Transforming traditional gasoline-fueled cars into electric vehicles (EVs) is no small feat. It’s an endeavor rich with challenges and expense, and many have encountered roadblocks along the way. Yet amidst these tales of transformation, featured in several articles, emerges the captivating love story of Peppermint Pattie, a 1967 Toyota Corona given new life through electric conversion.
A Labor of Love Amidst Tragedy
The electric dreams for Peppermint Pattie started with Jo and her late husband Brad, whose unexpected passing left both the project and Jo’s heart in a state of disarray. Their collaborative effort turned into Jo’s solo mission to honor Brad’s memory, fueled by determination and the mechanical mastery of her father-in-law.
A Glimpse of Peppermint Pattie’s Past and Future
As Jo recounts her story, the historic value of the uniquely Japanese-manufactured, shovel-nosed Corona comes to light. Despite difficulties in sourcing original engine parts—a hint from fate, perhaps, to embark on an EV transformation—the car’s body remained in remarkable shape. Jo and Brad’s decision to go electric was met with optimism from enthusiasts, potentially securing another half-century on the road for the classic Corona.
The Restoration and Conversion Process
Initially, a simple refurbishment was all that was intended, yet the project blossomed into a complete restoration, culminating in a pristine paint job and reupholstered interior in September 2021. Working alongside OZDIY, Jo and Brad sought to retrofit the car with an EV drivetrain, custom-tailored for Peppermint Pattie.
Perseverance Through Loss
Tragically, Brad’s passing left the project in limbo, but his legacy endured through the continued work on Peppermint Pattie. Through the hardships, the car transitioned from a shared dream to a testament of their love, with Jo steering the project towards the immaculate standards Brad would have admired.
The Financial Aspect of Converting to Electric
Investing in the past to preserve the future, Jo and Brad allocated considerable funds towards converting and restoring the beloved Corona. Their investment goes beyond the financial; it’s an embodiment of nostalgia, love, and the vehicle’s potential to retain its value as a functional piece of history.
Peppermint Pattie’s Place in the Present
Restored to its former glory, Peppermint Pattie now enjoys a renewed existence as Jo’s daily driver, equipped with modern features like regenerative braking and enhanced suspension for improved ride comfort. Charging from a home solar array, this piece of automotive history has comfortably settled into the Brisbane Bayside suburbs, inspiring onlookers at various EV displays.
What the Future Holds
With visions of further enhancements, Jo contemplates a brighter future for Peppermint Pattie—a future that might include a few more conveniences and quieter rides. The vintage Corona may have traded its exhaust notes for the hum of an electric drivetrain, but one tradition from its petrol-powered days remains: the meticulous crochet blanket, symbolically placed over the front seat, a touchstone to its heartfelt journey.
