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From the Editor: Welcome to the March issue of Drive Magazine! This month, we’re checking out some projects that blend timeless style with modern ingenuity. Our cover story features Andy and Jamie Mayes from Maz-Coat Customs in Toccoa, Georgia, and their stunning 1970 Chevy C10. After years of focusing on customer builds, the duo finally carved out time to create their own masterpiece. Built on a full air-ride chassis from Roadster Shop, this C10 is more than a shop truck—it’s a rolling showcase of skill and creativity that’s sure to turn heads at every show. We’re also exploring the intersection of classic cars and cutting-edge tech. One feature highlights the electrification of a 1966 Mercedes-Benz “Pagoda” 230 SL by Moment Motor Company. With sleek lines and a new electric drivetrain,…
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IN the world of classic cars, few vehicles are as iconic as the 1966 Mercedes-Benz “Pagoda” 230 SL. With its elegant lines, distinctive roof, and luxurious interior, this car epitomizes mid-century automotive design. However, as much as we love these vintage beauties, their aging internal combustion engines often leave much to be desired regarding reliability and environmental impact. That’s where Moment Motor Company steps in. THE BEGINNING OF A NEW CHAPTER The story of this particular Pagoda SL began with a passionate owner who had always dreamed of bringing his beloved Mercedes back to life—but with a modern twist. Although visually striking, the car was far from roadworthy when it arrived at Moment’s Austin, Texas workshop. The engine was tired, the drivetrain outdated, and the car was a far cry…
BASE VEHICLE ■ Model: 1966 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Pagoda ■ Original Engine: Inline-six internal combustion engine (replaced) ■ Original Transmission: Manual/Automatic (gear shift removed) ➕ ELECTRIC CONVERSION MOTOR ■ Type: Cascadia SS250 ■ Power Output: 225 kW (300 hp) ■ Torque: 508 Nm (375 ft-lbs) ■ Drive Type: Direct drive INVERTER ■ Model: CM200 BATTERY SYSTEM ■ Total Capacity: 62 kWh ■ Battery Modules: VDA 355 ■ Battery Placement: ■ Two-thirds of the battery pack located in front ‘44W’ battery boxes ■ Remaining modules housed in a rear ‘42L’ battery box ■ Cooling System: Liquid-cooled with integrated chill plates DRIVE SYSTEM ■ Rear Differential Gear Ratio: 4.08 ■ Driveshaft: Custom single-piece aluminum driveshaft PERFORMANCE ■ Estimated Range: About 175 miles in mixed driving ■ Top Speed: “Way faster than anyone…
The clean lines of the Electrogenic motor and battery pack fit seamlessly into the E-Type, preserving its iconic look. WITH “E” already in its name, the Jaguar E-Type seems like a natural candidate for an electric vehicle (EV) conversion. This iconic roadster, produced by Jaguar Cars from 1961 to 1974, has long been revered by car enthusiasts and celebrities alike. Now, as the demand for eco-friendly alternatives grows, classic car aficionados are finding new ways to modernize their beloved vehicles without compromising the soul of the original design. PRESERVING HISTORY, EMBRACING THE FUTURE A common concern among classic car lovers is that converting a vintage vehicle to electric power “ruins” or even “desecrates” the original. But, as those who have completed EV conversions know, the truth often lies in the…
BUILDING CUSTOM VEHICLES FOR CUSTOMERS TAKES TONS OF TIME AND WORK. When you do that for a living, having a chance to do your own personal vehicle is usually very limited. That’s why most shops use customer builds as their business cards and don’t have their own vehicles promoting their business. But Andy and Jamie Mayes from Maz-Coat Customs in Toccoa, Georgia, decided It was time to do something of their own. They had a 1970 Chevy C10 they picked up with plans to work on but unfortunately due to time constraints, it sat for a bit before finally getting a little love. Knowing they wanted the truck to lay out for shows, they reached out toRoadster Shop to order a full air-ride chassis from them. Once they had the…