What Makes a Restomod Drive Like a Modern Car?

A classic vehicle should invite you to drive more often, not demand compromise every time you do. Do you want to track down an unrestored original, as close to what rolled out of the factory as possible, no matter what condition it is in?

Or do you want to buy an old vehicle and restore it yourself? Maybe you’d rather purchase a fully restored Ford Mustang and have experienced technicians do the work?

There is, however, another option: buying a restomod that is a re-engineered classic vehicle.

What Is A Re-Engineered Classic?

If you’ve ever wondered what a re-engineered classic is, the answer goes far beyond restoration alone. A restored classic car takes you back in time, but without modern engineering, the driving experience often remains rooted in another era. Your restoration might look as good as new, but unless it has benefitted from modern parts and systems, it could drive like it’s 1966 all over again.

Reliability could also be suspect. Chassis engineering, suspensions, steering feel, and braking systems have all been dramatically improved since vehicles such as the first-generation Ford Bronco were introduced.

A restomod is different. It has been both restored to its original glory – and in many cases, made better than the original – and upgraded to perform like a modern car. This is where the engineering and craftsmanship behind a re-engineered classic become immediately apparent.

While prices can climb well above $300,000 for some projects, the vehicle you end up buying – and driving – is ultimately going to be an investment in your peace of mind.

A Modern Driving Classic Car

The Classic Ford Bronco by Velocity: modern drivability, classic soul.

What makes a restomod drive like a modern car is the level of engineering beneath the surface. In a re-engineered classic, the vehicle has been reimagined from the ground up:

• The chassis has been re-engineered to a modern standard.

• The suspension geometry has been brought into the 21st century.

• The steering has been improved to feel like modern cars.

• Brakes have been replaced with contemporary systems.

• Noise, vibration, and harshness of ride have been eliminated.

• The powertrain integration is aligned with modern vehicles.

• For four-wheel-drive vehicles, an electronic transfer case tie-in has replaced the older mechanical unit.

The gap between a restored classic and a re-engineered classic is dramatic. This is why restomods that have been through this process feel so different.

Customers may have experienced a traditional restoration or driven a mostly original example of a classic Ford Bronco. But when they get behind the wheel of a fully re-engineered vehicle, the difference is immediate. The quirks and compromises often associated with vintage ownership are replaced by the confidence, comfort, and restomod drivability buyers expect from a modern vehicle, along with the ability to tailor the vehicle to their own vision, lifestyle, and preferences.

Why the Chassis and Suspension Matter on a Classic Bronco

First-generation Broncos were engineered for a very different era of driving. They weren’t designed for comfort. They were designed for work and outdoor lifestyles. Consequently, their chassis and suspensions are simple by modern engineering standards, even for the later model years.

A restoration can tackle this problem, but what’s really needed to deliver a modern-driving classic vehicle is a complete revamp of the Bronco’s structure and engineering foundation.

Velocity re-engineers the chassis and suspension with all-new components.

Why Drivability Matters Beyond Horsepower

For many restomod owners, these factors are more important than brute power. Gen I Broncos were underpowered compared to today’s vehicles, so it’s always tempting to drop in a higher-output powertrain that produces a lot more horsepower.

But raw acceleration alone can’t compensate for a jittery ride or a lack of control when cornering. Most owners of high-end restomods want to enjoy the ride as much as the destination, and that means being able to relax and enjoy weekend drives, events, and long-distance touring where there will be many other classic vehicles.

An exhausting journey that leaves you feeling fatigued before the drive is even over is never fun. That’s where the benefits of a modern suspension system in a classic Bronco can make such a big difference in the overall re-engineered experience. It’s also why some restomods drive better than others.

The True Value of a Re-Engineered Classic

A classic Bronco should feel effortless, so you can simply enjoy the drive.

A re-engineered classic is an expensive choice, but you can rest assured that highly trained and skilled technicians used state-of–the-art equipment to make your vehicle far better than the original.

A re-engineered classic requires a level of integration, craftsmanship, and engineering precision that simply can’t be replicated through piecemeal restoration. You could do it, but the process could take years and there’d be no guarantee you choose the best parts or work with the most talented craftsmen.

This is why a re-engineered classic is often the best decision. The result is a vehicle engineered to be enjoyed immediately, without the compromises often associated with vintage ownership.

After all, a re-engineered classic is about far more than appearance. You want to get on the road and enjoy owning a classic.