Hooniverse Asks: What's the Best Restomod?

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Apple just came out with a new iPhone… one that looks just like their old iPhone. This one however, is packed to the gills with modern hardware making it a stealthy hot rod of a little phone. Old on the outside, new on the inside.
Cars get the restomod treatment too. There are plenty of examples of iron that looks old on the outside, maintaining the beauty and proportions of days gone by, while sporting mechanicals beneath that allow them to actually go, stop and handle like a thoroughly modern mille miglia.
Today we’d like your opinion on which cars, or makers, have offered the most desirous mix of old and new. What do you think is the best restomod so far?
Image: el124

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26 responses to “Hooniverse Asks: What's the Best Restomod?”

    1. marmer Avatar
      marmer

      I understand the reason for the stance, it’s to give it sports car handling. And you can raise it by adjusting the springs manually. But still, it detracts from the look in my opinion. Looks uncomfortably close to a generic bagger.

      1. dead_elvis, inc. Avatar
        dead_elvis, inc.

        I agree. ICON has done some great stuff, but this one falls short.

  1. engineerd Avatar
    engineerd

    Eagle’s E-types. Ever since I saw an article about Eagle recreating the E-type with modern touches, but keeping the overall look I can’t stop thinking about it.
    http://cache.cyclerack.net/eaglhs63zgf1o/940x500_center.jpg

  2. Tanshanomi Avatar

    Yes, please.

  3. Windbüchse Avatar
    Windbüchse

    Studebaker Coupe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePRGVOQQYgU

  4. Tanshanomi Avatar

    My second nomination is Norman Rest’s SHO-Healey. Although it’s a bit ape-crazy under the skin to be referred to as just a “restomod,” the body shell does maintain a stock exterior appearance.
    http://www.britishv8.org/other/normanrest.htm
    http://www.britishv8.org/other/NormanRest/NormanRest-CG.JPG
    http://www.britishv8.org/other/NormanRest/NormanRest-AK.JPG

  5. Alff Avatar
    Alff

    The one I want most?
    http://vtec.minimania.com/

  6. Sjalabais Avatar
    Sjalabais

    I’m very fond of the restomod concept as long as original looks are retained inside and out. That, with added convenience, power and safety might be as much a purists nightmare as it would be my daily driver dream. So far, I haven’t seen or even driven a proper restomod – it’s a rare concept in my corner of the world.
    Here are three hot ones I’d take home in a heartbeat:

    Miata Power: 1958 Hillman Husky Wagon


    http://13252-presscdn-0-94.pagely.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Other_Makes_Husky_2_Door_Wagon_eBay_1427109933.jpg

    BaT Exclusive: 1954 Kaiser Early Special 2-Door Restomod


    http://13252-presscdn-0-94.pagely.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1954-Kaiser-Special-Club-Sedan-Front.jpg

    Ford Powered Restomod: 1959 Nash Rambler Wagon


    http://13252-presscdn-0-94.pagely.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/1959-Nash-Rambler-Front.jpg

  7. 0A5599 Avatar
    0A5599

    Is it a restomod if it stays crusty on the outside?
    http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/cbarger-e1447314332555-1024×580.jpg

    1. PowerTryp Avatar
      PowerTryp

      Restomod implies restoration. General Mayhem is more ratrod in spirit.

  8. mdharrell Avatar

    The properly preserved beauty and proportions of a Prius on the outside, but with the performance and reliability of a Harley-Davidson on the [mostly] inside. The ToyoHog:
    http://www.roadkill.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Toyohog-2040×1360.jpg

    1. Sjalabais Avatar
      Sjalabais

      …and here I thought we’d save “the worst” for tomorrow. =8^)
      The weird thing is that with brand name recognition combined with solid cluelessness, one could convince random strangers that are not too much into cars of the glory of this build.

      1. mdharrell Avatar

        I think it’s glorious, but that might be because I spend too much time around Mike “Spank” Spangler. I’m not sure which is the cause and which is the effect, though.

  9. Ross Ballot Avatar
    Ross Ballot

    Does a Coyote-powered Cobra qualify? If so, I’ll throw that into the mix. It might be just the engine, but they’re sooo amazing…

  10. Monkey10is Avatar
    Monkey10is

    I saw one of these a few years ago and was very impressed:
    http://www.driving.co.uk/s3/st-driving-prod/uploads/2014/12/JensonInterceptor.jpg
    …but — given my avatar — I should probably vote for this:
    https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BUh1hkKCMAAZi1B.jpg

  11. neight428 Avatar
    neight428

    ICON Bronco?

  12. Tomsk Avatar
    Tomsk

    The Mechatronik M-Coupe, a Mercedes-Benz W111 with a late model M-B engine, transmission, brakes, electronics and more.
    http://www.mechatronik.de/uploads/tx_templavoila/Engineering_10.jpg

  13. Fuhrman16 Avatar
    Fuhrman16

    Maekelae Auto Tuning’s Model A.
    http://image.hotrod.com/f/9547455+w660+h495+cr1/hrdp_0801_cos_19_z%2B1929_ford%2Bmodel_a%2Bturning.jpg
    What appears to be a nicely restored stock Model A is actually the ultimate sleeper with a 250hp Cosworth BDA four banger from an old rally car that can hit 60 in 5 seconds. My favorite part are the wood spoke wheels, which are actually painted billet aluminum.

    1. Sjalabais Avatar
      Sjalabais

      …this is just off the scale. Wonderful!

  14. wunno sev Avatar
    wunno sev

    MBZ built this 190E with a modern Bluetec diesel. GOD I WANT THIS SO MUCH. it solves LITERALLY EVERY PROBLEM with the 190E, which i regard as the best-styled car in history.

    1. Rover 1 Avatar
      Rover 1

      Something like this may happen with one of my W124s, Those engines are getting cheaper.