So, on our “what is a restomod” page, we’ve briefly discussed what this type of restoration actually is. Now, let’s look at the top 4 reasons why people opt to restore and modify their rides, as opposed to just restoring them.

Photo Credit: Mecum

Practicality:

Sometimes it just makes more sense to modify your restoration. I mean, who wants to drive around in 90 degree weather with the windows down? Not me. Instead, hook up an aftermarket AC unit to blow some ice cold air into my face.

You also don’t realize how excellent power steering is, until you drive an old car without it. Can you imagine having to drive in downtown LA without power steering? Nah. Slap a power steering pump in there and let the good times roll.

Power:

I’m sure you’ve heard that tried and true saying: “less is more.” Well, that’s not necessarily true in the restomod world. In fact, there’s another well-known saying that many automotive enthusiasts swear by, that goes something like this: “there’s no replacement for displacement.”

This means that the bigger the engine is, the more power it makes.

Example: Chuck buys an old Mustang with a six cylinder in it. He doesn’t want a six cylinder, his car is supposed to be cool, right? So he drops a 351 cubic inch V8 in there instead. Why? Because his car was in serious need of some more get up and go. Heck, some gear heads take a car with a V8, and stuff a bigger V8 up front. Why? Because bigger is better, that’s why.

Photo Credit: Mecum

Reliability:

Now, I may catch a little flak here from the purists. That’s okay because a restomod could be an entirely different thing to you, than it is to me. But, from the people I’ve talked to at car shows, most of them have said they went with a certain setup because it was more reliable than the old setup was. Now, I don’t want to get into a carburetor versus injection debate, here. But, I think you catch my drift.

Taking it a step further than that, today’s components are built better than they were back in the day (for the most part, but there are exceptions). For example, if you have a car that came with a flat tappet camshaft, you’d likely want to upgrade to a roller camshaft. They are just more reliable and are a better performance part, all around.

Photo Credit: Mecum

Desire to be the coolest:

Lastly, some gear heads don’t care about any of that stuff I just mentioned. Some guys (or gals) just need to have the coolest car on the street or at the show. They crave awards and recognition for the sheer awe that their car delivers. I believe that most modified restorations fit into this category, at least on some level.

There you have it: The top 4 reasons why people choose to restomod their classics, according to the people I’ve spoken to. Most of the time, when the restomod is done with class, the car turns out great.