What if Olympian Motors 01 isn’t a joke?

Against all odds, Olympian Motors continues the development of its retro-styled electric car at an indecent price.

We introduced this surprising retro-looking, minimalistic electric car project developed by American company Olympian Motors in May 2022. Honestly, as charming as the initiative is, we hardly gave it a chance to go from sketch to drivable car.

Almost 2 years later, a running prototype has indeed been unveiled on the rainy streets of Brooklyn. Just like its frozen-in-time appearance, nothing has changed, except that the virtual has become very real.

The design of this Olympian Motors 01 is a deliberate nod to the past, with gentle curves, Art Deco finishes, and a playful front end. Even vintage spoked wheels are used to dress the strange vehicle. It exudes a vibe reminiscent of MG mixed with Morgan, featuring fine wood, thick leather, and no elements to disturb the driver. This design philosophy reflects Olympian Motors’ commitment to creating vehicles that evoke joy rather than showiness. In an automotive landscape dominated by size, weight, and the aggressiveness of new electric entrants, let’s face it, it’s quite refreshing.

Retro, yes, but serious?

The whole thing is charmingly lighthearted, but beneath the retro veneer lies a true car. With its 310 hp motor, it is supposed to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6 seconds before reaching a top speed of 260 km/h. Considering the size of the tires, the aerodynamics of a Norman cabinet, and the bouncing of the vehicle over the slightest pothole, it’s reasonable to have serious doubts about these figures! An 82 kWh capacity battery is claimed, but again, that seems neither serious nor suitable for such a vehicle.

One thing is certain, however: this small automotive eccentricity will not be cheap. The base model of the Olympian 01 is listed at $100,000 on the manufacturer’s website.

But Olympian Motors must now find its place in a highly competitive market. Success will depend on the company’s ability to implement a marketing plan, manage production costs, and meet consumer expectations in terms of performance and reliability. In short, they now have to become a real automotive manufacturer… good luck!