What’s A Restomod?
If you’ve never heard of a restomod, it is short for “restoration and modification,” which is a classic car that’s been restored to its original appearance while incorporating modern bells and whistles related to performance, safety, and comfort features.
Image credit: County Corvette
Restomods are an exciting segment of car modification because the process often involves updating aspects such as the engine, suspension, brakes, and interior to contemporary standards while preserving the vehicle’s vintage aesthetics. They represent timeless appeal combined with the reliability and functionality of modern technology.
Finding A Restomod Candidate
Not every car gets the restomod treatment. Often, it involves selecting a vehicle with historical significance and a solid frame to streamline the restoration process and make it worthwhile.
Opt for a model with readily available parts and one that fits your passion and vision. Consider your budget, including the purchase price and modification costs, and determine the car’s intended use, whether for daily driving, shows, or investment. Balancing these factors will help you select the ideal candidate for a successful restomod project.
Yes, you can build a restomod from a damaged or salvaged vehicle, which is commonplace at car auctions like SCA, but a salvage car is only a good candidate if it has a solid frame and body structure.
They can be more affordable and allow for a greater budget for modifications, but you’ll also want to consider that the vehicle may have hidden damage, not to mention the availability of replacement parts. On one hand, it can provide a cheap(er) blank canvas for creativity, but be prepared for potentially extensive restoration work to bring them up to modern standards.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window “Alter Ego”
The “Alter Ego” 1963 Split-Window Corvette restomod features a supercharged LS9 engine, custom SRIII Motorsports chassis, C6 Corvette suspension, and Z06 brakes.
The build process was extensive, spanning multiple stages and making its way to several different builders. The selection of the SRIII Motorsports chassis was specifically chosen to accommodate the supercharged LS9 engine.
One of the challenges was to find a way to fit the engine under the original hood, which provided this Corvette with more than 560 hp and 600 lb.-ft. of torque.
Image credit: Autowise
The bodywork and paint process went through a couple of rounds, with an initial attempt at a Wild Cherry paint job which eventually led to a repaint in Hyper Blue Metallic, complemented by bronze-finished Schott wheels and Diamond Back Blueline tires. The interior, crafted by Bux Customs, integrating modern elements like burl wood accents and custom upholstery.
Overall, the project took over eight years to complete, involving extensive research, multiple builders, and a dedication to achieving a perfect blend of classic style and modern performance.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window by Jeff Hayes Customs
Image credit: Barrett-Jackson
This stunning 1963 Split-Window Corvette restomod, crafted by Jeff Hayes Customs, boasts an LS3 engine paired with an Art Morrison chassis. The build began with a clean donor car, which was fitted with an LS3 engine producing 540 horsepower, and connected to a 4L70E automatic transmission. It was further equipped with sway bars, coilovers, and Wildwood brakes for better handling to round out the performance aspect.
Image credit: Barrett-Jackson
Creature comforts such as power windows, power steering, Bluetooth stereo, and Vintage Air heat / AC were added to make daily driver more enjoyable. The interior is highlighted by a gorgeous distressed leather look, topped off by a custom wood and chrome steering wheel while the exterior showcases a beautiful red finish and red line tires.
Jeff Hayes’ meticulous craftsmanship ensured that every detail was perfect, resulting in a restomod that seamlessly combines classic aesthetics with modern performance.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window by Factory Hot Rods Inc.
Image credit: Red Hills Rods & Classics
The 1963 Split-Window Corvette restomod by Factory Hot Rods Inc. is a marvel of automotive engineering.
The bodywork retains the original 1963 fiberglass and was painstakingly restored to perfection. It was then finished in a Titanium Grey Metallic paint job and further protected by ceramic coating.
Image credit: Red Hills Rods & Classics
Performance-wise, it’s powered by a GM LT-1 crate engine which produces 535 horsepower paired with Tremec Magnum T56 6-speed manual transmission. The custom tube chassis is complemented by suspension taken from a C7 Z06 Corvette. The stance is made possible by a staggered setup of 19” rear Z06 Spider wheels and 18” Spider front wheels.
Image credit: Red Hills Rods & Classics
The custom leather interior was designed for both comfort and functionality with deep red leather seats and modern amenities such as a Flaming River tilt-steering column, Billet Specialties steering wheel, original-style short-throw shifter, power windows, Sky Drive GPS, and custom sound system with Bluetooth/iPod integration.
1958 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod with LT5 Engine
Image credit: Corvette Blogger
We love a gorgeous red car, which is why we have to feature this 1958 Chevrolet Corvette restomod which eventually sold on Bring A Trailer for $112,000 in 2023.
The exterior retains the timeless 1958 Corvette design, enhanced with contemporary performance upgrades, featuring a beastly LT5 engine from a C7 ZR1 that produces an easy 755 horsepower and mated to a TCI 6X six-speed automatic transmission. With any build using such a powerful engine, a significant part of the build involves ensuring the car can handle the significant power increase.
Image credit: Corvette Blogger
The custom chassis incorporates C4 front and rear suspension components, adjustable coilovers, C5 disc brakes, Dana 44 rear axle with limited-slip differential, power brake system, power steering, custom dual exhaust with Magnaflow mufflers, and more.
Image credit: Corvette Blogger
The tan leather upholstery adds a sophisticated touch complemented a bevy of updated dash instruments, machined trim, trunk-mounted concealed subwoofers, and an Alpine infotainment speaker system.
This restomod project reflects a dedication to maintaining the classic Corvette aesthetics while incorporating the latest in automotive technology.
1958 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod
Image credit: Motor Trend
This 1958 Chevrolet Corvette restomod is a stunning blend of classic design and modern engineering, powered by a Dyno fuel-injected 427ci LSX with twin turbos.
Image credit: Motor Trend
The builder had a custom chassis designed to accept Corvette C5 and C6 components such as stock C6 forged-aluminum control arms, front/rear anti-sway bar, with suspension in the form of C6 Z06 brakes with 14-inch front and 13-inch rear rotors. This setup, paired with Schott two-piece billet wheels and Pirelli P Zero tires, meant this vehicle could contend with the best of modern cars.
Image credit: Motor Trend
The interior of this restomod maintains a classic layout whilst upgrading to high-grade tan leather for the seats, dashpad, and other soft trim.
Modern comforts include Dakota Digital gauges, a modern stereo that retains the look of the original Delco Wonderbar AM radio, and custom seat foams from Paul Atkins Interiors. It doesn’t overdo it, yet elegantly blends classic style with modern functionality.
More Restomods To Come
In the realm of automotive artistry, these five restomods are prime examples of the marriage between classic charm and modern innovation. From jaw-dropping aesthetics to heart-pounding performance, the world of restomods continues to captivate enthusiasts and we can’t wait to see what other builds are on the horizon.
