Modern Classics
How Restomods, Continuations, and Replicas Keep Icons Accessible
From meticulously restored icons to high-tech restomods and faithful replicas, the world of classic cars is more alive than ever. Whether you're into vintage charm or modern performance wrapped in a retro shell, there’s something for every enthusiast—even those of us without deep pockets. Let’s break down how these three approaches are helping keep automotive dreams rolling down the road.
Restomods:
Blending Classic Aesthetics with Modern Performance
Restomods have surged in popularity, offering enthusiasts the charm of vintage vehicles coupled with contemporary performance and reliability. These builds often retain the original body but incorporate modern engines, suspensions, and technology.
Notable Examples:
Singer Vehicle Design's Porsche 911 Reimagined
Johnny Lopez | Kings Road Singer's meticulous restorations of the Porsche 911 blend classic design with modern engineering. Prices for these masterpieces start at over $475,000, with some fetching over $1 million at auctions.
ICON 4x4's Derelicts and Reformers
ICON ICON specializes in transforming vintage vehicles into modern-day marvels, preserving the original aesthetics while enhancing performance and comfort.
Lunaz Lunaz breathes new life into classic Jaguars by converting them into electric vehicles, combining timeless design with zero-emission technology.
Jonathan Ward, founder of ICON 4x4, emphasizes the importance of preserving the essence of classic vehicles while enhancing their performance and reliability. He states, “I want the conveniences, the comforts, and the safety, but only to the line of being able to respect traditional industrial design ethics of simple, strong, longer life, built to last, and built to be fixable.”
Rob Dickinson of Singer Vehicle Design shares a similar philosophy, focusing on meticulous attention to detail. He notes, “Everything is important,” highlighting the brand's commitment to re-evaluating and re-presenting iconic industrial design to a new audience.
The restomod movement reflects a desire to experience classic cars without the compromises of outdated technology, making them more suitable for daily driving and modern roads.
Continuations:
Factory-Backed Revivals of Iconic Models
Continuations are officially sanctioned reproductions of classic models, often built by the original manufacturers using modern techniques while staying true to the original designs.
Notable Examples:
Aston Martin DB4 GT Continuation
Aston Martin Aston Martin produced 25 units of the DB4 GT Continuation, each priced at approximately $2 million. These cars are built to the original specifications, offering a genuine vintage experience.
Jaguar Jaguar's Classic division revived the D-Type, hand-building each unit to mirror the 1950s original, complete with period-correct details.
Land Rover Ireland Land Rover's Reborn program offers factory-restored first-generation Range Rovers, starting at €158,000. These vehicles are meticulously rebuilt to their original 1970s specifications.
Continuations provide collectors with the opportunity to own a "new" version of a classic, combining authenticity with modern build quality.
Replicas:
Affordable Gateways to Automotive Legends
Replicas allow enthusiasts to experience the allure of iconic vehicles without the prohibitive costs associated with originals. While they may not carry the same pedigree, high-quality replicas offer impressive performance and aesthetics.
Notable Examples:
Superformance Authorized by Safir GT40 Spares, Superformance offers GT40 replicas starting at $153,000 for a rolling chassis, with complete builds ranging from $200,000 to $250,000.
Factory Five This replica of the Shelby Cobra is available as a kit for $20,990, making it an accessible option for hands-on enthusiasts.
Lancia Stratos by LB Specialist Cars
LB Specialist Cars (Lister Bell) LB Specialist Cars offers a faithful recreation of the Lancia Stratos, combining iconic rally car aesthetics with modern build quality and performance.
Jay Leno advocates for the inclusion of high-quality replicas in the classic car community. He argues, “If somebody has a replica C-type Jaguar that’s based on the more common E-type and isn’t a Chevy underneath or a Beck 550 Spyder with a Porsche engine, why shouldn’t he or she get to come out to the events?”
Leno's collection includes several notable replicas, such as the Jaguar XJ13 and the Frazer Nash TT Replica, demonstrating his appreciation for well-crafted tributes to automotive history.
Keeping Classics Alive and Accessible
Whether it’s a restomod that’s built to run, a continuation that’s straight from the factory, or a replica that keeps the dream within reach, these cars all share one goal: keeping automotive heritage alive. They bridge the gap between the golden age of motoring and today’s performance standards, making classic car culture accessible to more enthusiasts than ever before.
After all, what good is a dream car if you can’t drive it? No matter which camp you belong to, there’s never been a better time to celebrate the modern classic movement.