In a rare move that bridges automotive history with modern electric vehicle (EV) culture, General Motors is assisting in the full restoration of a 1997 EV1—the only known example of this pioneering electric car to be privately titled.
A “Holy Grail” Found in a Junkyard
The journey of this specific vehicle, chassis No. 212, began in an unlikely place: a junkyard. After sitting unclaimed for so long that it was legally classified as an abandoned vehicle, the green 1997 EV1 was put up for auction late last year.
Despite its dilapidated condition—including a shattered windshield and significant water damage from exposure to the elements—the car commanded a staggering $104,000. To put that in perspective, that price point is typically reserved for high-performance icons like a Corvette Grand Sport,
