Southfield Classics Builds Electric Icons

The appeal of classic vehicles is undeniable. Whether it’s the rugged simplicity of a 1950 Chevrolet 3100 pickup or the raw aggression of a Ford GT40, these icons evoke a sense of nostalgia, craftsmanship, and mechanical purity. But what happens to these beloved machines when you want to daily drive them or push them on the track?

For Southfield Classics, the answer isn’t to let them fade away but to elevate them into a new era—one where vintage looks meet cutting-edge EV technology. Based in Flowery Branch, north of Atlanta, Georgia, Southfield Classics has taken on the ambitious task of building brand-new electric classics from scratch, mixing timeless aesthetics with state-of-the-art electric drivetrains. Their approach is unique: rather than converting old vehicles, they manufacture new, legally certified, factory-built EV replicas that honor the past while embracing the future.

And they’re doing it with a singular commitment—to exclusively use Ampere EV’s Atom Drive system across their entire lineup, ensuring reliability, performance, and full integration.

At the heart of their vision are two groundbreaking vehicles: the SC31T pickup, a faithful recreation of the 1950 Chevrolet 3100 with modern EV performance, and the SC4T, an electric Ford GT40 built for the track, designed to challenge the very idea of what a high-performance EV can be.

We visited Southfield’s headquarters to learn how they’re making history by merging vintage design with cutting-edge electric propulsion.

A New Kind of Classic

Dan Paul, COO of Southfield Classics, and the team didn’t set out to simply restore old trucks—they wanted to redefine what it means to drive a classic. It all started with a rusted 1950 Chevrolet 3100 that they pulled out of a field in Georgia. While most would have seen an old truck destined for scrap or restoration, Dan saw an opportunity to reimagine it as an EV. The idea wasn’t just to swap out the gas engine for an electric motor, but to create an entirely new platform from the ground up—one that would retain the spirit of the original while delivering modern handling, power, and usability.

Rather than converting old vehicles, they manufacture new, legally certified, factory-built EV replicas.

To do this, Southfield needed an EV powertrain that was seamless, modular, and fully integrated. After extensive research, they partnered with Ampere EV, a company that specializes in turnkey electric drive systems. Ampere’s Atom Drive system provided everything Southfield needed: battery packs, high-voltage accessories, thermal management, power controllers, and software integration. With a proven powertrain solution in place, Southfield got to work—first developing a chassis that could handle the weight, torque, and balance of an electric drivetrain, then ensuring the entire vehicle met the rigorous standards required to be legally certified as a 2025 model-year vehicle. What emerged was something remarkable: a factory-built, legally registered 1950 Chevrolet truck with the heart of a modern EV.

The SC31T ‘1950’ Chevrolet Pickup

The truck’s body is formed using GM-licensed Dynacorn reproduction shells and panels, ensuring an authentic 1950s design with flawless fit and finish. Underneath, however, it’s all modern engineering. Southfield’s in-house custom chassis replaces the truck’s outdated ladder frame, reinforced to support the demands of an electric drivetrain. The Mustang II-style independent front suspension improves handling, while the Ford 9-inch rear axle with a four-link setup provides stability and control. Adjustable RideTech air suspension allows for a perfect stance and adaptable ride quality.

At the core of the SC31T is Ampere EV’s Atom Drive powertrain, which includes an 84 kWh battery pack running on a 400V architecture, driving a Cascadia Motion IM225 motor that delivers 300 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.

The SC31T also features CCS fast-charging capability, allowing for quick recharging, and an estimated range of 250 miles per charge—making it practical for daily use or weekend cruising.

Inside, the SC31T maintains its vintage look but integrates modern conveniences. The interior is handcrafted in-house with full-grain leather, Alcantara headliners, and custom bench seats with power adjustments, heating, and cooling. The dashboard swaps old-school gauges for a 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a fully digital instrument cluster displays state of charge, navigation, and energy usage.

“This truck might look 1950s,” Dan says, “but it has more technology than most new cars.”

With only eight SC31T trucks being built per year, it’s as exclusive as it is innovative.

The SC4T: An Electric Ford GT40 Built for the Track

While the SC31T brings practicality and nostalgia into the EV age, the SC4T is built for pure performance.

A modern interpretation of the legendary Ford GT40, the SC4T is engineered specifically for track days, featuring Southfield’s lightweight aluminum chassis and Ampere EV’s cutting-edge drive system. Under the hood, the SC4T utilizes Ampere’s 42 kWh Atom Drive system paired with a Cascadia IDM-190 integrated drive module, delivering over 500 horsepower in a compact, high-efficiency package.

One of the SC4T’s standout features is its Sub-Ambient Battery Cooling system, designed to maintain optimal performance in high-temperature environments. This system is a game-changer for track-focused EVs, preventing battery overheating even under extreme conditions.

