The art of resto-modding
The beautiful art of resto-modding is when classic cars are restored with modern parts and technology working together in a symphony just like Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes F1 car. The word "restomod" is a combination of the words 'restoration' and 'modified'.
Resto-mods began back in the 1980s and it all started with classic muscle cars that became too slow at one point for people, enthusiasts began integrating new engines, tuning and mods, improving factory production cars to be faster, better and more efficient. These days, the world of classic cars is made of an unimaginable number of makes and models, thousands of upgrades and unlimited options.
Even in the modern-day, there are electric resto-mods; yes it's a sacrilege to some Petrolheads and ultimate automotive luxury for some. The Charge 'Eleanor' Ford Mustang is the best example of an electric resto-mod. The Charge Ford Mustang has four motors (for a total of 536bhp and 885lb-ft of torque), four-wheel drive, a 64kWh battery capacity for a range of 200 miles, 0-60mph under 4 sec and 50kW DC charging. It shows the spirit of a Mustang even though it's full of new technology and proves how capable classic cars can be made with modern technology.
Not only do resto-mods bring classic cars up to date in the 21st century with modern-day technology, safety features and overhauled performance, but it also makes what was once a classic, much easier and more reliable to drive. It is all the beautiful aesthetics of a classic car with all the luxuries of a modern vehicle, a perfect mix of both worlds. Restomods have been turning heads in the car scenery for quite a while now, showing off the perfect harmony and the beautiful art of what a classic car can be with a modern touch.
One thing that Petrolheads can't get enough of is the different looks and history of the classic cars which makes them stand out in the modern era. The classic cars' spirits being alive to this day have been respected by the Petrolheads from both the old times and newer eras. Turning a legacy machine into an amazing daily driver personalised to the owners' satisfaction is often fascinating to classic car enthusiasts.
One of the most popular cars to get a modern treatment is the legendary Lancia Delta Integrale, which won a lot of the main events in the notorious Group B rally race which was banned in 1986 and became world champion in 1987. It won 6 world rally championships, far more than any other car. This is a car that not everyone lived to see and people want to see in the modern world how capable it can be creating the desire in Petrolheads hearts to drive it one day or even watch someone shred it up on the streets.
Then one day Automobili Amos, founded by driver Eugenio Amos, took one of the 1980's Lancia Integrales and brought it into the 21st century. They created the ultimate Delta Integrale resto-mod, where the Automobili Amos Lancia Delta Futurista was born. This resto-mod weighs 1300kg thanks to the crazy amount of Carbon Fiber that was used and has over 330 horsepower from a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, Brembo brakes, a 5-speed manual transmission, upgraded suspension now with a double-wishbone, a new cooling system and some extra nice touches such as the high beam button on the steering is labelled "LEVATI" which translates to "move from my way". Automobili Amos' team created 21 of them with a whopping price tag of $350,000.
Resto-modding can be very expensive due to the restoration of the rare classic cars and the ridiculous rarity of parts. The original parts are hard to come by so companies have to improvise by repurposing old parts to add to the car. Another major factor that causes this price hike is the amount of rust on a classic vehicle which requires a lot of labour-intensive work. Though a restomodded project won't hold the same value as a restored classic vehicle, the performance improvement may compensate for the deficit in value, at least for some people. The popularity of a classic car and the high demand and desirability for it increase the value by an unimaginable amount.
One of the best examples would be the Singer 911 DLS which fetched a hefty price tag of $1.8 million. This Porsche restomod was developed by the F1 Williams team, making a nick under 500hp and the exhaust sounds like a group of an orchestra making the most euphonious music, where the car weighs just about 1000kg. The Singer DLS is on par with Koenigsegg when it comes to technical engineering, Pagani in terms of art and 458 Speciale regarding the driving experience.
There are countless amazing restomods across the world and many new ones that are being built every day; each one of them having its own special story. There are many legendary Restomods that every Petrolhead appreciates like the Legacy Overland Toyota Land Cruiser, Twisted Landrover Defender, AC Cobra, Cyan Racing's Volvo P1800, RWB's electric MGB, Totem Automobili's electric Alfa Romeo Giulia GT, RUF RCT and many more innumerable cars. These cars will always find a way to steal petrolheads' hearts.
When it comes down to it, completing a restomod will become a passion project which takes time and effort to achieve. However, something is gratifying about combining a piece of automotive history with modern-day innovations. At the end of the day, there will be a unique vehicle. It's all about the dream cars, emotional bond, combining exclusivity, freedom, and adrenaline. That is the beauty and art of resto-modding and ultimately driving, which will forever continue to change lives.