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

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.

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.

“What is a Restomod?” In the interest of the KISS principle (Keep It Simple Stupid), we classify them as any car that has been restored  and modernized. That could be simple as power steering & brakes or as much as a new drivetrain, custom interior, Disc brakes, airbags, AC, a killer sound system and a nitrous kit. Basically you’ll know it when you see it. It’s not a hot-rod or a rat-rod, pro-touring or a pro-street modified. Those terms all mean something different to most of the people that use them so I won’t get too much into it here. Basically a restomod means it is a vehicle thats been restored and modernized.

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.

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.

To contain that kind of horsepower requires a laundry list of aftermarket parts like FiTech electronic fuel injection, a Silver Sport Transmissions Tremec Magnum 6 speed manual with a twin disc clutch, QA1 stage 3 coilover suspension front to back, QA1 sway bars and tubular front and back control arms, front and back Wilwood disc brakes, a Ridetech Tiger Cage, a BeCool aluminum radiator with dual electric fans, and a magnificent race inspired interior. Autometer gauges tell you how blindingly fast you’re going, while a SPARC Industries steering wheel keeps you at the helm and Sparco carbon seats keep you tucked in for tight cornering. But none of these upgrades come at the cost of comfortability or style; you can still crank up the VintageAir A/C for a nice, cool ride while bystanders look in awe at the Porsche GT Silver paint and forged American Racing wheels.

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