meanwhile, the rear end underwent a significant overhaul, transitioning to a Heidts independent rear suspension equipped with inboard disc brakes. Coil overs were added to all four corners of the pony car, further refining its ride quality and cornering capabilities.

The custom vents adorned across the front of the Mustang added a Hot Wheels aesthetic to the top of this stallion

During my visit to the Mooneyes New Year’s Party in 2024, I was immersed in a spectacle of over one thousand classic cars, accompanied by the thunderous roar of V8 engines and the nostalgic scent of gasoline lingering in the air. Amidst the sea of hot rods and quintessential American muscle, one stallion commanded attention above all others. The electric 1965 Ford Mustang, crafted by Baudelio and the team at Magnetomotive LLC, was a truly exceptional sight to behold.

The Magnetomotive LLC custom decal of the Mustang, Baudelio gave every interested onlooker one of these

Adorned with a vibrant cartoon-themed paint scheme and toy-inspired modifications, this Mustang stood out as a genuine Hot Wheels come to life. Its unique features included an independent rear suspension, a widened stance, and a comically large spoiler, all combining to create a vehicle that appealed to the inner child in everyone who beheld it. Beyond its whimsical appearance, this pony car also served as a showcase of cutting-edge technologies in the world of hot rodding, bridging the gap between nostalgia and innovation in automotive design.

Until the next time I see you guys, get wrenching, get driving, and keep these classics alive!

- Kyle Hanger of Searching for Classics