Doing a Restomod on 23 popular old vehicles.
Car enthusiasts have always been passionate about
restoring classic old vehicles. However, in recent years, a new trend has
emerged known as ‘Restomods’.
Restomods are classic vehicles that have not just
been lovingly restored but mostly modernised, especially in the areas of
performance and safety. When we combine
the undying beauty and gorgeous lines of vintage muscle cars with our current automotive
engineering performance and technology, we end up with something very special.
Today, I’ll go over the 23 best old cars, utes,
and trucks that I believe are ideal candidates for complete restorations using
modern technology.
Why Restomods Are Worth the
Investment.
Restoring an old classic car that’s got a lot of
soul with all the best, latest and greatest technology that current automotive
world has to offer can be a considerable investment, both in terms of time and
money. However, the rewards can be equally significant and leave onlookers and
car reviewer amazed and astonished.
Here is what I think why:
1. Enhanced Performance.
Restomods improve performance and reliability by
replacing old, worn-out, and often deficient engines, transmissions, brakes,
steering, lights, wiring looms, suspension and even some structural worries
with modern upgraded substitutes and the latest fabrication know-how. These careful,
professional and high tech modifications can turn a classic car into a
powerful, smooth, beautiful and efficient machine.
2. Improved Safety.
Older vehicles, no matter how much we love them
often lack most of the safety features we take for granted today, such as
airbags, ABS, huge brakes, high performance suspension and stability control.
Restomods allow you to seamlessly integrate the best available safety features
into your much loved classic car, making it both beautiful, comfortable and
safe to drive.
3. Enhanced Comfort &
Interior Styling.
Restomods allow you to upgrade the interior of
your classic vehicle with modern features. From installing comfortable NRG,
Sparco, Recaro, or Bharat seats to advanced dash equipment and cutting-edge
navigation and audio systems, you can have the best of both worlds. The reflective coolness and incredible charm
of a vintage muscle car combined with the comfort and coolness of modern
conveniences.
4. Increased Value.
Restomods have gained popularity among collectors
and car enthusiasts. A meticulously restored classic vehicle with modern
technology can fetch a higher price at car auctions or when listed for sale on
specialised classic car sales sites. The demand for these unique and upgraded
vehicles is constantly growing, making them a potentially lucrative investment.
The 20 Best Vehicles for
Restomods.
Now that we understand the benefits of restomods,
let’s explore the 20 best old cars, utes, and trucks that are ideal candidates
for full restorations:
1. Ford Mustang.
The iconic Ford Mustang offers a perfect blend of
style and power. Restomoding a Mustang can result in a true head-turner,
combining classic design with modern performance.
2. Chevrolet Camaro.
The Chevrolet Camaro is another American muscle
car that lends itself well to restomods. Upgrading the engine, suspension, and
brakes can transform it into a modern-day performance beast.
3. Volkswagen Beetle.
The Volkswagen Beetle is a beloved classic that
can be transformed into an electric restomod. By replacing the engine with an
electric motor, you can enjoy the timeless design while contributing to a
greener future.
4. Ford Bronco.
The Ford Bronco, with its rugged charm, is an
excellent candidate for restomods. By upgrading the suspension, adding modern
off-road features, and enhancing the engine, you can create the ultimate
adventure vehicle.
5. Any Old Chevrolet or GMC Pick
Up Trucks.
Chevrolet and GMC pickup trucks are probably the
most favourite pick up trucks ever made amongst enthusiasts. Restomoding them
with modern suspension, brakes, and a powerful engine can result in a stunning
combination of classic style and modern capability.
6. Dodge Charger.
The Dodge Charger is an iconic muscle car that can
be transformed into a high-performance restomod. Upgrading the engine,
transmission, and suspension can unleash its full potential on the road.
7. Jeep Wrangler.
The Jeep Wrangler is known for its off-road
prowess. Restomoding it with modern suspension, tires, and off-road accessories
can take its capabilities to new heights.
