There will always be a constituent of the automotive community who considers it sacrilege to even consider upholstering a 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL or 1967 Ford Mustang, let alone cut out its internal combustion powertrain and replace it with (gasp!) an electric one. However, for every period-correct purist, there’s a somewhat more open-minded driver who recognises that, hey, innovation is there for a reason, and enjoying a classic car doesn’t have to be accompanied by the risk of a highway breakdown every few thousand kilometres.
When it comes to aesthetics, they just don’t make ‘em like they used to. That said, when it comes to mechanics, they often make ‘em better than they used to. While the level of modification can vary, the best restomod cars unite classic styling with high-tech componentry, often gutting the ‘donor’ car and switching out the original brakes, suspension, and engine in favour of state-of-the-art versions that represent an upgrade in both performance and reliability. While they might not be ‘original’ in the purest sense of the word restomod cars offer a better ownership experience than a standard era-specific car. For many vintage automotive lovers, a well-executed restomod is the pinnacle of car ownership, with well-heeled aficionados flocking to the likes of Singer, Gunther Werks, and Eagle.
What is a restomod?
A portmanteau of the words ‘restoration’ and ‘modified’, a restomod refers to an older car that has been modified to suit contemporary lifestyles. Typically, these restomods work to combine classic aesthetics with modern performance, safety, and comfort. While some restomod companies pride themselves on their use of a period-correct engine and materials, these are more ‘resto’ than ‘mod’. Many restomod cars feature modern materials (such as carbon fibre) and an enhanced cockpit experience — think a first-generation Ford Escort with an infotainment system.
Today, a newer breed of restomods is taking things a step further, performing electric conversions. Due to the nature of eclectic motors and their accompanying batteries and circuitry, this often requires a complete gutting and potentially a chassis redesign to accommodate the new componentry.
The best restomod car companies in the world
Many of the best restomod car brands specialise in certain marques or models; from Singer’s focus on Porsche 911s to Eagle E-Types which hones in on—you guessed it—the Jaguar E-Type. Herewith, some of the most talented and innovative restomod car brands today.
1. Singer Vehicle Design
You’ve likely heard of this one. Founded in 2009 by Rob Dickinson, former frontman of Catherine Wheel (and cousin of Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson), Los Angeles-based Singer Vehicle Design suffuses the business of restoring and modifying with a healthy dose of rock ‘n’ roll. Setting the blueprint for restomod companies after it, Singer Vehicle Design focuses on reimagining Porsche 911s from 1989 to 1994, based on the 964 chassis. Singer’s reimagining of the iconic car sees it bestowed with a widebody kit, much of the bodywork replaced with carbon fibre panels, classic woven finishes on the interior upholstery, and unique paintjobs. The engine is reworked by the likes of Cosworth, Williams, and Ed Pink Racing Engines to up the ante when it comes to power. In addition to this core restomod style, known as the Classic Study, the tuner has also introduced a Dynamics & Lightweighting Study (DLS) which comes in both standard and turbocharged variants.
Founder: Rob Dickinson
Established in: 2009
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Specialty: Porsche 911
2. Mechatronik
Focusing its attention on classic Mercedes-Benz models from the 1960s and ‘70s, Mechatronik is located in Stuggart, Germany, home to some of the most beautiful classic cars in the world and close to the headquarters of its inspiration. Its conversions work on synthesising vintage aesthetic appeal with modern technology (think an engine upgrade as well as new brakes and suspension). The exteriors of Mechatronik conversions remain faithful to the originals (and can be outfitted with a paintjob in either original Meredes-Benz paints or a bespoke shade), while the interior can be fully customised to cater to customers’ every whim.
Founder: Frank Rickert
Established in: 1997
Location: Stuggart, Germany
Specialty: Mercesdes-Benz W111 and W113
3. Ringbrothers
Founded by brothers Jim and Mike Ring in 1989, the aptly named Ringbrothers makes American muscle with a difference. Born out of a longstanding passion for creating cars that were more exciting than anything else on the road, Ringbrothers creations see classic aesthetics unite with modern power capabilities (V8s aplenty); an ethos particularly evident in the hot rodder’s annual SEMA creations. While many tuners focus on automotives of German or Italian ilk, Ringbrothers creations retain a strong thread of Americana, with highlights including a 1969 Dodge Charger and a 1965 Ford Mustang convertible, both equipped with a V8 engine.
Founders: Jim and Mike Ring
Established in: 1989
Location: Spring Green, Wisconsin, United States
Specialty: American muscle cars (Ford Mustang, Dodge Charger, Ford Cougar, Chevrolet K5 Blazer, Chevrolet Camaro)
4. Emory Motorsports
Taking it back to the 1950s, Emory Motorsports focuses on showcasing the beauty of Porsche 356. Founded by husband and wife duo Rod and Amy Emory, the Oregon-based tuner creates what they term ‘Outlaws’, performing concours-quality restorations to the body and chassis and outfitting them with an Emory-Rothsport Outlaw-4 engine. Known for their stunning bodywork and race car style cues, Emory Motorsports is a go-to for classic Porsche lovers.
