Introduction: Old School Meets New Power
In the heart of Scottsdale, Arizona, a 1947 Ford COE (Cab Over Engine) has received an electrifying transformation that marries vintage charm with groundbreaking technology. This project dubbed the COEV, is the brainchild of Dennis and Beth Kilpatrick, and it redefines what’s possible for the classic vehicle world. With a blend of surgical precision and eccentric creativity, the COEV turns heads and sets a new standard for electric conversions.
A Vision Brought to Life
This wasn’t just a simple build—it was an artistic experiment. Over 1,000 hours of meticulous work by Mark Scalpone and his team at Vintage Iron and Restoration breathed new life into this Ford COE. Every detail was meticulously crafted, from the chassis to the electrics, with touches that reflect Dennis’s profession as an eye surgeon. A playful yet functional theme emerged, with “surgical stitches” visible on the cab and surgical tools cleverly integrated into the build. But the real magic happens under the hood—well, the flatbed, technically.
Power That Defies Expectations
Strap in, because the power under the COEV’s flatbed is truly next-level. The truck’s electric heart comes in the form of a ReVolt CR-43 crate motor, pushing out a staggering 603 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse motor, mounted like a showpiece, feeds power through a Casale billet V-drive and into a Strange solid rear axle. What’s the result? A 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds, all while tipping the scales at 4,575 pounds. This is no ordinary truck—this is an electrified monster built to perform.
Innovative Battery Tech and Range
At the core of the COEV’s power system lies a 100 kWh battery pack built from sixteen Tesla Model S modules. These batteries are housed in an AmpRevolt modular battery box, strategically placed to optimize weight distribution. Thanks to this smart design, the truck boasts a range of over 200 miles, an impressive feat for a vehicle of this size and style.
Chassis and Suspension: Crafting Comfort and Control
The COEV’s chassis was custom-built, starting with a shortened 2000 Ford F-150 frame. A Ridetech 4-link rear suspension and Aldan American coilovers ensure a smooth and controlled ride, while the front end features Mustang II control arms and spindles. This setup provides the perfect balance of comfort and performance, essential for the daily drive or an evening cruise. It rides on 15×8 Wheel Vintique wheels, wrapped in Nexen Redline tires, bringing a vintage touch while maintaining modern traction.
Interior: Functional and Stylish
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a surprisingly spacious and comfortable cab. Despite the cab-over design, there’s plenty of room, and the modern updates ensure comfort for long rides. A rear bench from a 2019 Ford Ranger provides seating, while the custom-painted dash and Dakota Digital gauges tie everything together. An iPad Mini serves as the infotainment system, complete with Pioneer speakers and JL Audio amplifiers, offering an audio experience that matches the truck’s performance.
Exterior: Classic Rat Rod, Modern Twist
The COEV’s exterior retains a rat-rod aesthetic that’s both weathered and charming. The 4-inch chop, custom flatbed, and fabricated visor give it an aggressive, yet refined look. Upgraded LED halo headlights and repurposed 1957 Thunderbird taillights add a modern touch without losing the truck’s classic roots. The “electric fence” surrounding the motor is made from a combination of vintage items like fishing rods and camshafts, further emphasizing the truck’s unique character.
The Vision of Vintage Iron and Restoration
Founded in 2004, Vintage Iron and Restoration has built a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and innovation. With a focus on restoring American icons, the shop has also embraced the challenge of electric vehicle conversions. Their journey into electrification began with a 1972 El Camino and has now culminated in the COEV, a perfect fusion of classic car styling and modern technology. Mark Scalpone and his team continue to push the envelope, demonstrating that even the quirkiest builds can be reimagined with cutting-edge EV technology.
Final Thoughts: A Masterpiece on Wheels
The COEV is more than just a custom build—it’s an electric revolution on wheels. Combining vintage Ford styling with modern electric power, this truck is a true one-of-a-kind creation. Its quirky design and unparalleled craftsmanship make it stand out as not just a showstopper, but a statement piece that’s bound to turn heads wherever it goes.
SPECS
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Owner Name | Dennis and Beth Kilpatrick |
| Location | Scottsdale, Arizona |
| Year, Make, Model | 1947 Ford COE |
| Vehicle Name | COEV |
| Overall Vehicle Weight | 4575 lbs. |
| Amount of Time to Build | 1300 hours |
Motor / Drivetrain
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Motor Swap Performed By | Vintage Iron and Restoration |
| Motor Drive Unit Year, Make, Model | Revolt CR-43 |
| Horsepower/Kilowatt-hours | 604HP (450KW), 100kWh |
| Torque/Newton Meters | 800lb-ft |
| Motor/Transmission Mounts | Custom |
| Control Software | EV Controls |
| 0-60 Time | 5.9 seconds |
| ¼ Mile Time | Unknown |
| Batteries | Tesla 100kWh pack |
| Driveshaft | TWO Aluminum Custom Driveshafts |
| Other | Casale Billet V-Drive 1:1 gear ratio |
Chassis/Suspension
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Installation Shop | Vintage Iron and Restoration |
| Chassis | Shortened 2000 Ford F-150 |
| Rear Suspension Setup | Ridetech 4 Link Suspension |
| Control Arms | Paul Horton Mustang II |
| Spindles | Paul Horton Mustang II |
| Springs | Aldan American Coilovers |
| Shocks | Aldan American Coilovers |
Wheels, Tires & Brakes
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Front Wheel Brand, Size, Width, Backspacing | Wheel Vintique 15×8, 4-inch backspacing |
| Front Tire Brand and Size | Nexen Redline 235/75/R15 |
| Rear Wheel Brand, Size, Width, Backspacing | Wheel Vintique 15×8, 4-inch backspacing |
| Rear Tire Brand and Size | Nexen Redline 235/75/R15 |
| Front Brakes | Wilwood |
| Rear Brakes | Wilwood |
| Gears/Ratio | 3.55 |
| Axles | Strange |
Body/Paint
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Paint Shop | Mother Nature |
| Color | Yellow, red, rust, brown, dirt, mud |
| Grille | Stock |
| Wheelwells | Stock |
| Bumpers | Custom rear, front delete roll pan |
| Bed Floor | Catwalk grate material |
| Body Mods | 4-inch chop, Custom “frunk”, fabricated visor, “Dog House” delete, Custom built flatbed |
| Headlights | 7-inch sealed beam, LED halo ring, projector beams |
| Taillights | 57 Thunderbird/38 Ford headlight buckets |
| Glass | Custom cut smoked |
Interior
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Install Shop | Bell Upholstery of Phoenix |
| Seats | Rear seat from a 2019 Ford Ranger |
| Gauges | Dakota Digital |
| Steering Wheel | CON2R |
| A/C System | Vintage Air, electric compressor, high voltage water heater |
| Custom Painted Dash | Vintage Iron and Restoration |
| Radio Head Unit | iPad Mini |
| Amplifiers | JL |
| Speakers | Pioneer |
