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.