The Great Debate: Restomod vs. Restore


The Great Debate- Restomod vs. Restore

People are drawn to old cars in the same way that moths are drawn to a flame. Nobody understands it. Newer cars, among other things, get greater MPG, run smoother, and have better electronics. In the first place, why would anyone desire a historic car? So, this article deals with the Great Debate: Restomod vs. Restore.

They are considerably more expensive to purchase and maintain! Nothing would please a classic automobile fan more than to trade in their new vehicle for classic beauty, despite what the average Joe might think. Furthermore, several historic automobiles have yet to be surpassed by modern vehicles.

As a result, if you come across a classic vehicle that you’d like to turn into a project, you’ll need to decide whether to restomod or repair it.

Restomod vs. Restore – Let’s start with an explanation:

Restoration – restoring a classic car to its former splendor using only original factory parts (or mostly original factory parts). Both the outside and interior of the vehicle are completely transformed. When the restoration is finished, you should have a car that is in excellent shape and appears just as it did when it was first built all those years ago.

Restomodification is the practice of restoring a historic car while also introducing new technology to increase performance. The exterior aspect of most restomod projects preserves its traditional attractiveness, but the interior is updated with the latest technologies to truly improve the ride.

Though both sides offer solid arguments for why one should choose one over the other, value is usually the deciding factor for most people. At the auction, a restored historic automobile with original parts would usually fetch a higher price. However, the rehabilitation process will be much more costly. Finding parts that are no longer manufactured might be an expensive task.

Though a restomod project won’t have the same monetary value as a restored antique car, the increased performance may compensate for the value gap, at least for certain people. Restomod vehicles have the same appearance as classic cars, but with all of the modern amenities that modern technology has to offer.

It ultimately boils down to two considerations: your goal and your budget.

A restomod project will be ideal if you plan on using your historic vehicle as a daily driver and want something that is both reliable and safe.

On the other hand, a restoration may be the way to go if you have a significant budget and want a showpiece automobile that will only be used on exceptional occasions. Both projects are worthwhile. It all boils down to personal preference.

A closer examination of the debate between traditionalists and modernists

The discussion continues. There are purists and traditionalists who believe that upgrading a classic car is a sacrilegious act. Restoration is the sole correct activity for the traditionalist/purist.

Restomodders, on the other hand, strive to keep the vehicle’s vintage appearance while increasing its performance, safety, and comfort while driving. It may appear a classic on the outside, but underneath the hood, it’s an entirely different vehicle. Traditionalists emphasize form above function, whereas restomodders prefer function over form.

Choosing a side

The trouble is that choosing one side or the other is not so simple. You can find yourself toeing the line because both sides have important points to make. If the antique automobile in issue is exceedingly uncommon, restoration may be the best option for preserving the vehicle’s heritage.

However, suppose you require a reliable vehicle to transport your children to and from school and to commute to work every day. In that case, there’s nothing wrong with restomodding your vehicle and updating the safety features with new technology (i.e., brakes, safer seat belts, etc).

The difficulties of restoring an antique car – Restomod vs. Restore

Let’s be honest with ourselves, particularly if you’re a purist. A true classic is difficult to restore. Not only is it a matter of expense, but it might also be difficult to locate the parts in the first place. Because the parts you’re looking for may be out of production, you may have to settle with aftermarket parts. Restomod projects may not seem so far-fetched after all, with the emergence and popularity of bolt-on parts for old vehicles.

Proper restoration is a long, complex, and costly process. That is why many individuals believe that a restomod is preferable as parts become more plentiful, less expensive, and more accessible. If you have a sufficient budget, you can overcome all these problems.

What effect do changes have on value?

As we all know, a classic restored to its original condition will command a higher price than a restomod. Restomod vehicles, on the other hand, can fetch a high price, especially if you can locate a customer looking for a vehicle with certain modern-day modifications in mind.

Be aware that modifications to change the vehicle’s aesthetics, a manifestation of art, will certainly lower the price. However, updating your old car’s engine would almost certainly bring you a reasonable price from the right buyer.

Traditionalists who are die-hard

Hardcore purists/traditionalists have recently begun adopting the European approach to conserving old autos. The American meaning of classic car restoration is to make it look as new as possible while keeping the original parts. This is accomplished by using new paint, waxing, and other methods.

However, a new generation of traditionalists thinks a historic automobile should be preserved in its original condition, including dents and corrosion. Even if a car item fails, it must be fixed while retaining its original appearance, no matter how many dents it has. These people want to preserve every detail of their historic car’s history.

Only one conclusion can be drawn.

The only conclusion is that in the appropriate situation for the right person, both schools of thinking — restomod vs. restoration — are viable. It comes down to purpose and price, but it also comes down to whether you care if your vehicle is a true classic with 100% factory specs or if you don’t mind adding modern amenities.

There’s no reason why you shouldn’t customize your vehicle to look and run the way you want it to. However, if you want to keep your antique vehicle’s tradition alive, restoration is the way to go.

Let’s face it, we all enjoy working on classic cars. Those who wish to restomod their vehicle can do so to their hearts’ content, while those who prefer restoration can concentrate on preserving the vehicle’s tradition and history. At the end of the day, what counts is that both camps share a passion for old cars.

Insurance for modified vehicles

You will be familiar with rules and regulations if you own a modified vehicle. Each state has its own set of rules about what changes are permitted and how they affect your vehicle’s registration class. Modified vehicle insurance should be chosen with the same care and attention. Make sure you tell your agent about any modifications you’ve made to your car, so you can rest assured that it’ll be protected when you need it most.

People are drawn to old vehicles in the same way that moths are drawn to a flame. No one knows how to explain it. Newer cars, among other things, get higher MPG, run smoother, and have greater electronics. Why would anyone want a classic car to begin with? They are considerably more expensive to purchase and maintain!

Brook Walsh

For nearly 30 years, I've had a fascination with restomods. I've learned from real-world experience what restomod gear works and what doesn't. This is the site where I share everything I've learned.

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