Restomods to try before you die | Six of the Best
Kimera's latest effort casts a long shadow - here are the cars to consider if you're not one of the lucky few...
Eagle E-Type, 1966, 33k, POA
Whether or not you actually like the idea of restomodding old cars, it isn’t hard to see the appeal in a purely practical sense. Motor vehicles of a certain vintage, as lovely as they are to look at and listen to, are not necessarily easy to use - or even nice to drive, in a modern context. But the right amount of expertise, sympathy and time (not to mention money) can put that right, with occasionally astounding results. One very early example of what could be achieved was the Eagle’d Jaguar E-Type, its appearance on Top Gear back in 2009 a famous marker in the fledgling industry’s romp to mainstream acceptance. No further introduction is needed for a model that remains a benchmark - and a seven-figure prospect.
Singer 911, 1990, 2k, £949,995
You know what else happened in 2009? Rob Dickinson quietly founded Singer Vehicle Design in LA. Two decades later, it is arguably the most famous restomodder in the world, and undeniably the main reason why even knackered old 964s are apparently worth a small fortune. But no one has ever argued with the result: the ‘reimagined’ Singer 911s proved that a singular vision, combined with obsessive attention to detail and no little amount of carbon fibre, could work wonders. Plus a 4.0-litre flat-six, of course. This example was apparently the one driven by Harris himself on Top Gear in 2020, bringing a wider appreciation of restomodding full circle. Again, you’ll need a million quid handy to join the club.
Land Rover Defender Works V8, 2013, £241,126
Given the amount of money people were evidently prepared to spend, it was only a matter of time before actual OEMs got in on the action. JLR was notoriously grumpy about other people making hay where the sun had previously shone, and horned in on the action in 2018 with a Classic Works V8 Defender. This was supposed to be a limited edition thing, until (one suspects) the scale of the profit became clear. Now anyone can commission a ‘Bespoke’ - anyone with a burning desire to spend circa £250k installing a new motor in a very old car, that is. This one, a 90 in Carpathian Grey, frankly shows why you might, it being as tasteful as single malt by a log fire.
Datsun 260Z, 1978, 34k, PH Auctions
If you’re inclined to think that subtlety defeats the whole purpose of restomodding - which, after all, is the perfect space to let your imagination run wild - then allow us to usher you in the direction of this Datsun 260Z. To heck with carefully incorporated tweaks, sympathetic upgrades and period-appropriate changes; this is an old school Datsun at its maddest and baddest. The widebody, the carbon fibre and the incredible wheel dish are an auspicious start; the real silliness comes under the bonnet, though, with a greatest hits medley of the Nissan RB straight six creating 630hp. Which ought to be quite exciting. An award winner at last year’s Annual Service, the Datsun goes to auction on Wednesday.
Alfa Romeo GT Junior, 1971, 53k, £159,995
That '60s touring cars have become popular in restomodding circles should come as little surprise, given how pretty things like BMW 02s and early Ford Escorts are. With the associated classic motorsport glamour alongside, plus more palatable running costs with four cylinders, they are effectively no brainers. And if we’re talking classic four-pot racers, they come little more iconic than the Alfa GT. This car began life as a 1300 Junior, before 2,000 hours were spent on making it into a stunning GTAm evocation. So it’s jam-packed with Alfaholics bits, makes 200hp, and promises to make every drive, from B road to Brands Hatch, a joy. While, perhaps most importantly, still looking a million bucks; like you’d expect anything else from an Alfa restomod…
Jensen Interceptor R, 1972, 1k, POA
While Jensen International Automotive embarks on a bold new era with the Interceptor GTX, so the builds that made its name still hold considerable appeal. The original Interceptor was never without charm, a muscle car with decorum thanks to combining Chrysler V8 with British luxury, but not without its flaws either. It was those that JIA sought to eradicate, while retaining all that was so loved the first time around. Meaning an Interceptor R likes this gets modern GM running gear, better brakes, modern electrics - and 18 months of love to make sure it all works properly. This one was completed just 1,200 miles ago, with more than £300k spent; saving money and jumping the queue never looked quite so suave…
I'd buy the Jensen and a quaint cottage in the Cotswolds, and spend my time being the murderer in an episode of Miss Marple.
Its non original car so for me the price feels a bit "cheeky". Got to admire the Fast Classics advertising guff that it was personally inspected by "the Vice President of Design at Maserati and Fiat, validating the authenticity and quality of the build"..it does come with a USB stick of pics though!
However its the pick of that bunch for me, and a tuned Nord on 45's at lumpy idle /full chat is a thing to treasure.
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