Founders: Rod and Amy Emory
Established in: 1996
Location: McMinnville, Oregon, United States and Los Angeles, United States (Emory Design)
Specialty: Porsche 356
5. The Expedition Motor Company
The backroads of rural New Jersey are a fitting location for a company dedicated to restoring one of the most iconic rugged off-roaders of all time. The sole focus of the Expedition Motor Company is the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. Specifically, the 250GD G-Wagon, a convertible variant engineered for use in combat. Their ex-military nature means every 250GD G-Wagon requires upwards of 2000 man-hours to restore, with every truck disassembled and worked on from the frame up.
Founder: Alex Levin
Established in: 2017
Location: New Jersey, United States
Specialty: Mercedes-Benz 250GD G-Wagon
6. Gunther Werks
Retaining the visceral and visual appeal of vehicles of a quarter-century ago while fine-tuning them to contemporary standards, Californian outfit Gunther Werks specialises in Porsche 911s. The tuner’s three main options are the Coupe, Speedster, and Turbo; the latter of which takes performance to the max, upping the horsepower to 700 bhp in track mode. Meanwhile, the Speedster promises the appeal of driving en plein air without the reduction in torsitional rigidity that typically accompanies the removal of the roof, with the chassis undergoing a complete restoration to accommodate the vehicle’s heightened performance.
Founder: Peter Nam
Established in: 2017
Location: Huntington Beach, California, United States
Specialty: Porsche 911
7. Classic Recreations
One for the Shelby Mustang lovers out there. A byword for American muscle cars, Classic Recreations specialises in 1964-1968 Shelby Mustangs. The tuner takes both bold and classic approaches to its bodywork; its Carbon Fiber Shelby GT500CR 545 sees the 1968-69 vehicle made more nimble and lightweight thanks to a (not-so-)hefty surplus of carbon fibre, while the 1965 Shelby GT350 Classic takes a more purist form to the mustang. For John Wick fans, Classic Recreations also offers a 1969 Ford Mach 1 as either a faithfully restored or restomod version and is inspired by the iconic hitman’s car.
Founder: Jason Engel
Established in: 2005
Location: Flower Mound, Texas, United States
Specialty: Shelby Mustang
8. Alfaholics
Run by founder Richard Banks and his sons Maxin and Andrew, Alfaholics focuses on restoring Alfa Romeos. Specifically, the 105 and 115 series coupes. Whether they’re working to factory-spec or outfitting Alfa Romeos with a heady measure of performance upgrades, Alfaholics’ comprehensive knowledge and meticulous attention to all things Alfa Romeo holds them in good stead.
Founder: Richard Banks
Established in: 1999
Location: Clevedon, North Somerset, England
Specialty: Alfa Romeo
9. Eagle E-Types
Come now, surely we don’t have to spell this one out. East Sussex outfit specialises in what’s widely considered the most beautiful car ever made — the Jaguar E-Type. Designed to offer classic car enthusiasts the excitement of an original E-Type without the headaches that often accompany vintage car ownership, Eagle E-Types has several exceptional special edition restoration packages available. That said, a highlight is the Eagle Spyder GT, which combines the performance of a grand tourer with the impeccable styling of a period original speedster.
Founder: Henry Pearman
Established in: 1984
Location: East Sussex, England
Specialty: Jaguar E-Type
10. Revology Cars
The brainchild of Ford Motor Company alumni Tom Scarpello, Revology Cars is one of the only companies officially licensed by Ford Motor Company and Shelby American to build new reproduction 1965-1968 Mustang and Shelby GT automobiles. Build on an assembly line and sold with a factory warranty, they represent faithful reproductions of the original models, albeit with (welcome) 21st-century reliability, comfort, and safety.
Founder: Tom Scarpello
Established in: 2014
Location: Orlando, Florida, United States
Specialty: Ford Mustang, Shelby GT
11. Gateway Bronco
As the name suggests, Gateway Bronco specialises in, well, Broncos. The Illinois-based outfit builds vintage Ford Broncos on an assembly line as well as restores donor Broncos. Gateway Brono offers three core styles, Fuelie, Coyote, and the top-of-the-line Luxe-GT, as well as an EV iteration of the Luxe-GT which delivers a range of 480 kilometres. Handcrafted touches allow for custom paintjobs and thoughtful interior finishes.
Founder: Seth Burgett
Established in: 2016
Location: Hamel, Illinois, United States
Specialty: Ford Bronco
Words by John Deckard
