[14000rpm]

The industry of Restomods has been steadily growing and gaining popularity among car enthusiasts and collectors. It has become a well-established niche within the automotive world, with many specialized shops and companies offering restomod services and parts. The industry's maturity was evident through the availability of aftermarket components, advanced technology integration, and a thriving community of enthusiasts

For the uninitiated -

Restomod is a popular automotive concept that involves restoring and modifying classic cars to blend modern performance and amenities with the original vintage aesthetics. It combines the nostalgia and charm of older vehicles with upgraded engines, brakes, suspension, electronics, and interior features. Restomod projects often result in vehicles that retain their classic appearance while offering improved drivability, safety, and comfort for modern driving conditions.

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Whilst most of these can be seen in the US, there are many being churned out across the world too.

This thread is to collate them all in one place to appreciate the art and the workmanship. While at it, lets collate some tastefully modded cars from around the world too.

I'm not so sure if there are rules to what can qualify for this thread but I can surely lookout for the bizzare and distasteful entries which, as you would expect, may need to be moved away from this thread to make room for the good stuff.

We'll see how this goes.

I hope to keep updating this thread periodically and I highly encourage entries from the entire Forum.

[14000rpm]

Restomod Deepdive || 1948 Chevy Pickup reimagined by Ringbrothers


Ring Brothers is a Custom Car shop run by brother Jim and Mike Ring out of Wisconsin, USA.

The ENYO is a remarkable custom build by the Ring Brothers based on a 1948 Chevrolet pickup that was the highlight of 2022 SEMA Show. It is essentially a unique blend of a Classic Farm truck fused into a Modern race car.

It even has a 1000 bhp engine, titanium exhaust, carbon-fiber aero, and cantilever suspension with Ohlins shocks at all four corners

This is one of their most striking work and I just can't stop ogling at the spectacular attention to detail.

https://youtu.be/IQbP-eOls6A?si=4rK8DJ5wL25YYZzD

note: I am not affiliated to Ring brothers and am merely an enthusiast.

[14000rpm]

Restomod Deepdive || 1969 Camaro reimagined by Ringbrothers

The Valkyrja was commissioned by a Belgian buyer who put his money on the table after seeing several other projects by the Ring Brothers.

Underneath the carbon-fiber exterior, the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro is essentially an all-new car. Detroit Speed Engineering provided the with an all-new chassis, suspension, and sway bars. The Camaro’s original brakes, deemed inadequate to deal with the sublime power, were replaced with Baer units, with new rotors and 6-piston calipers both front and rear.

The engine is a 890 BHP Supercharged LS3 Chevy V8.

Once again, it is the attention to detail that gets all the praises and the awards too.

https://youtu.be/gYmvvppK-wk?si=MGIdL2AJTrFO8HVt

[14000rpm]

Restomod deepdive || Lamborghini Diablo reimagined by Eccentrica

Eccentrica V12 is one of the Finest Restomods brought to life by San Marino-based Eccentrica Cars. The Diablo's body has been extensively upgraded with new carbon fiber components and a modernized the interior, blending classic Diablo charm with contemporary updates.

Eccentrica has upgraded the 5.7-liter naturally aspirated V12 with new camshafts and an electric throttle body, allowing it to now produce 550 hp and 442 lb-ft (600 Nm), or 55 hp more than an original Diablo. This built V12 is paired with a custom six-speed manual transmission.

Some features that modern supercar owners probably take for granted have also been fitted. These include a modern power steering system and a front axle lift system. The Eccentrica V12 sits on custom 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires. Braking is provided by up-to-date Brembo components that include matte-painted calipers.

Few would deny that the Diablo looks superb, and yet, Eccentrica decided to modernize its design. The car rocks a new carbon fiber front bumper with LED daytime running lights, bodywork changes have been made to the sides of the car, and there’s lots going on at the rear, too. Key upgrades include LED taillights, new carbon fiber roof scoops to feed the engine, and a Capristo exhaust.

The cabin seamlessly blends old and new. While the overall design nods to the original Diablo, Eccentrica has upgraded it with a digital rearview mirror supporting smartphone mirroring, new gauges, and a Marantz audio system.

https://youtu.be/ypv-o2QBsxM?si=EC54Cspcjail2CpW

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[ads11]

Love the Diablo revival! Brings back memories of a diecast Diablo toy I had as a kid.

This thread reminds me of the work being done on restomods of old Lancias by the likes of Kimera Automobili (see their 037 restomod). There's also the Delta Integrale restomod that was featured on the Grand Tour. And the Alfas from Alfaholics. Actually you know what this reminds me of a video that's been languishing on my watch later list on youtube for a while:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iCp...dG9wIGdlYXI%3D

Someone a few streets down from where my wife lived back in 2019 had an original Volvo P1800. I used to detour to walk past it. Really glad to see Cyan, ie the OG Polestar folks, giving some love to that timeless shape.

