RBW EV Cars, the British company making hand-built electric vehicles styled like classic roadsters, is making its first appearance at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Founded in 2017 by Peter Swain and a team of former Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, and Jaguar engineers, RBW doesn’t convert classic cars to EVs; instead, they build from the ground-up using newly engineered, crash complient heritage bodyshells to create cars that have the look, feel, and style of a classic, but are very usuable and comfortable on today’s roads. Effectively, you get a brand new classic car!
RBW EV Cars at Festival of Speed
On display at Goodwood are bespoke RBW Roadsters powered by RBW’s own SpiritEV platform. This gives the cars a 0 to 60 mph time of 8.9 seconds with a range of up to 160 miles.
Launched in 2024, SpiritEV is RBW’s patented subframe system that combines drivetrain, crash sensors, coil-over suspension, and HVAC into a single rear module. It’s designed as a plug-and-play solution for OEMs and low-volume manufacturers, supporting everything from individual components to complete powertrain systems.
“Goodwood celebrates the icons of automotive history while championing the technology that will define its future,” said Swain. “Our debut at the festival proves to the industry that you no longer have to choose between the two. A brand-new classic EV is not just possible – it’s here, it’s compliant and, as of today, it’s running up Lord March’s driveway.”
Peter Swain, CEO, RBW Cars
RBW has its sights set on America, too. In October, the company will open a 29,000-square-foot facility in Danville, Virginia. Led by NASCAR driver Peyton Sellers, the new site will build left-hand-drive Roadsters and GT models for the U.S. market, while also serving as the American base for SpiritEV’s engineering and R&D efforts.
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