1958 Zelectric Ragtop:
Perfectly Anthracite.
102 Electric Horses.
Eat-the-Road Torque.


Once in a Blue moon, a fully-retrofitted Zelectric model is offered for purchase. In the summer of 2020, This award-winning Bug found a new home. Like Every classic with a back story, this one’s had some noteworthy adventures– from headlining the Pebble Beach concours’ RetroAuto exhibit to winning best of show in Kansas City, missouri.

One of the most sublime Porsche/VW colors – “Anthracite” is defined as “coal of a hard variety that contains relatively pure carbon and burns with little flame and smoke.”

Previously Zelectric's own award-winning show car, Omaze featured it in the summer of 2019 as the headliner for a hugely successful Planetary Society fundraising campaign.

Winners Shannon and her husband Lauren were thrilled to receive it– they picked up both “Best in Class” and “Best in Show” at local automotive events. But with a young family and an impending move, practicality won the day. So they let us help them find it a new home. 

Back with us in San Diego for a pit stop, we checked out every last detail before sending it off cross-country to its new home.

Check out the list of specifications. Interested in one like it? We build to order. Email bonnie@zelectric.com for more info.

Optional roof rack is perfect for surfboards & camping gear.

Let the sunshine in! A large canvas“ragtop” slides open for fresh air, and closes easily to keep the cabin snug and airtight.

In addition to starring as the featured headliner for Pebble Beach Concours RetroAuto 2018, this award-winning 1958 Zelectric Bug has been celebrated and profiled in worldwide media including Japan, Sweden, Germany and Australia.

In addition to starring as the featured headliner for Pebble Beach Concours RetroAuto 2018, this award-winning 1958 Zelectric Bug has been celebrated and profiled in worldwide media including Japan, Sweden, Germany and Australia.

Fearlessly taking the corkscrew, on the track at Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA

This Zelectric retrofit includes a 100mi Tesla battery pack, 102hp motor, regen braking, whitewall radials, custom leather interior, tinted windows, LED lights, new suspension, transmission & disc brakes.

Mechanical Upgrades

  • Front & Rear Disc Brakes

  • Steel braided brake lines

  • New shocks & master cylinder

  • Adjustable front & rear suspension

  • Rebuilt 4-speed Transaxle

  • Drive-by-wire throttle system

  • New clutch cable & shifter couplers

  • Short-throw shifter

  • Heavy Duty Clutch & Lightened Flywheel

    Drivetrain and Charging

  • Maintenance-free 102hp AC motor

  • 120 foot-pounds torque

  • 100 mile range

  • 27 kWh Tesla Battery pack

  • Less than 500 miles on 2019 Tesla batteries slated to last 250,000+ miles

  • Dash-mounted digital fuel gauge 2500 watt onboard charging system

  • Built-in J1772 charge port

  • Dash-mounted regen power switch Dash-mounted reverse switch

    Additional Upgrades

  • Pan-off full body restoration

  • Anthracite Repaint in 2018

  • Diamondback white wall radials

  • Front and rear seat belts

  • LED head, brake, and running lights

  • Rebuilt speedometer

  • USB charge port in glovebox

  • Tinted windows

  • New window seals

  • Coco floor mats

  • German squareweave carpet

  • Custom Leather interior

  • Brand new 12-volt battery

  • Detailed photo album on flickr https://flic.kr/s/aHskk421cE


Questions? Please email bonnie@zelectric.com