There is another thrill altogether to driving something that is not what it seems. Restomods give you the brain with the beauty. So, what are they?
By: Somnath Chatterjee
Posted on: April 26, 2023
Everyone loves classic cars, but not everyone loves maintaining them, or is courageous enough to buy them due to the complex commitment involved in classic car ownership. However, a recent trend is slowly enveloping the automotive industry – the rise of the electric classic car restomods.
Photo © Lunaz Design
What is a restomod? It is a combination of restoring a car and modifying it also with a modern outlook. In short, it captures the beauty and soul of a classic car but within an electric canvas.
This trend has hit the pulse of the market, with many who used to keep posters of these cars in their teenage years now having the means to buy them, albeit with a modicum of environmental conscience. In short, restomods have the look and feel of a classic car but with an EV powertrain neatly tucked away underneath, while also being peppered with modern amenities. That brings the aesthetic joy of looking and owning classic cars while also being able to drive into cities where internal combustion engine cars are increasingly falling out of love with.
What is a restomod? It is a combination of restoring a car and modifying it also with a modern outlook. In short, it captures the beauty and soul of a classic car but within an electric canvas.
An upcycled Mercedes Pagoda by Everrati.
That said, some classic car connoisseurs abhor restomods since they are modified cars and not the original ones. They hate the concept of butchering the engine for a ‘soul-less’ electric motor. While there are two sides to the argument, the fact is that restomods have become a huge business with booming sales worldwide. The Porsche 911 could be termed as a car which has been loved and desired for ages while practically starting the restomod revolution.
California-based Singer was one of the first to create gorgeous cars with a quality of craftsmanship normally lavished on hypercars, while also enhancing the dynamic qualities with a larger engine, along with beefed up driver systems. However, Singer cars have petrol engines, whereas companies like Lunaz and Zero Labs have embraced the concept of infusing electric powertrains, and have succeeded in doing so.
A 1961 Bentley S2 Continental upcycled by Lunaz Design.
Despite the high starting prices of near $300,000, running up to a million dollars, these cars command a year in terms of securing a build slot. Nevertheless, sales have been going through the roof. Lunaz, a company backed by David Beckham, is sold out for two years even after increasing production. Who buys these cars? Demand is strong in the US, UK and in Asia where classic cars represent a sense of style which modern cars do not have. The fact that one needs to only plug-in the car and requires next to zero maintenance also means upkeep is easy. The audience is mainly wealthy millennials who want a car which is environment friendly, yet also not looking like a piece of appliance.
Lunaz converts old Range Rovers, Bentleys, and Rolls-Royces while Zero Labs converts Ford Broncos amongst other cars. Everrati also electrifies old sports cars like the Porsche 964 and a Pagoda Mercedes SL. These cars are cherished by the classic car community, and everyone is not on-board with ripping apart the engine, but the soaring sales do mean that these cars would be seen on streets a lot more as today's generation gets a chance to own a classic beauty.
While there are two sides to the argument, the fact is that restomods have become a huge business with booming sales worldwide.
Another obvious market for these cars includes the hospitality industry which wants classic cars to ferry guests, but without the high cost of maintenance, or even the chance of breaking down on the road. After all, a classic Rolls-Royce picking you up for a hotel transfer is way cooler than the usual luxury sedan. While electric restomods are controversial, the segment is growing and more players are joining the party with insatiable demand from new wealthy epicentres from all over the world. Game to own one?
Post your comment