The incredible Legacy EV-built 1966 Cadillac convertible electro-mod has been sold. The car, known as “dEVille,” went across the auction block with no reserve at the 2024 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction at WestWorld. Barrett-Jackson lists the official selling price as $99,000.

About the Legacy EV-Built 1966 Cadillac Convertible

Rob Ward, CEO and founder of Legacy EV purchased the car in 2018. Legacy EV built the car for the 2021 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas. The idea, according to Ward, was to do some personal touches but keep it traditional to a 1966 Cadillac. The build was all inclusive and left no part untouched. All total, it took eight months to complete the build. The interior includes custom door panels, an updated stereo system, custom Dakota Digital gauges, and steering wheel restored by the Australian company PearlCraft. The car has a Legacy EV-built air suspension with an Air Lift air management system. It rides on 20-inch EVOD Industries wheels and has upgraded front disc brakes that help rein in forward velocity. The exterior of the car includes LED headlights and taillights, rubber moldings by Caddy Daddy, and features Bright White paint.

Triple-Motor Powertrain

Legacy EV worked the magic its known for when it came time to address the Cadillac’s powerplant. The company yanked the gas-burning V-8 engine and repowered it with an electric drivetrain. There are three inline HyPer 9 Synchronous Reluctance Internal Permanent Magnet motors in the car. It’s worth noting that the HyPer 9 has a power-to-weight ratio of 0.73 kW/lb (or 0.97 hp/lb). This is more than any other motor in its class according to Legacy EV. Additionally, it boasts 95 percent efficiency. The motors are controlled by SmartView motor software. Feeding the motors is a 55 kWh NMC lithium-ion battery pack. The sum of all this is that the Cadillac now sports 394 hp and 1,000 lb-ft of torque. The car can charge at up to 6 kW and travel up to 150 miles on a full charge.

Preserving Vintage Vehicles through Electric Retrofit

Mavrick Knoles, president and co-founder of Legacy EV made a good point regarding the electrification of classic vehicles. “Electro-Mods are the future of car collecting and vehicle customization. Retro-fitting classic gas-powered vehicles with electric motors and batteries creates a sustainable modern vehicle and is the next step in preserving vintage vehicles. I think in 20 years we’ll look back and recognize dEVille as a tribute to the past, while protecting our future.”

Honored to Have it Cross the Barrett-Jackson Auction Block

“This was as much a passion project for our team, as it was a showcase of how to transform a gas-guzzling American classic into an electric vehicle,” said Ward. “We were particularly careful to maintain the Cadillac’s original design as we navigated the complexities of fitting a modern day powerplant made of motors and lithium batteries into a vehicle that’s almost 60 years old. What our team accomplished with ‘dEVille’ is nothing short of incredible and I’m honored to have it cross the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction block.”

About Legacy EV

Legacy EV offers fully integrated EV systems from top manufacturers. This means the Arizona-based company offers all the parts necessary to transform a classic vehicle from internal combustion to electric power. The company’s product line includes everything from complete kits to an EV Shop Starter Package. At the time of this writing, Legacy EV offers five kits that cover a wide range of power output. But that’s not all. The company also offers charger systems, motor systems, high-voltage electrical components, and battery systems. Additionally, controllers, thermal management systems, low voltage electrical components, hardware, accessories, and more. Legacy EV notes it is “The one-stop solution for EV kits, components, education, & build support.” Clearly, that’s more than just a slogan. It’s also important to note that the company has built a network of over 40 authorized installers across the globe.

Legacy EV Certified Technician Program

The transformation from internal combustion power to electric power is happening fast in the automotive world. This has created the need for knowledgeable technicians that can make electrification happen. “We estimate that 660,000 automotive technicians in the U.S. alone will need EV training,” noted Mavrick Knoles, Co-Founder and President of Legacy EV. “To answer that call, Legacy created a Certified Technician Program. Schools, dealerships, manufacturers, and individual mechanics are leveraging this program to build a qualified workforce ready to lead the next evolution of transportation.”

Five-Part Course

The five-part Legacy EV Certified Technician Program includes topics such as electrical circuit training; how to choose an EV kit; and training in motors, batteries, and chargers. Moreover, the course includes training in safety measures and bench testing along with much more. Upon completion of the course, students will be a part of Legacy EV’s authorized installer network. Students will be able to complete an ICE-to-EV conversion, successfully build a custom electric vehicle, and speak knowledgably on the topic of EV tech. At the time of this writing Legacy EV has trained nearly 500 technicians.

The Bottom Line

One can’t help but be jealous of the person who purchased the awesome Legacy EV-built 1966 Cadillac Convertible Electro-Mod. The dEVille is a one-of-a-kind machine that blends vintage style with cutting-edge tech. On top of that, it looks like a blast to drive.

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Photos by Legacy EV and Barrett-Jackson