Restomods Are Gaining Value
Restomod vehicles are classic cars that have been restored using modern components to enhance their performance, safety, comfort and beauty. In short, restored old bodies modified using new technology.
Just the term “modified” has been a dirty word in the minds of purists who want no part of anything that wasn't factory original. And usually modifications of any kind were points taken off at car shows and dollars taken off the value of the car.
But it seems as though the tide is turning. In the last few years we’ve seen Restomods bringing down the hammer at a higher bid than their factory correct siblings. This trend has been most prevalent in the Ford Mustang, but you can find Restomods on all the Detroit cars these days...even some Europeans.
For instance, a 1970 Hemi Cuda would be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, and to retain its value, it needs to be kept original with factory correct parts. But adding a better engine, suspension and braking system to a six cylinder Barracuda will double its value.
A stock 1967 Mustang with original everything usually sells for about $15,000. We’ve seen that same year Mustang with a drive train upgrade go for $28,000. But give that ‘67’ an inside and out restomod and the bidding can reach $80,000.
Will we see a Restomod category at Pebble Beach in the near future – we think not. But the Reno Mustang Car Club will be hosting the Restomods in Reno show on May 23rd through the 25th to give these owners their day in the sun. Judging these cars could be a nightmare but the organizers have kept it quite basic. They are separated by the year of origin and then into 3 classes; Original, Mild and Wild Restomod.
We’d like to hear what our readers think of this Restomod movement. Are you a strictly factory original owner or would you modify your ride?
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Comments
It depends. I would restore an original ‘69 Camaro Z28, but would Restomod a “69 Camaro coupe with a 6-cylinder and Powerglide.
Restomods are a way for guys with no taste showing off how much money the have. No serious car collector or enthusiast bothers with them, which is why they appear at Barrett-Jackson rather than a prestigious venue. Restomods are rolling McMansions.
Very mild mods which can be replaced with the original parts is acceptable.
Alternators instead of Dynamos, Discs instead of drums, add on power steering etc. The bottomline being, easy conversion back to original fittings.
Comments 1,2,and 3 all make complete sense in the right context. I am a purist myself and like to see them original. But you can’t ignore the fact many of us love to drive our classics on modern highways. Some classics just need a little upgrading for the owner to thoroughly enjoy the car on the highway by being able to keep up and handle the car safely at todays faster pace. I hate to see upgrades, but for some you have to say it makes sense from the point of view of safety first and sometimes just plain convenience. I agree that keeping the original components to be able to restore the car to its original condition is vital to assuring the true collector value of the car.
Stock is nice, but to restore a car stock is like painting by the numbers. No personality. The factory already did it. But to make it a Restomod, its like starting with a blank canvas. You create your own masterpiece. Not to mention the comfort and saftey issues as well.If you want to leave it in the garage and not drive it then stock may be for you. But if you want to drive it and enjoy it then go Restomod!!!!!
Dave makes a very good point about restomod being the way to go “if” your a daily driver who likes to experience some thrills now in then his/or her classic car. Restoring a classic car means “bring it back to factory settings”, I truly believe in that because turning into something else, then it loses its true market value. I would rather have a clone 1967 Shelby GT500 over an Eleanor Mustang with modern components. But HEY! thats just me right!
Gotta remember drum brakes and bias ply tires were really kinda crappy, I love looking at show pieces that are factory correct but I wouldn’t want to drive one,I want to be safe and pampered so call em what ya want but mines gots 4 wheel disc brakes, electronic ignition and radial tires…wouldn’t have it any other way…and I drive it..cause its a car
I drive my car and I live in America…that could just as easily be said the other way around. I live in my car and drive America. Not exactly grammatically correct but it makes a point, at least in my mind! I love driving, a lot! Highways, country roads, big cities and small towns. To me its all about the experience and if the experience is uncomfortable, unsafe and unreliable then it really detracts from why I love to be on the road. At the same time I also love the experience of classic cars and trucks. And though I love these beautiful machines it would hurt my soul to put thousands of miles worth of wear and tear on a perfectly restored car or truck. I think each camp has its own place. Yes, restore those special edition beauties to original condition. At the same time why not be able to drive a classic piece of America the way we love to drive?
This is like religion. If you have a classic car with matching numbers, then I agree, a shame to take it apart and make something else out of it. However, if you have a body/frame and nothing else, why not make it modern and convienent to drive. To say restomods are just for the rich and tasteless is a gross overstatement. I mean, how much would it cost to restore a classic that needs a lot of work to all original components? I think every one has their own desires and we are lucky enough to live in a country where we can all freely choose. So, show a little flexibility for other car enthusiasts and accept everyone has their own thing.