The term Restomod Academy is relatively new in the collector-car world. Most people use the word “Restomod” and “Restoration” interchangeably in the classic collector-car marketplace. But this isn’t entirely accurate, and there is a considerable difference between the two terms. However, both terms have one thing in common; both can be ways of describing the final result of bringing an old classic or antique car back to what its appearance was and how well it performed when it was brand new. So what exactly is a Restomod?

What is Restomod?

Restomod means restored for “resto” and modified for “mod,” it is a job done on a vehicle that has been put back together with the addition of modern or aftermarket parts that were not present when the car originally came from the factory.

This means that restomod cars are a combination of both factory parts initially found in the vehicle and new modern parts specially designed to improve the performance and appearance of the car. These improvements can be placing an advanced engine to enhance drivability or a new paint job that wasn’t offered by the original factory when the vehicle was first manufactured.

What’s the Difference between Restoration and Restomod?

A correct full “restoration” of a vehicle has the goal of reassembling the car back to its factory-stock condition only, without any modern parts added to it. A car falls under the restoration category when it is fully restored to its original factory specifications when it first left the assembly line of the factory.

Unlike restomod cars, improved performance using modern parts isn’t part of an authentic restoration vehicle. Super-rare and valuable antique vehicles are usually worth a lot more money when they are restored to their original factory specs than being resto modded.

This means that every detail of the vehicle must be the same as the original, every nut and bolt, etc. For a restored vehicle to get high marks, it will be compared to the original’s specifications. Restorations and restomods are both seen as legitimate categories of collectible vehicles today. They are both judged separately with different judging methods.

Why Bother with Restomod Vehicles?

A lot of people enjoy the look and style of an old classic car, but driving one is another story. Restomod cars can offer the best of both worlds; the stylish classic looks and the performance of a modern car. Old classic cars come with a myriad of performance issues due to the lack of technological advancements back in the day, such as floaty suspensions, drum brakes, etc. and can impede the driving experience around town. Restomodding can address these scary issues.

What are the Issues that Restomods Address?

Here are the essential performance issues that restomod enthusiasts address above all else:

Disk Brakes – disk brakes offer lots of improvements, which includes the most essential moisture-resistant, fade-free performance of the disk brakes compared to the old drum brakes.

Wheels and Tires – Upgrading to bigger wheels will allow for modern tires that will perform better to be fitted.

Overdrive Transmissions – Modern transmissions will shift a lot smoother and have more gears. One of their most significant advantages is their overdrive gears. These gears will allow low engine speeds and improve fuel economy while significantly reducing motor wear and noise levels.

Conclusion

To conclude, a restomod car is a car that is reassembled to its original state with a few improvements using modern aftermarket parts. Restomodding addresses the performance issues of old classic cars and makes them drivable on our modern roads.