A restored and modified 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle built by RestoMods.com

What defines a RestoMod?

A restomod (a conjunction of the words restoration and modification) refers to a type of classic car restoration where the vehicle is updated and modified with modern components and technology while preserving its original appearance or aesthetic. It combines the nostalgia of a vintage automobile with contemporary performance, comfort, and reliability enhancements. Think classic muscle car look with a modern engine, suspension and braking system. The best of both worlds.

As is standard in the automotive scene the same word can mean different things to different people. As the custodians of RestoMods.com we have interpreted restomod through our work restoring, modernizing, customizing classic cars so that they drive, look, and feel better than they did the day they rolled off the factory floor. Come see our work on our YouTube channel.

Restored Versus RestoMod:

Restored:

• A restored vehicle is one that has been meticulously brought back to its original, factory-correct condition.
• Focuses on authenticity, using period-correct parts and techniques to make the car look and feel as it did the day it rolled off the assembly line.
• Preserve automotive history, often resulting in a showpiece that’s not always practical for daily driving due to older technology.

RestoMod:

• Takes a classic car and combines its vintage aesthetic with modern performance, safety, and comfort features.
• Upgrades like swapping in a new engine and transmission, installing modern disc brakes and suspension, and adding amenities like air conditioning or an infotainment system.
• Having the classic look you love without the vintage headaches, creating a vehicle that’s both a beautiful show car and a reliable daily driver.

RestoMods.com has been the leading online destination for classic car and truck enthusiasts since 2014. We started with a simple idea: that a vehicle’s vintage looks and charm could be paired with today’s technology and performance. We’ve built our reputation on giving away Restored and Modified Classics to people just like you!

If you want to see what a RestoMod looks like, then look no further than our very own sweepstakes cars from past giveaways. Our 17th car, for example, is this 1970 Dodge Charger. Built to outperform even the modern competition, this Charger nods to classic throwback with a 400ci V8 engine, but with FiTech electronic fuel injection to improve fuel management in any driving condition. With a 4 speed manual transmission, it’s easy to find trouble with this kind of big block power, but it’s also got modern features that make the car stop and handle better like Wilwood disc brakes on front and back, and tubular upper control arms.

The original body and interior was completely rebuilt and features matte dark grey paint on the exterior, custom “R/M” badging, a full racing roll cage inside, and seats from an anniversary edition Dodge Charger sedan. Custom Dakota Digital gauges adorn the dash as well as a push to start button and an Alcantara wrapped steering wheel. Also don’t forget about the pistol grip Hurst shifter.

Common Restomod Upgrades Include:

• Modern engine
• Power disc brakes
• Modern suspenion, chassis + steering components
• Wheels and tires
• Exterior LED lighting
• Interior restoration
• Electronic fuel injection
• Climate control
• Improved safety features and more

Many shops across the United States are dedicated to creating the most unique and stylish restomods, but we are the only ones that consistently give them away every 3 months. Our business has grown to create one-of-a-kind builds, much like our 22nd sweepstakes car, this built-to-the-extreme 1969 Chevy Chevelle, which boasts 1,000 horsepower from a Blueprint Engines 427ci Supercharged LS engine.

RestoMods has given away 30 classic muscle cars to 30 winners and we have no plan of stopping anytime soon. From Chevy Camaros, Chevelles to Dodge Chargers, Mopar and even some Ford Mustangs, we’ve helped make the dream of owning a classic car a reality for people all across the country.

The Process of RestoModding:

• Preparation and Planning (Budget and Idea Phase)
• Disassembly of Vehicle
• Organization of Parts and Schedule
• Fabrication + Install
• Testing, Tuning, and Shake Down

Engine:

Older engines were a product of their time, built with outdated technology like carburetors that were notoriously finicky and inefficient. A restomod addresses this by swapping out the original engine for a modern, high-performance V8 complete with electronic fuel injection. This upgrade not only provides significantly more horsepower and torque but also guarantees modern reliability, easy starting, and much-improved fuel efficiency, turning a classic cruiser into a performance machine.

Suspension:

Older vehicles weren’t designed with ride and handling in mind. Instead of leaf springs or worn shoscks, most restomods utilize suspension componenets specifically engineered for that vehicle, including the use of coil-over shocks.

Exterior:

While a classic car’s body lines are timeless, its exterior components can be dated and worn. To bring a vehicle’s appearance into the 21st century, a restomod includes a complete body overhaul with a flawless, show-quality paint job and modern LED lighting. These lighting upgrades not only give the car a crisp, custom look but also significantly improve visibility and safety on the road.

Interior:

The original interiors of classic vehicles were spartan and lacked the basic comforts we expect today. A restomod addresses this by completely re-imagining the cabin with a full interior restoration. This includes custom leather seating, modern air conditioning, and a premium audio system with Bluetooth connectivity. The result is a custom-tailored space that maintains a vintage feel while providing all the comfort, safety, and modern amenities of a new car.

RestoMod VS. Original Classic: What’s Best For You?

The restored vs. restomod debate boils down to authenticity versus a modern driving experience. A restored car is brought back to its factory-original condition for historical preservation and collector value. A restomod, however, keeps the classic look but adds modern performance, safety, and comfort upgrades. While a rare, original car often holds the highest auction value for purists, a high-quality restomod appeals to a growing market of enthusiasts who prioritize a reliable, usable vehicle they can enjoy on the road every day.

Those are just a couple examples of some of the modern power, handling and comfort that we inject into these classic American Muscle cars. We do this because the Big 3 don’t make them like they used to, but we do like the appeal of modern technology in a classic package. When looking at the masterpieces here at RestoMods, or at other well known shops like Ringbrothers and Gas Monkey Garage, it’s easy to think that building your own restomod is out of reach. Where it was once hard to find resources on how to build a restomod, today with Youtube as a reference, it’s more attainable than ever to find all the tips and leads imaginable.

RESTOMOD RESOURCES

For a more in depth understanding, you might find this video helpful:

RESTOMODS EXAMPLES

To learn more about everything Restomod related, visit restomods.com