What Is A Restomod? The Perfect Blend of Classic Style and Modern Performance

When it comes to classic cars, few words inspire such fervent discussions and even greater controversy as ‘resto-mod.’

This typology of vehicle restorations and modifications has been on the rise for several years now among car enthusiasts who want to keep their cars old on the outside but new on the inside. What is a ‘restomod,’ exactly? And why is this blend of old and new becoming so popular?

Table of Contents

Understanding the Restomod Concept

Some of the automobiles that come from this exercise are captivating vehicles.

That may be why ‘restomod’ has become the more lighthearted portmanteau of ‘restoration’ and ‘modification’ used to describe cars of that genre.

It’s a vibrant and growing sector of the classic car market, with wide variation in the values of completed cars depending on their classification and build quality.

Typically, restomod models are based on muscle cars from the late ’60s and early ’70s, though the genre applies to just about any car developed since the late 1950s when the hot rod movement started to fade.

We specialize in resto-mods based on iconic models such as:

1966-77 Ford Bronco.
1967-68 Ford Mustang.
1967-1972 Ford F-Series.
1967-1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer.
International Scout II.

But these vintage blueprints form the perfect starting point for resto modding, allowing us to have the best of both worlds: preserve the original style and update the underlying mechanics to give them contemporary performance and dependability.

Restoration vs. Restomod: Finding the Perfect Balance

Although restomods still fall under the umbrella of classic car restoration, they diverge quite a bit from the rest of the practice. It’s all about finding the right balance.

Preservation of Classic Aesthetics

A prominent goal of the restomodder is to retain as much of a car’s original styling as possible—in other words, to resurrect an old classic without giving it away.

At least on casual inspection, a restored car could look like a beautifully restored classic right down to its patina. They seek to respect the original design and honor its history.

Subtle Modern Enhancements

Unlike a pure restoration, a restomod model includes specially selected modernizations – an upgrade frequently minimal, emphasizing performance, reliability, and comfort over any wholesale transformation of the car’s look.

A 1967 Chevy Camaro with a body fairly true to the original with only small differences:

Updated wheels have a period-correct look but modern sizes.
LED lights that mimic the style of the original headlights.
Discreet modern trim pieces that complement the classic design.

But still, you lift the bonnet or boot lid, and you find the sorcery behind the restomod. Everyone’s head snaps back to look; this is where the future hits the past.

The “-Mod” in Restomod: Embracing Modern Technology

The most controversial part of the restomod experience is just how much and how things are modified.

The biggest difference is replacing cutting-edge components with modern parts that can (theoretically) enhance performance, reliability, and comfort.

Most restomods are more evolved than fully restored originals but less out there than Pro Street or Pro Touring cars, which are built more for drag racing or autocrossing.

Essential Restomod Upgrades

Common restomod upgrades include:

Modern fuel-injected engines.
Four-wheel disc brakes.
Performance-oriented suspension.
Updated wheels and tires.
Modern exterior lighting.
Upgraded interiors.

Let’s explore these upgrades in more detail:

Engine Swaps

Most important is an engine upgrade, which can restore the muscle car’s new look. These often employ modern fuel-injected engines that solve all of the reliability issues of classic V-8 motors.

The Ford Coyote V-8 or GM LT1 V-8 are the most commonly used in the builds.

Increased reliability.
Improved fuel efficiency.
Enhanced performance.
Easier maintenance and repairs.

That gives you the thrumming performance the gearhead needs with the reliability the commuter wants.

Brake Upgrades

Most classic cars came with drum brakes, which are a far cry from the feel and performance of today’s systems. Four-wheel disc brakes are a must for restomods, and they contribute to safety and performance with the following:

Reduced stopping distances.
Better brake feel and modulation.
Improved heat dissipation for consistent performance.
Enhanced safety in emergencies.

Suspension

The suspension of older cars that are not designed for ride quality and handling is drastically improved with modern suspension upgrades.

These upgrades make resto-mods ride much more like a contemporary car, almost as if they had been engineered this way from the beginning. we take it one step further – we implement:

Coil-over shocks for improved ride quality and adjustability.
Custom-made frames for enhanced rigidity and performance.
Four-link rear suspension systems that deliver a smoother ride than traditional leaf springs.

Such upgrades turn a classic car into a modern sports car, which is the best of both worlds.

Wheels and Tires

Bespoke wheels accommodate bigger brake kits but are also stylistic and handling enhancements.

The wider wheel and tire packages are a natural enhancement of a chassis that seeks maximum lateral grip by expanding the contact patch with the road. We address this by:

Period-correct wheel designs in modern sizes.
High-performance tires with classic sidewall styling.
Increased wheel diameter to accommodate larger brakes.

Lighting

LED lights make restomods look better and enhance safety. These JW Speaker LED headlights that come with a Ford Bronco are a huge improvement over stock lighting. Our LED lighting upgrades include:

LED headlights with classic styling.
LED taillights and turn signals for improved visibility.
Subtle LED accent lighting to enhance the vehicle’s appearance.

Interior

Interior improvements go from subtle upgrades to total, customized designs. we goes bespoke with interiors that promise:

Beautiful, period-correct upholstery with modern materials.
Integrated modern technology (touchscreens, Bluetooth, etc.).
Improved sound insulation for a quieter ride.
Climate control systems for year-round comfort.

The Value Proposition: Are Restomods Worth More?

Restomods are a hotly debated topic in the classic car community. They can often represent fantastic value for money, particularly when paired with a rare, numbers-matching original.

In this case, it is worth more than a fully restored car, and this value will likely be retained as a collector’s item. It all depends on what vehicle you’re working with.

Here’s a comparison of various aspects between restorations and restomods:

Aspect	Restoration	Restomod
Originality	High	Moderate
Performance	Original specs	Significantly enhanced
Comfort	Period-correct	Modern amenities
Collectibility	Purist appeal	Broader appeal
Maintenance	Can be challenging	Often easier
Drivability	Original experience	Modern driving dynamics
Fuel efficiency	Original (often poor)	Improved
Safety	Original standards	Enhanced with modern tech

The Future of Classic Cars

The growth of restomods demonstrates a promising direction for the classic car market: a way to keep the styling and experience of an iconic classic car intact while alleviating many of its shortcomings.

With progress in technology seemingly endless, more novel methods of resto modding are likely to emerge, including:

Integration of electric powertrains for classic body styles.
Advanced driver assistance features are subtly incorporated into classic designs.
Use of 3D printing for reproducing rare or unavailable parts.

In the end, restomod models may be one of the best marriages of form and function—old-school looks with modern performance, comfort, and convenience layered into a classic car.

For enthusiasts, it’s the ultimate choice. Without a restomod, many people would be forced to choose between driving a piece of automotive history or driving a new car with all of the modern conveniences and creature comforts that come with it.