Look again! What you see is not just any old car from the past. It’s a restomod, complete with all the comforts that today’s technology has to offer. These days the desire for the “look” is there. However, interest in returning to the good old days as far as operating the oldies has faded considerably. The point has become to combine the appeal and desire with a machine that drives and operates like a top of the line car of today.
People remember or have learned that those golden classics, as they were from the factory, actually required almost constant attention to steering and braking problems as starters. And, don’t forget the mechanical side. Owning the car included lots of maintanence which often translated into knowing how to use the tools and wrenches that kept engines humming. It was the complete fun package of the day.
{styleboxop}The point has become to combine the appeal and desire with a machine that drives and operates like a top of the line car of today.{/styleboxop}
Today however, classic car owners have unlimited options available to upgrade their cars and bring them up to today’s standards by changing almost everything inside and outside the car. The result is a hi-powered worry-free ride, great to look at and great to be seen in. Of course the restomod is bound to be more downright fun than it’s true predecessor!
Today however, classic car owners have unlimited options available to upgrade their cars and bring them up to today’s standards by changing almost everything inside and outside the car. The result is a hi-powered worry-free ride, great to look at and great to be seen in. Of course the restomod is bound to be more downright fun than it’s true predecessor!
Restomods are best described as classic cars from any decade past that have been restored with modern drive trains and filled with modern comforts and technology. Mechanically that could mean a 325-horsepower engine with electronic fuel injection. It could also mean a supercharged V-8 capable of producing a whopping 750 horsepower. About all that remains of the original car is the frame and shell. The original shell is then often modified itself with unique custom design applications and exterior paint creations ranging from the conservative to the wildest of flames raging all over the car.
Updated suspensions and braking systems are an absolute necessity, especially for those who remember careening around corners with cars that actually did not stop on a dime. That said, the basic foundation of any restomod begins with state of the art performance parts and newer higher horsepower engines.
No restomod is complete without loads of creature comforts. When you slide into the seat it’s not a hard bench. You are most likely snuggled into a soft and comfey bucket seat with electric six-way controls. You can love to touch the plush upholstery and sculptured accents on door panels, above your head and even in the trunk. Multi-disc CD players with monster sound systems replace those tiny little AM radios of years ago. DVD players are coming onto the scene now as well. The sky is the limit when it comes to state of the art electronics available everywhere.Modern technology has produced thousands of additional restomod upgrades. Dash guages of all kinds are art, and they function as well. Then there are the tilt steering columns attached to the most beautiful and often unique steering wheels. Major decisions are involved when choosing wheels and tires. Not the least of importance are heating and air conditioning units that actually do the job. The total package is definitely the reflection of the owner’s personal tastes and wants, no matter what the price range.
Not every period car should become a restomod though. Rare models and “matching number” cars are far too valuable an investment for driving back and forth to work. In fact most rare classic cars (those that have been found) are NEVER driven and a good many have made their way into private collections and even museums across the country. These cars can set you, the buyer, back hundreds of thousands of dollars. We are seeing more of this as the growing popularity of muscle cars makes them the desirable automobiles of choice.
On the flip side, there are literally thousands of less valuable cars in less than perfect condition that can and do benefit from restoration and modification. As restomods, the concept of classic and vintage times is retained, and the value of the car does increase in today’s growing restomod market across the nation.
As always, talented builders can and do restore their own. Others with the desire, but low on talent and time, can simply shop and buy almost any make or model. Choices include any era from a true antique year to those street rod favorites, and the memorable 50’s to a wide range of muscle cars. These cars are everywhere and finding one for sale is not too difficult. Look around swap meets and car shows. Check out the many car clubs and even auctions. Other places to look are classified ads, restoration shops, parts houses and even the internet.
When purchasing the finished product or contracting a builder, prices will vary depending on the restoration itself and the quality of workmanship that results. If money is no object you can easily spend upwards of $100,000 to $250,000 on a turn-key restoration. If money is indeed an object and you really just want a neat machine to hang out at your local cruise night or drag strip you can probably find your dream car for well less than $50,000. Restoring your own can be even better when it comes to money invested because you are the labor.
When you finally own that cool, classic and valuable collectible with it’s modern drive train and all the comforts you can cram into it, you will indeed own a true restomod. Have fun!
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I think restomods are only good if your planning on keeping the car a long time. I did one for my 57 chevy. I dumped over 100k in the car, would I ever get that money back if i wanted to sell it? NO! But do I think it was worth it? YES! The car always turns heads, and I win shows, and I take great pride in joy in my hard work. That was well worth the cost.