With over a hundred years of automotive innovation under their belts, and probably a few hours of the History Network in their PVR, Mitsubishi Motors decided to celebrate their heritage and the world’s best-selling plug-in hybrid by combining the two—and the Re-Model A was born. Combining Japan’s first ever series production model, 1917’s Mitsubishi Model A, with a modern hybrid proved to be tricky, but the team at West Coast Customs (probably best known for Xzibit and MTV’s Pimp My Ride) was up to the challenge. Read on to learn how this combination of history and hybrid came to be.
Creating the Re-Model A
To create this incredible hybrid, Mitsubishi provided West Coast Customs with an original Model A vehicle and an Outlander PHEV. They carefully stripped each vehicle down, with one being substantially easier than the other. The original Model A had very few parts and a very small motor. Compared to all of the top-of-the-line innovations found inside the Outlander PHEV, stripping the Model A took no time at all.
All of the technology inside the Outlander PHEV certainly complicated the project as a whole, as it wouldn’t all fit inside the frame of the Model A. West Coast Customs had to fabricate a new frame, staying as true to the scale of the original as possible while still creating room for the Outlander’s parts. They then welded the new Model A frame onto the PHEV chassis for a vehicle that looks at home at an oldies auto show, but packs a very real—and green—performance punch, thanks to its plug-in hybrid engine, Forward Collision Mitigation, and Super All-Wheel Control.
An incredible combination of Mitsubishi’s storied history, as well as a symbol of Mitsubishi’s commitment to innovation, the remodelled Model A/Outlander PHEV hybrid is proof that with a bit of ingenuity, and a lot of hard work, heritage can be both respected while being updated for the 21st century. Keep your eyes peeled for the Mitsubishi Re-Model A, making its way through North America at auto shows and events.