If you’re researching custom classic vehicles, you’ve probably come across terms like restomod, restoration, and now Modern Classic. While they’re often used interchangeably, each represents a very different philosophy, process, and end result.
Understanding those differences isn’t just helpful, it’s essential, especially if you’re thinking about investing in a classic-inspired build.
Let’s break it down so you know exactly what you’re getting into and where Vintage Modern, formerly, Vintage Broncos, stands in this landscape.
What Is a Restoration?
Bringing It Back to Factory Specs
A restoration is the process of returning a classic car to the exact condition it was in when it first rolled off the assembly line. Every detail from the paint color and upholstery to the engine components and emblems is painstakingly restored to match factory specifications.
This isn’t about upgrading or reimagining. It’s about preserving history, piece by piece.
Restorations are typically chosen by purists and collectors who want authenticity above all else, even if that means sacrificing modern performance, comfort, or safety features.
What It Includes:
- Factory-correct or reproduction parts, inside and out
- Original paint codes, trim, badges, and finishes
- Stock suspension, wheels, and drivetrain setup
- Carbureted engines, manual steering, no A/C or airbags
Preservation Over Performance
Restorations typically retain original engines, suspensions, and even interior materials when possible. But in reality, sourcing authentic parts is extremely difficult. Many restorations end up relying on aftermarket replicas, which can be poorly made compared to Tier-1. You may capture the right look, but you are left with a car that is fragile, unreliable, and unsafe for real-world driving.
Not Meant for Daily Driving
Restored vehicles are often treated as collectibles. Driving a restored classic means giving up modern safety features like airbags, ABS brakes, crumple zones, and electronic stability control.
Handling is often unpredictable, braking distances are longer, and comfort is minimal. Simple maneuvers like parking or highway merging become challenges, not conveniences. Owning a restored classic usually means limited mileage, regular maintenance, and the occasional struggle with outdated technology.
What Is a Restomod Car?
Restoration Meets Modernization
A restomod (restoration + modification) blends vintage style with modern upgrades like better brakes, suspension, or engines. But underneath, it’s still 50-year-old engineering.
New parts can improve performance, but the driving experience remains loose, unpredictable, and missing modern safety features. It’s a step forward compared to a stock restoration, but a restomod still leaves you living with the compromises of the past.
What You Might Get:
- Upgraded suspension, brakes, and drivetrain systems
- Digital dashboards, Bluetooth audio, and premium sound
- Fuel injection systems for smoother performance
- Comfort upgrades like A/C, power steering, and custom interiors
The Restomod Build Process Is Flexible
Every restomod is a bit different. Some builders preserve the original frame and swap out internals. Others go further with custom interiors, digital gauges, and performance suspensions. There’s no single formula, just a mix of old and new, depending on the builder’s vision (or the client’s budget).
Understanding the Restomod Build Process
The typical restomod build process begins with a donor car. Builders then disassemble and restore the frame, upgrade key systems like the drivetrain and suspension, and add modern comforts. The extent of modification varies based on client goals, budget, and performance requirements.
Still Built on an Old Foundation
Despite modern upgrades, restomods still rely on aging donor cars. That means working around structural limitations, outdated frameworks, and the unpredictability of decades-old materials. For those seeking reliability and consistency, it’s a gamble—one that doesn’t always pay off.
What Is a Modern Classic?
A New Category Entirely
This is where Vintage Modern comes in. A Modern Classic by Vintage isn’t a restoration or a restomod. It’s a completely reimagined vehicle, engineered from a modern chassis to capture the timeless elegance of classic design with the performance, safety, and sophistication built into every inch.
At Vintage Modern, this means:
- Precision-built chassis engineered for strength, comfort, and control in real-world driving
- Turbocharged engines and comfortable suspension
- Seamless integration of Apple CarPlay and digital controls
- Luxury interiors with custom-stitched leather and refined, era-inspired materials
- Safety features like 6 airbags, LATCH seat belts, traction control, ABS, crumple zones, and side impact beams
No Donor Car, No Compromises
Unlike a classic car rebuild or restomod, we don’t start with a 50-year-old chassis. Every component is engineered to meet current standards. That means you’re not dealing with rusted frames, outdated steering systems, or patchworked upgrades. You’re getting the beauty of a classic, with the dependability of something brand new.
Want to know how we combine vintage style with cutting-edge reliability? Learn more about our Design Insights: How we Achieve a Vintage Look on a Modern Car
Designed for Real-World Driving
Modern Classics are built for life, not just weekends. You get traction control, airbags, climate control, and more, all subtly integrated into a shape that nods to automotive history. It’s not just beautiful, it’s the ideal fusion of legacy and modern life.
Why the Differences Matter
Restorations Require Maintenance
Restored cars are best suited for collectors with the time, resources, and patience to preserve a legacy. Restoration is a rewarding but demanding path. You’ll need access to rare parts, specialty mechanics, and a garage that protects your investment.
Restomods Offer Customization—But Vary Widely
Restomods can range from budget-friendly projects to high-end showpieces. But they depend heavily on the skill of the builder. A poor restomod build process can leave you with a car that looks great but handles poorly or leaves you on the side of the road.
Modern Classics Are Built for Today’s Driver
Vintage Modern clients want more. They want beauty and brains. They don’t want to compromise safety for style, or convenience for authenticity. A Modern Classic by Vintage gives you that perfect balance: classic appeal, modern performance, and long-term reliability without the stress of maintaining a decades-old machine.
Choosing the Right Fit for You
Go Restoration If…
You’re a purist who values historical accuracy over convenience. This is about preservation—original parts, period-correct finishes, and driving it sparingly, if at all. Expect the quirks (and smells) of an old car, because that’s part of the charm.
Go Restomod If…
You want vintage looks with modern touches – better brakes, more power, improved suspension – but you’re still working within the limits of a 50-year-old platform. Great for weekend drives and car meets, but not quite the best of both worlds.
Go Modern Classic If…
You’ve always admired the look of a vintage car, but never wanted to deal with the vintage car problems. You want something that starts every time, smells like leather, not gasoline, and keeps your family safe on the road. Truly the best of both worlds.
Many car lovers are drawn to the feel and personality of older models. If you’ve ever wondered why, check out our post on why some people still prefer old classics over modern cars.
Conclusion
The classic car market is booming, valued at $39.7 billion in 2024 and projected to nearly double by 2032, according to Credence Research. That growth reflects a rising appreciation for automotive heritage and timeless design.
But while collectors chase rare originals, today’s drivers want more. They want classic appeal with modern performance, safety, and reliability. That’s why Modern Classics, built new, engineered smart, and styled with legacy in mind, are quickly carving out their place in this evolving market.
At Vintage Modern, we’re proud to define this category. We don’t modify the past; we design the future with the past in mind. For clients who appreciate legacy but expect confidence behind the wheel, it’s the best of both.
Want to learn more about how our process works? Explore our builds or connect with our team to start your journey.
The road ahead looks better when it’s built with both heart and horsepower.
