Beyond the Chrome: Jason Momoa's Electrifying Take on Vintage Iron
It’s easy to get stuck in the past, especially when that past is gleaming with chrome and rumbling with a V-twin. For decades, the "restomod" ethos was a fairly predictable dance: take a beloved classic, polish it up, and then subtly inject a few modern conveniences. Think fuel injection instead of greasy carburetors, or maybe a killer sound system. But what happens when "modern" takes a quantum leap, and batteries start whispering where engines once roared?
This is precisely the provocative question that Jason Momoa and the wizards at Electrogenic are posing with their latest project, chronicled on Momoa's "On The Roam" series. Personally, I find this entire endeavor utterly fascinating because it pushes the boundaries of what we even mean by "restomod." We're not just talking about a better stereo anymore; we're talking about a fundamental reimagining of classic machinery for a new era. Momoa, who previously electrified a 1929 Rolls-Royce, is clearly no stranger to this avant-garde approach. This time, his collection includes vintage Land Rovers and, most intriguingly, a trio of classic Harley-Davidsons.
Silent Cruisers and Hybrid Heroes
Let's start with the Land Rovers. Electrogenic has transformed a 1949 Series I and a rare 1961 Series IIA Dormobile camper into fully electric vehicles. What makes this approach so brilliant, in my opinion, is that they haven't tried to turn these iconic off-roaders into something they're not. They've preserved the soul, the rugged charm, and the legendary four-wheel-drive capabilities, while simply swapping out the internal combustion engine for a silent, torquey electric powertrain. The result? Classic Land Rovers that can now glide through the wilderness without the exhaust fumes invading the cabin, and a Dormobile that boasts an induction cooktop – talk about a modern camping upgrade!
But it’s the Harley-Davidsons that truly steal the show, and frankly, they’re the builds that make you stop and think. Electrogenic has taken three vintage Harleys, and two of them, stunning 1920s Model JDs, have been converted into plug-in hybrids. Yes, you read that right: 1920s Harleys with plug-in hybrid powertrains. From my perspective, this is where the "art" in restomodding truly shines. The original V-twin engines are still there, but they're now augmented by an electric hub motor. This means you can choose to ride on gasoline, pure electricity, or a combination of both. What’s even more ingenious is that the electric motor can even start the gasoline engine, banishing the dreaded kick-start ritual that has tested the patience of riders for over a century.
Redefining Preservation
This hybrid approach is, to me, the most compelling aspect of the entire project. For years, the debate has raged: are EV conversions a form of sacrilege or salvation for classic vehicles? What Momoa's collection strongly suggests is that the answer lies in the execution. Electrogenic isn't gutting these machines; they're enhancing them. Every conversion is designed to be reversible, which is a crucial detail for any enthusiast worried about permanence. Instead of asking if we should electrify classics, they're asking how we can do it thoughtfully.
If builders in the past embraced the best technology of their day to improve old cars, why should we, in the present, limit ourselves to mere fuel injection or Bluetooth? Technology marches on, and restomods, by their very definition, should evolve with it. This collection is a powerful statement that batteries and electric motors are becoming just another set of tools in the custom builder's arsenal. They aren't replacing the magic of classic machinery; they're offering a new way to keep it alive, usable, and relevant for generations to come. What this really suggests is that the future of classic vehicles isn't about clinging to the past, but about creatively integrating it with the innovations of today.
