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Alright, you’re looking at classic cars, and you’re hopelessly, irretrievably in love. However, you’re unsure about the dependability or practicality of your old-school ride on today’s streets. Well, there is a solution for that problem that doesn’t involve abandoning your classic car dreams. A restomod could be the key to driving your first-generation Ford Mustang or Mercedes-Benz SL without compromise. 

A restomod classic car can bridge the gap between an old-school ride and a modern driver’s car

Today’s cars, trucks, and SUVs are safer and more advanced than ever. However, many of the latest cars don’t move car enthusiasts’ souls the same way that the rides of yesteryear did. That’s where a restomod classic car could save the day. Updating your classic car could be better than leaving things stock for the following reasons. 

  • Reliability
  • Performance
  • Creature comforts
  • Safety
  • Driving experience

Sure, a cammed, carbureted big block V8 or old-school Jaguar inline-six sounds unlike anything on the modern market. It’s music, really. However, an electronic fuel injection (EFI) system could inject reliability and ease into your old ride. Better yet, an engine swap has the potential to update your classic car with more power and performance. 

Furthermore, updating your old-school ride with a Bluetooth stereo system or an aftermarket climate control system could make your car much more comfortable to drive regularly. Beyond comforts, classic cars tend to have outdated brakes. However, if you add performance disc brakes to replace the obsolete drums on your classic, you’ll enjoy improved braking and a safer ride altogether. 

A 1964 Ford Falcon restomod at a custom shop.
A fabricator works on a 1964 Ford Falcon restomod | Ben Hasty, MediaNews Group, Reading Eagle via Getty Images

James May said it best. He repeatedly described driving a classic car as a compromise. At one point he even called a classic Ferrari “catastrophically slow.” However, a restomod classic has the potential to bridge the gap between the driving experience of a bumpy, sluggish ride and a snappier, more comfortable modern car. 

However, when you update your car with modern tech or even an engine swap, you might be compromising your vehicle’s value. For instance, a numbers-matching classic muscle car could be worth many multiples more than a restomod. Still, a tastefully upgraded classic could see a return on your investment.