I was equally lucky when living in Chester to be nearby someone who used to have an Alfaholics GTA-R. What a glorious thing it was too. I still think of this video of Chris Harris flogging it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BuZmJmpTdk

Everyone obviously knows the famous restomod houses like Singer with their Porsches (anyone seen their Dakar 911 restomod? Wowzers) or Eagle with their Jaguar E Type restomods. But the big brands are getting in on it too with in house restomods - didn't the TG trio feature some Aston Martin in house DB5 made from the original tooling?

What's also cool is that restomodders are also turning their attention to cult classics - the cars that weren't exactly pin up models but would go on to become that despite humbler origins. Think Escort Cosworths.

I have a question: do electric conversions count? I see a lot of boutique conversion garages that make their money converting vintage classics to EVs through drop in kits. See: https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/ for an eg.

Another question for the rules for inclusion: can we include vehicles that are retro inspired new creations? The example that springs to mind is the Alpha Wolf EV pick up with it's absolutely classic F-150 inspired vibes. Or are we only considering those who revamp existing chassis and frames to bring them up to speed with today for our restomod definition? (That'd be fine, there's ample examples of restomods to go around)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnshCBwi0E4

Thanks for creating this thread because I'm an enormous restomod fan - I adore seeing these venerable old cars still getting a new lease of life.

[Duster85]

https://youtu.be/oxgzrA4CWDk?si=IlLGw4xj0j6BPvmj

This was the first time I saw a Restomod. Must say it seemed really impressive

[amol4184]

I like the HWA engineering's MB 190e EVO 2. I do not like the cheap looking headlights or very Japanese tail lights either but overall

[Jeroen]

I'm always in two minds about these restomods. In general I prefer cars to be original. I'm not much of a modder so to speak. If you want to mod, make sure it doesn't show is my rule.

Still, from a purely technical point of view, these restomods and some other mods can be quite fascinating.

Jeroen

[14000rpm]

Originally Posted by ads11

Thanks for creating this thread because I'm an enormous restomod fan - I adore seeing these venerable old cars still getting a new lease of life.

Glad there are 2 of us now and I'm sure there are more. I firmly believe there is a clear shift in where the rich collectors are putting their money. Some are putting money into Restomod's and some are reviving the 80 and 90's supercars. There are only so many 80's and 90's supercars that are available for sale leaving the playing field to Restomod Builders whose builds are coolly running for north of 1/2 a Mn USD.

Hopefully we get to curate the top builds in this thread as a one-stop reference guide.

Originally Posted by ads11

This thread reminds me of the work being done on restomods of old Lancias by the likes of Kimera Automobili (see their 037 restomod). There's also the Delta Integrale restomod that was featured on the Grand Tour. And the Alfas from Alfaholics.

Very well picked examples right there. Each of these deserve a special 'deep-dive'. Will do so.
I list the following -

• Kimera 037
• Delta Integrale - There are many builders who have taken to Integrales.
• Alfaholics for the Alfas. We should also cover Totem Automobili's Alfa work too.

Originally Posted by ads11

Someone a few streets down from where my wife lived back in 2019 had an original Volvo P1800. I used to detour to walk past it. Really glad to see Cyan, ie the OG Polestar folks, giving some love to that timeless shape.

Somehow I have given the Cyan P1800 a blind eye. lets go ahead cover it. Maybe I will discover something.

Originally Posted by ads11

I was equally lucky when living in Chester to be nearby someone who used to have an Alfaholics GTA-R. What a glorious thing it was too.

I've heard they sound amazing. The stock Alfa's of yore sounded great stock too.

Originally Posted by ads11

Everyone obviously knows the famous restomod houses like Singer with their Porsches (anyone seen their Dakar 911 restomod? Wowzers) or Eagle with their Jaguar E Type restomods.

Singer would be an obvious entry. Their work is magnificient and very tasteful.
The Dakar'esque car you are mentioning about it is the ACS of which only 2 were ever built for Tuthill Racing. It is a stunning piece of work.

The Eagle Jaguar E Type was very well revered by Jeremy Clarkson. We should cover it too.

Originally Posted by ads11

didn't the TG trio feature some Aston Martin in house DB5 made from the original tooling?

So did Jaguar for the E Type recently. These won't count as Restomod's though since they are recreations made for quick infusion of money.

Originally Posted by ads11

What's also cool is that restomodders are also turning their attention to cult classics - the cars that weren't exactly pin up models but would go on to become that despite humbler origins. Think Escort Cosworths.

Correct. There are some Mini Restomods too.

Originally Posted by ads11

I have a question: do electric conversions count? I see a lot of boutique conversion garages that make their money converting vintage classics to EVs through drop in kits. See: https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/ for an eg.

Good question but we'll have to keep the electric conversions out. For lack of a better explanation I akin them to ripping the heart and soul off of the original.

Originally Posted by ads11

Another question for the rules for inclusion: can we include vehicles that are retro inspired new creations? The example that springs to mind is the Alpha Wolf EV pick up with it's absolutely classic F-150 inspired vibes.

This is a whole new car of which we can find 100's. We can't call this a Restomod.

