The Goodwood Festival of Speed is always full of headliners, but tucked away in a quiet corner was something truly unique: the RBW Roadster. At first glance, it looks like a page torn straight from British sports car history—a sleek, timeless convertible with classic proportions reminiscent of the icons Mazda honored with the original Miata.
Look closer, though, and the RBW is anything but retro. Built by hand with patent-worthy innovations and a level of craftsmanship rare in low-volume production, the car combines heritage styling with cutting-edge engineering. The biggest surprise? Instead of the notoriously temperamental engines that once powered British roadsters, these cars are fully electric.
With modern reliability, zero-emissions performance, and styling that could fool you into thinking it rolled straight out of the 1960s, the RBW Roadster might just be the best modern British sports car you’ve never heard of.
Modern Engineering That Won’t Let You Down
Because it’s built on modern engineering, the RBW Roadster doesn’t just look good—it drives beautifully, too. Each corner features double wishbone suspension, much like a Mazda Miata, giving it sharp handling and a balanced feel. Peek underneath and you’ll spot immaculate componentry, including modern braking systems and easy-to-source maintenance items like pads and discs from mainstream OEMs. That means keeping an RBW on the road is far simpler than maintaining a true classic.
The real magic happens under the skin. Instead of a retrofitted engine bay, you’ll find a battery pack mounted up front, preserving the classic front-engine weight balance. Power goes to the rear wheels through a single electric drive unit integrated into a custom, patented subframe. The setup comes from RBW’s parent company, Spirit EV, giving the car not only clean performance but also engineering pedigree.
The result is a car that looks like a vintage British roadster but behaves like a modern driver’s car—reliable, practical, and refreshingly different.
In a world where electric hypercars push close to 3,000 horsepower, the RBW Roadster’s 94 hp might sound almost laughable. But context matters. With its lightweight chassis and compact battery pack, the car doesn’t need monster numbers to deliver a fun drive. That modest output is enough to launch the Roadster from 0–60 mph in 8.9 seconds, with a top speed of 87 mph—more than sufficient for spirited weekend runs.
Range is equally well balanced for its purpose. The standard battery setup offers 160 miles per charge, while an optional upgrade adds a seventh lithium-ion module, stretching range to 200 miles. For a car designed to be a stylish and enjoyable weekend toy, that’s more than adequate.
The one drawback? Charging. The Roadster’s onboard system maxes out at 3.5 kW, meaning a full charge takes around eight hours. It’s not built for road-trip practicality, but for occasional drives and leisure cruising, it fits the bill perfectly.
Beautiful Inside And Out, Modern Where It Counts
When it comes to a car like this, styling is just as important as the engineering beneath the skin—and the RBW Roadster absolutely delivers. Compact in stature, no larger than the classic Mk1/NA Miata, it radiates pure British charm. Every curve and line feels deliberate, capturing that timeless sports car essence that never goes out of fashion.
The proportions are delicate yet purposeful, striking a balance between elegance and sportiness. Adding to its retro flair are the 16-inch alloy wheels. Finished in a multi-spoke design with a classic centerlock-style cap, they serve as a tasteful nod to vintage British racers. At a time when modern automakers seem obsessed with oversized wheels and aggressive styling, the RBW Roadster takes the opposite approach—subtle, refined, and effortlessly stylish.
Step inside the RBW Roadster and you’re greeted with an interior that mirrors the car’s petite proportions yet manages to remain practical. While the exterior radiates vintage charm, the cabin reveals its modern underpinnings. The dashboard features air-conditioning vents sourced from the previous-generation Mercedes CLA-Class, a subtle yet surprising touch of premium familiarity.
At the center sits a tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system, offering full Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration—something you’d never expect from a car that looks this classic. Ahead of the driver, a three-dial instrument cluster blends old-school design with new-school function, the centerpiece being a digital display that monitors battery levels, drive status, and key warnings. It’s a tasteful mix of retro aesthetics and modern usability, ensuring that while you’re immersed in vintage style, you don’t have to sacrifice convenience.
It’s the interior that best showcases RBW’s craftsmanship. Where even mainstream automakers sometimes cut corners—think scratchy fabrics, uneven stitching, or misaligned panels—RBW manages to sidestep these pitfalls entirely. For context, even Chevrolet stumbled with interior fit and finish when the C8 Corvette first debuted.
By contrast, the RBW Roadster feels carefully and lovingly assembled. The seats hit the sweet spot between comfort and support, making them ideal for both leisurely weekend cruises and longer stints behind the wheel. The leather upholstery is soft and supple, yet durable enough to inspire confidence that it won’t wear out prematurely. Every touchpoint communicates a level of attention to detail that’s rare in low-volume vehicles, let alone niche electric sports cars.
Not Everyone Wants An Authentic Old Car Experience
Some enthusiasts may dismiss the RBW Roadster as lacking the “soul” of a true classic. After all, there’s no carburetor to fiddle with, no whiff of gasoline in the air, and no mechanical quirks threatening to leave you stranded on the side of the road. But that’s exactly the point.
For many buyers, the appeal isn’t tied to the headaches of old-car ownership. Instead, it’s about the aesthetics—the timeless proportions of a petite British roadster, the tactile joy of driving something light and nimble, and the satisfaction of glancing back at your car after parking it, just to admire its beauty. RBW has crafted a machine that captures the spirit of classic motoring without the compromises, and for that, its audience is willing to pay the premium.
Naturally, a handmade car doesn’t come cheap, and the RBW Roadster is no exception. In the United States, pricing starts at $140,000 for the convertible Roadster, while the coupe-styled RBW GT commands an additional $10,000. These are not mass-market vehicles—they’re limited-production, meticulously crafted machines.
Exclusivity is also part of the allure. Only 72 examples are slated for the U.S. market in 2026, ensuring that ownership of an RBW will be as rare as it is special. For buyers, it’s not just about getting behind the wheel of a stylish, modernized British sports car—it’s about securing a piece of rolling art that blends classic aesthetics with contemporary engineering.
FAQ’s
How much is the RBW EV Roadster?
It starts at about £90,000 in the UK, before taxes. In the U.S., the starting price is around $139,000.
What is the range of the RBW Roadster?
The standard version gives you about 160 miles (≈ 257–260 km) per charge. If you add extra battery modules, it can go up to around 200 miles (≈ 320-330 km).
How much does an RBW car cost?
“RBW car” usually means either the Roadster or the GT model. The Roadster starts around $135,000-$140,000 USD (or £90,000 UK), depending on market, specs, and options. The GT is more expensive—starting around $150,000+.