Paul Jolly: Would you electrify these cute little babies?

Virtually any classic car can be converted to fully electric.

If it is to comply with ULEZ regulation, there is no need, as these classic Fiat 500s are over 40 years old and are exempt from charges.

But maybe you would like to retain some individuality and use your classic car for bona fide emission-free motoring.

Retro Electric in Kent specialises in the conversion of existing classics, including VW Beetles, Land Rover Defenders, Fiat 500s, and Porsche 911s; in fact, it will convert any classic car to EV.

As a classic car specialist of many years standing, I find it impossible to even consider such an idea but fully respect those who might. However, I feel obliged to make some comments.

At around £28000+, the conversion on your existing car is not far short of buying a new fully electric Fiat 500E, which is itself a cute city car. This then carries full manufacturing Type Approval certification and lengthy dealer warranties. Current discounting to achieve the government target of 28 per cent sales of EVs this year is considerable and may reduce this substantially.

A converted EV will endure considerable depreciation very quickly, as dealers do not like or trust out-of-the-ordinary vehicles. A bit like kit cars of the 60s and 70s, which plummeted in value from day one.

The whole character of the original car will be lost apart from its stationary appearance. Not just the lack of engine note and vibration; the whole essence of a classic car is the participation and involvement with your machine. Planning the right gear and increasing speed for that upcoming hill or dropping a gear to help with the braking down the next hill. It’s all part of the experience. A Fiat 500, as shown, has no road tax, no MOT requirement and approximately £60 annual insurance with 40+ mpg.

A Porsche 911 without that unique flat-6 engine note is quite unthinkable. Likewise, a silent Beetle or Land Rover. No thanks!

My suggestion is to drive a hard bargain for the new EV and then get an original Fiat 500 with the discount you negotiated. Job done.