Originally Posted by Duster85

This was the first time I saw a Restomod. Must say it seemed really impressive

This Restomod is by Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR). Actually Tom Walkinshaw's son. It is heavily marketed around the world in several events. We'll do a deep-dive on this too.

Originally Posted by amol4184

I like the HWA engineering's MB 190e EVO 2. I do not like the cheap looking headlights or very Japanese tail lights either but overall

HWA is not a household name like Brabus is but their work is legendary. In fact the founder of HWA was the founder of AMG too. HWA came about when AMG was sold to Mercedes. Or so I hear.
The AMG Sale contract also meant HWA has the permissions to run all Mercedes racing program's outside of F1.

HWA has been building the Mercedes V12 for Pagani's.

We'll cover this in detail.

Originally Posted by Jeroen

I'm always in two minds about these restomods. In general I prefer cars to be original. I'm not much of a modder so to speak. If you want to mod, make sure it doesn't show is my rule.

Still, from a purely technical point of view, these restomods and some other mods can be quite fascinating.

Jeroen

You are right. There is a divide w.r.t. cars of a Classic era. Some are going the concours way with restorations and some the other direction by making the cars either more luxurious or more hardcore with performance. In fact there is a tuner in Switzerland that has Restomod'ed a Ferrari F40. Here is what Top Gear has to say -

So, their upgrades not only focus on making the Ferrari F40 shiny and new, but also “safer, more accessible and, when necessary, even more high performing”. There’s fancy four-way adjustable Öhlins suspension, plus “precision machined” arms, bearings, and hubs, all made from “aerospace-grade” materials said to aid durability

However, we see it, Restomodding comes from a sense of appreciation of the car and reimagining to what it should/could be. For that, they get my attention as much as cars restored to concours grade.

[MartinVirage]

Fantastic Thread - Heres my contribution.

There is an entire series on Restomods on You tube by this Italian Journalist Davide Cironi. Its a show called 'Dal Pollaio alla Pista' - from the Chickens Coop to the Racetrack. Unfortunately in Italian but with English Subs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvoR...9lgAcF&index=4

[14000rpm]

Originally Posted by MartinVirage

Fantastic Thread - Heres my contribution.

There is an entire series on Restomods on You tube by this Italian Journalist Davide Cironi.

Thanks. I seem to have seen a video or 2 from this Journalist.
Italy has a cottage industry around resto-mods these days. They've always been a cottage industry to the Italian car industry of the past and have now evolved into the resto-mod world.

[14000rpm]

Restomod Deepdive || ''Defiant'' 1972 AMC Javelin AMX reimagined by Ringbrothers

Much like the world over, I had a period in my life when I drooled over Muscle cars and the obvious were always the Mustang, Charger and Camaro in that order.

Circa 2008 I was on a brief 1 month visit to a clients office in Alabama with whom I was talking Muscle cars and he scoffed at my references to the Mustang, Charger and Camaro. He then took me to a storage facility where he had kept his fathers AMC Javelin AMX. It was pending a restoration. The AMC went belly up a long time ago but in the time that they were around, they did build a niche for themselves and I loved the look, the proportion and the sound of the Javelin.

Cut to 2018, I went to the Detroit Autorama show and bumped into the 'Defiant'. I was instantly blown away by the proportions and the workmanship and the overall attention to detail.

It was built for Prestone for marketing purposes. The sheer number of eyeballs the car drew is enough to justify Prestone's investment with quick ROI.

Those who know AMC Javelin's will notice a very big difference - the entire front end is 15 cms extended and sits on a new frame. To keep the weight of low, they have fabricated the entire front fenders, hood etc in Carbon Fibre.

The engine is a 6.2 Litre Hellcat with a 4.5 Litre Supercharger pumping out 1100 Bhp.

This car got my attention to Ring Brother's whose builds I look forward to every year in SEMA

















The Defiant got Jay Leno's attention too.

https://youtu.be/0-7_l9q9F8A?si=GcLt3b6kO0iz0nRC

[suhaas307]

We can’t have a thread on restomods without including a Porsche 911 in it!

This time however, it won’t be a Singer because Tuthill Porsche has created an absolute masterpiece - the 911K.

https://youtu.be/AndH7Xm3ds0?si=fS0T-i0hfXEwDxvp

Lightened to an incredible 850 kilograms, the 911K easily makes up for lack of outright horsepower - which isn’t too bad itself. The rebuilt 3.1 purely air cooled flat-six hanging out the back makes around 400 horsepower, but it’s party-trick is that revs up to a scarcely believable 11,000 RPM!

https://collectingcars.com/articles/...for-first-time

Photos: Tuthill Facebook page

[14000rpm]

Originally Posted by suhaas307

We can’t have a thread on restomods without including a Porsche 911 in it!

I knew it. I knew that you could not stay away from bringing Porsche into this thread.

Porsche has lent itself like fish to water into the Restomod world.
There are dozen's of Restomodder's just focussing on Porsche.
Singer aside, there is Guntherworks, Kalmar, Marc Philip Gemballa, etc.

Let's bring them all into this thread one model at a time.

I saw a Top Gear video of the 911K and was literally blown away.