Classic cars are making a comeback, appealing not only to nostalgic collectors but also car enthusiasts and investors alike. While once seen as relics of the past, classic cars are now recognised for their practical advantages. For instance, vehicles over the age of 40 are exempt from MOTs and vehicle tax, and often from ULEZ and congestion charges in low emissions zones, thanks to sustainability laws. Beyond their legal exemptions, it’s also hard to deny that these cars are marvels of design and engineering.
However, modern conveniences such as Apple CarPlay and advanced suspension systems are now standard expectations for many car owners. Meanwhile, there’s a growing preference and noticeable shift towards environmentally conscious electric and hybrid vehicles, posing challenges for classic car enthusiasts. But who says a classic car cannot have the best of the old and new? This is where the restomod comes in – the perfect blend. Restomods involve restoring and modifying classic cars, addressing common issues like maintenance of aging parts, and body-work rust and deterioration. This process revitalises the vehicle, typically followed by bespoke modifications to enhance performance and aesthetics.
Take Singer in California, for example. Since 2009, it’s been dedicated to reimagining Porsche 911s, particularly focused on the 964 chassis. Singer’s approach is meticulous, aiming to answer the question “What if the DNA of this iconic sports car was reimagined for the twenty-first century?” Its work is segmented into various ‘studies’ (collections), each emphasising a specific aspect of the car. The Classic study focuses on preserving the timeless essence of the 911, while the Dynamics and Lightweighting study (DLS) enhances performance through weight reduction and improved aerodynamics. The Classic Turbo and the DLS Turbo studies push the envelope further with advanced engineering and turbocharged engines. With a close-knit group of clients, Singer has pursued “a vision for the most advanced air-cooled 911 in the world”, not only reimagining the interior design but also the cutting-edge engineering that underpins its restomods. Fuelled by a love and admiration for the classic 911, and a passion for engineering that directly translates to the quality of its work, each vehicle Singer produces ensures that these classics remain relevant and exhilarating to drive now, and long into the future.
In the UK, Frontline Cars (Frontline) takes a similar but distinctly British approach with the MG MGB. Founded by Tim Fenna, Frontline specialises in reviving this iconic staple of British motoring history. Fenna and his team have dedicated themselves to producing custom high-performance parts, including advanced gearboxes, suspension systems, and braking components. What sets Frontline apart is its commitment to creating bespoke MGBs tailored to each customer’s vision. Customers can select everything from the fabric of the interiors to the shape of the bonnet, with expert guidance from the Frontline customer service and design teams. The process is highly collaborative, making customers feel like partners in the creation of their dream car, working with the designers, engineers, and even Tim himself. The personal touch extends to the technical part, too, where Frontline offers both internal combustion engine (ICE) options and the innovative electric edition, the Frontline BEE. This model is the best of both worlds – the feeling of driving a classic sports car, with the benefits and impact of electric power, offering a unique alternative to the standard market options. By blending old with new, Frontline provides a way for classic car lovers to enjoy modern performance and environmental benefits without sacrificing the charm and character of their beloved MGBs.
Kingsley Re-Engineered (Kingsley) specialises in the restoration and modification of classic Range Rovers and iconic Land Rovers, focusing on vehicles from the 1970s onwards. Its full restoration process begins with a thorough disassembly of the vehicle – although customers can also pick and choose which service they’d like based on the needs of their cars or what they’d like to focus on. For the Kingsley restoration treatment, the body shell is stripped and separated from the chassis and each component is meticulously cleaned, before either refurbishing, renewing, or upgrading. The body shell itself undergoes anti-corrosion treatments and a high-quality paint job to ensure longevity. This restoration already sets a high bar, but Kinglsey offers even more with its KSR. This option includes bespoke modifications tailored to the customer’s preference, whether it’s adjusting the suspension to fit their ideal driving experience, converting the transmission to manual or automatic depending on the preference, and a brand new interior to boot. The attention to detail and the commitment to quality at Kingsley ensures that each restomod is not just a car but a piece of art, allowing classic Range Rover and Land Rover owners to enjoy modern comfort and reliability while retaining the iconic look and feel of their vintage vehicles.
With the impending UK target towards net zero for the automotive industry, the range of differing cars seems to be lessening. While electrical advancement in the sector has become widespread and successful in the last few years, many people are still reluctant to switch to electric cars or hybrids due to the financial commitment of investing in brand new, which can range from anywhere between £30,000 even up to £100,00 and beyond £87,000. Additionally, the average range of electric cars –around 200 miles – falls short compared to diesel cars, which can offer anywhere from 500 to 1,000 miles per tank. There’s also the anxiety of purchasing a second-hand vehicle, considering the battery life and the high cost of battery replacement, which averages at around £7,500. But what might this have to do with restomods, you may ask?
Well, auto-electrical company BEDEO has introduced a promising solution. It recently tested its cost-effective, high-efficiency electric drive system that can be retrofitted to existing vehicles. Initially successful in fleet vehicles, BEDEO has now launched its first iconic vehicle to be fitted with this innovative solution – the Land Rover Defender. Its niche is retrofitted in-wheel motors, created by sister company Protean Electric, converting the vehicle into a hybrid, while keeping the original ICE engine intact. This minimally invasive and cost-effective solution has a minimal turnover time and costs significantly less than investing in a new hybrid or fully electric vehicle. BEDEO also offers cosmetic modification, enhancing both the vehicle’s lifespan and its aesthetic appeal. Although not strictly a restomod company, BEDEO’s innovations provide a new lease on life for classics that might otherwise be decommissioned due to net-zero targets.
Automotive enthusiasts strive for unique, specialised experiences, investing time into their cars. With restomods, not only are you getting a unique experience, but a bespoke piece of art is being created to personal specifications and styles, reinforcing the enjoyment that comes with motoring and driving. Furthermore, customisation services are no longer exclusive to premium supercars like Ferraris. With the rise in the popularity of restomods, there has been an increase in the range of cars that companies can modify and restore for customers. Additionally, with the current appreciation rate of classic cars, maintenance and upkeep are paramount to collectors. Restomod companies provide a solution to all of these needs.
There is also a factor to consider around wastage and sustainability. Restoring an existing vehicle and increasing its lifespan with modifications not only reduces waste created by the automotive industry but also reduces the number of obsolete cars forced out of circulation due to damage, age-related problems, or emissions. Older cars are known for their damaging emissions, so by restoring and improving them, they become far more efficient and less harmful. This is even more so if the modifications include electric conversions or retrofits to make the car a hybrid.
Overall, restomods tick all the boxes. They are stylish, completely customisable, and can become far more efficient. Not to mention the benefits of legal exemptions. Restomods have a bright future and could eventually progress to dominate the automotive industry, especially with the potential behind electric conversion restomods.
At HBPR, we champion ingenious automotive solutions, especially those that allow us to enjoy our classic cars to their fullest, and for longer! As advocates for sustainability within the automotive industry, we strive to help bring industry solutions and inventions to the forefront of automotive discussions. If you are interested in the automotive sector or electric vehicle industry, would like to collaborate, or need advice on your PR strategy, please do get in touch at hannah@hannahburgesspr.com. Our door is always open.