The SC4T is also equipped with CCS Fast Charging, ensuring minimal downtime between sessions, and features a Motorsports Safety Kit, custom Speedhut gauges, and a Vacuum Pump Kit to convert traditional pump-driven accessories into electric components.

Designed to compete at the highest level, Southfield’s GT40 replica isn’t just a concept—it’s already turning laps. “We’re not just building classic trucks,” Dan says. “We’re building the future of classic performance.”

Built for the Future: Certification & Expansion

One of the biggest challenges in creating a brand-new EV truck and a high-performance track car is legality. Southfield Classics worked extensively with regulatory agencies like the EPA, CARB, and NHTSA to ensure their vehicles met the necessary emissions and safety standards. This allows them to legally sell and register their vehicles as new, 2025-model-year EVs with full VIN certification. With their trucks already EPA-certified and their GT40 undergoing final testing, Southfield is poised to expand their electric classic lineup.

Southfield Classics is proving that electrification doesn’t mean sacrificing history—it means evolving it. Their SC31T pickup offers timeless styling with everyday usability, while their SC4T GT40 pushes the boundaries of track-ready EV performance. With only limited units produced each year, Southfield’s vehicles are destined to become sought-after collector’s pieces—machines that honor the past while embracing the future.

“People love classic cars,” Dan says, “but now, they can drive them every day, with no compromises.” The future of vintage vehicles is here. And it’s electric.

SPECS

SC31T – 1950 Chevrolet 3100 Electric Pickup

Base Vehicle & Chassis

• Model: Southfield Classics SC31T
• Body: Replica 1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Licensed Dynacorn parts)
• Chassis: Southfield Classics custom-built, fully boxed steel chassis

Suspension:

• Front: Mustang II-style independent front suspension
• Rear: Ford 9-inch solid axle with four-link suspension
• Air Suspension: RideTech air ride system with adjustable height

Electric Powertrain

• Drive System: Ampere EV Atom Drive system
• Motor: Cascadia Motion IM225
• Power Output: 300 hp / 369 lb-ft torque
• Battery Capacity: 84 kWh (400V architecture)
• Battery Placement: Three packs in front, One under the seat, Two behind rear wheels

Charging:

• Onboard Level 2 AC Charging
• CCS Fast Charging (Optional) – 80% charge in ~30-45 min
• Thermal Management: Liquid-cooled battery system

Performance

• Estimated Range: ~250 miles
• 0-60 mph: ~5.5 seconds
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)

Brakes & Wheels

• Brakes: Wilwood disc brakes (front & rear)
• Wheels: Custom 18-inch alloy wheels
• Tires: Performance all-season radials

Interior & Features

• Seats: Custom-built bench seat, handcrafted in-house
• Upholstery: Full-grain leather, Alcantara headliner
• Infotainment: 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Digital Dashboard: Custom-built with state-of-charge, energy usage, and speed display
• HVAC: 400V electric air conditioning & heating
• Drive Selector: Push-button or rotary dial

Production & Availability

• EPA & CARB Certified
• 2025 Model-Year VIN Registration
• Limited Production: 8 units per year

SPECS

SC4T – Ford GT40 Electric Track Car

• Base Vehicle & Chassis
• Model: Southfield Classics SC4T
• Body: Replica Ford GT40 (Built in-house using Southfield molds)
• Chassis: Southfield Classics lightweight aluminum spaceframe
• Suspension: Custom track-tuned independent suspension

Electric Powertrain

• Drive System: Ampere EV Atom Drive system
• Motor: Cascadia Motion IDM-190 integrated drive module
• Power Output: 500+ hp
• Battery Capacity: 42 kWh (400V architecture)

Battery Placement:

• Two packs in the rear
• One pack in the front

Charging:

• CCS Fast Charging – 15-minute recharge capability
• Onboard Level 2 AC Charging
• Thermal Management: Ampere EV Sub-Ambient Battery Cooling system
• Chiller System: Integrated Freon Chiller for high-performance track cooling
• Performance:
• Estimated Range: Track-dependent, ~100-150 miles per charge
• 0-60 mph: ~3.5 seconds
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
• Top Speed: Targeting 200 mph in future iterations

Brakes & Wheels

• Brakes: Wilwood racing brakes with regenerative braking
• Wheels: Track-spec lightweight forged wheels
• Tires: High-performance racing slicks

Interior & Features

• Seats: Custom lightweight racing bucket seats
• Safety: Full Motorsports Safety Kit with roll cage
• Gauges: Custom Speedhut digital gauge cluster (speed, SOC, battery & motor temps)
• HVAC: 400V high-voltage electric air conditioning system
• Drive Selector: Race-style paddle system
• Production & Availability
• Prototype Testing Ongoing (2024)
• Limited Production: 3-4 units per year
• Upcoming Carbon Fiber Body Version

Southfield Classics produces only a handful of SC31T trucks and SC4T GT40s per year. Contact them today to reserve yours at SouthfieldClassics.com