Classic car owners can future-proof their historic vehicle and enjoy the “best of both worlds” by converting their models to run on an electric battery, according to experts.

Jack Kerridge, director of Silent Classics, showed off his range of electric-powered historic machines at Everything Electric London.

Positioned near brand-new launches from some of the world’s biggest OEMs, the plucky converted Fiat 500 stands out from the crowd.

Where modern EVs look pretty stock in their design and functionality, the Fiat has character, elegance and a nod to the bygone days of motoring.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, Jack said: “It’s got something about it, This Datsun, it’s sexy you know. It’s kind of the best of both worlds.”

Securing classic car parts to repair historic models as they age can be a headache while the rising cost of car ownership for petrol and diesel owners may make switching to an EV appealing.

Throw into the mix a feeling of uncertainty as the nation slowly transitions towards electric vehicles and many will be tempted to switch.

In some circumstances, work can be completed in just 48 hours but personalised projects will take a lot longer.

Jack explained: “A Fiat 500 now we can do the install in like a day or two. The first one we did took us years to develop the kit but more bespoke builds like this Datsun 240Z that could easily be a year project.”

Jack got the inspiration for Silent Classics when his 0.6 litre Fiat 126, gave up the ghost, encouraging him to undertake a drastic EV conversion to review his vehicle.

The success of the first project encouraged him to take the concept further with a fully-fledged business.

With upfront costs of EVs yet to considerably fall, converting an EV could still be an affordable way to go electric.

But, Jack stressed it was still “not” affordable for the masses with some projects set to set motorists back hundreds of thousands of pounds.

However, he defended the sky-high prices for certain items due to the skillset needed to undertake the project.

Jack added: “Conversions will start at like £25,000 all the way up to £250,000 easily, depending on what they want. Everyone will say ‘oh you just took the motor out, put batteries in it’, everyone thinks it’s very simple.”

Classic car conversion is nothing new with firms dabbling in the technology for around half a decade.

However, Silent Classics has done something different by selling cars directly to consumers as well as conversion kits.

Their Fiat 500E can be purchased for a pricey £50,000 but offers a complete package for those without a historic vehicle to hand.

The 21kWh Tesla battery powers a 44Kw AC Motor with the FIat 500E capable of a 120-mile range, making this ideal for cities.

Inside, the stylish interior is fitted with creature comforts not common in ordinary classic vehicles such as heated seats and a cabin heater.

Read our recent review of the Fiat 500E from Silent Classics.