8. Chevrolet Corvette.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an sports car legend,
loved around the world. Restomoding it with modern technology can result in a
powerful and refined driving experience.
9. Ford F-100
The Ford F-100 pickup truck is a classic that can
be transformed into a modern-day workhorse that can stop on a dime and accelerate
at break neck speed. Once you’ve upgraded the engine, transmission, and
suspension can make it a reliable and very fun and capable truck.
10. Chevrolet Bel Air.
The Chevrolet Bel Air is a classic American car
that exudes style. Restomoding it with modern amenities can make it a
comfortable and eye-catching cruiser.
11. Ford Thunderbird.
The Ford Thunderbird is a classic two-seater
convertible. Restomoding it with modern technology can create a luxurious and
powerful driving experience.
12. Toyota Land Cruiser.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a legendary off-road
vehicle. Restomoding it with modern off-road features can make it unstoppable
on any terrain.
13. Chevrolet Nova.
The Chevrolet Nova is a much sought after muscle
car that can be transformed into a high-performance restomod. Upgrading the
engine, suspension, and brakes can make it a very cool looking and formidable
street machine.
14. Dodge Challenger.
The Dodge Challenger is a classic muscle car that
has loads of cool style that can be restomoded into a modern-day performance
beast. Upgrading the engine, transmission, and suspension can unleash its full
potential.
15. Ford Fairlane.
The Ford Fairlane is a classic ford vehicle that
can be transformed into a comfortable and stylish restomod. Upgrading the
interior, suspension, and engine can create a refined driving experience.
16. Chevrolet Impala.
The Chevrolet Impala is a classic car from the US
of A that can be transformed into a comfortable and powerful restomod.
Upgrading the engine, suspension, and interior can create a luxurious driving
experience.
17. Holden Monaro.
The Holden Monaro, with its sleek design and
powerful V8 engine, is a timeless classic. By incorporating the latest engine,
transmission, and suspension technology, you can transform this beauty into a
modern-day performance machine.
18. Chrysler Valiant E65 Charger.
The Chrysler Valiant E65 Charger, with its
muscular appearance, is an Australian icon. By upgrading its engine, brakes,
and suspension, you can create a restomod that combines vintage charm with
modern performance.
19. Any Holden Torana.
The Holden Torana is a compact muscle car that have
a huge cult following in Australia. Restoring them with modern technology will
not only improve its power and handling but also make it more fuel-efficient
and reliable.
20. Ford XY Falcon.
The Ford XY Falcon is a true Australian classic,
known for its ruggedness and versatility. By incorporating modern technology,
you can enhance its performance, safety features, and overall comfort.
21. Holden EH.
The Holden EH is an iconic Australian car that
holds sentimental value for many. Restoring it with modern technology will not
only preserve its classic design but also make it more comfortable and reliable
for daily driving.
22. Ford XA, XB and XC Falcons.
The Ford XA, XB and XC Falcons are classic muscle
cars that exude power and style. By upgrading their engine, brakes, and
suspension, you can create a restomod that combines vintage charm with modern
performance.
23. Holden HJ Sandman.
The Holden HJ Sandman, with its unique combination
of Panel Van and style, is a sought-after vehicle for restomods. By upgrading
its engine, transmission, and interior, you can create a modern-day surf wagon
that turns heads.
The Pros and Cons of Restomods.
While restomods offer numerous benefits, it’s
essential to consider the pros and cons before embarking on a full restoration:
Pros:
1.
Enhanced performance and
reliability
2.
Improved safety features
3.
Modern comfort and convenience
4.
Potential for increased value and
appreciation
Cons:
1.
Higher initial investment
2.
Complexity of integrating modern
technology
3.
Loss of originality for purists
4.
Potential challenges in finding
compatible parts
Ultimately, the decision to embark on a restomod
project depends on your personal preferences and goals.
Restomoding can breathe new life into a classic
vehicle, offering a unique combination of vintage charm and modern performance.
Whether you choose one of the 23 vehicles listed
here or another classic car, a restomod project can be a rewarding and
profitable endeavour.
