Restoration vs Restomod: Which Is Right for Your Classic?
When reviving a vintage vehicle, one key decision shapes the entire journey: will you opt for a restomod or a classic period correct restoration? These two paths offer two distinct philosophies—one rooted in preserving originality, the other in modernizing for today’s roads.
Whether you're dreaming of a faithful time capsule or a daily drivable legend reborn, understanding these approaches will ensure your classic Bronco—or any vintage build—matches your expectations from the start. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between restorations and restomods, highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each, and help you decide what best fits your vision, lifestyle, and values.
What Is a Restoration?
A restoration refers to returning a vehicle to its original factory condition using period-correct parts and finishes. The goal is authenticity—recreating the car as it was when it rolled off the assembly line.
What the Restoration Process Looks Like
A professional restoration is a meticulous, labor-intensive journey that often includes:
Disassembly: Every component—down to the last bolt—is removed and cataloged.
Frame & Body Repair: The frame is inspected and restored or replaced. The body undergoes rust repair, panel alignment, and primer work.
Engine & Drivetrain Rebuild: Original powertrains are often rebuilt using OEM or refurbished parts.
Suspension & Brakes: These are restored to period specs, which may mean drum brakes and leaf springs, depending on the era.
Interior Refurbishment: Original materials or close reproductions are sourced for seats, dash, carpet, and trim.
Paint & Finish: A factory-correct color is carefully applied, often after hundreds of hours of bodywork, to achieve a flawless finish.
Reassembly: Everything is reinstalled with period accuracy—from emblems and fasteners to wiring harnesses and glass.
The outcome is a piece of rolling history—ideal for purists, collectors, and those who want to preserve a classic in its original form.
Advantages of Restoration
Historical Accuracy: Perfect for collectors or purists who value originality.
Higher Perceived Value at Concours Shows: Restored vehicles often qualify for prestigious events and competitions.
Preserves Automotive Heritage: Keeps the legacy of a model alive with faithful attention to era-specific details.
Disadvantages of Restoration
Limited Driveability: Stock brakes, suspension, and engines often don’t meet modern performance or comfort standards.
Parts Availability: Sourcing original or NOS (New Old Stock) parts can be difficult and costly.
Ongoing Maintenance: Classic components tend to require more upkeep and are prone to reliability issues.
What Is a Restomod?
A restomod (short for “restoration + modification”) maintains the classic vehicle’s exterior style while upgrading the performance, safety, and comfort with modern technology. Think fuel-injected V8s, disc brakes, air conditioning, heated leather seats and a Bluetooth stereo system.
What the Restomod Process Looks Like
At HighLine Classics, our restomod builds are comprehensive and methodical—crafted from the ground up using 100% new parts and modern engineering:
Foundation & Chassis Work: We begin with a frame that matches the original VIN, which is then stripped, inspected, and reinforced as needed—or replaced with new components.
All-New Drivetrain Installation: Modern engines like the Gen 4x Ford Coyote 5.0 V8 are paired with new transmissions (manual or automatic), crate axles, and upgraded differentials for serious muscle and seamless shifting.
Suspension & Braking Upgrades: We install performance-tuned coil suspension, Wilwood disc brakes, and sway bars to ensure a safe, smooth ride on modern roads.
Electrical & Tech Integration: New wiring harnesses, digital gauges, LED lighting, and integrated sound systems (including Bluetooth) bring the vehicle up to modern standards.
HVAC & Comfort Systems: Vintage Air A/C, modern heating, heated leather seats, power windows and premium insulation ensure everyday comfort.
Interior Customization: Hand-stitched leather seats, modern carpet kits, and bespoke dash treatments deliver a luxury feel inside an iconic shell.
Final Fit & Finish: The body is aligned, painted in your chosen color, and outfitted with high-end trim and hardware for a show-ready, head-turning result.
Every component is brand new—no refurbishing, no compromise. What you get is a reliable, road-ready vehicle with timeless style and modern dependability.
Advantages of a Restomod
Modern Reliability: Drive it daily or take it on long road trips with confidence.
Custom Performance: Tailor the vehicle with upgraded engines, suspension, brakes, and more.
Personalized Comfort: Modern sound systems, A/C, leather interiors—all wrapped in vintage style.
Disadvantages of a Restomod
Less Originality: Not suitable for concours competitions or buyers seeking factory-correct vehicles.
Higher Upfront Cost: Full restomods, especially when done right, require more extensive Labor, and the parts are more expensive.
Restoration vs Restomod vs Original: The Full Spectrum
Let’s compare these three approaches side-by-side:
| Category | Restoration | Restomod | Original Survivor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goal | Period-correct rebuild | Classic looks + modern function | Untouched factory condition |
| Performance | As-built in its era | Enhanced for today's roads | Dated and often underwhelming |
| Reliability | Authentic, but maintenance-heavy | Modern, dependable, daily-drivable | Variable and age-dependent |
| Collector Value | High (if done meticulously) | High (These are in much higher demand) | Highest for rare survivors |
| Drive Experience | Nostalgic but limited. (potential for fuel smell, leaks oil, etc) | Powerful, safe, and refined | Raw and often impractical |
| Best For | Purists, museum displays | Enthusiasts who want usable classics | Preservation-focused owners |
Factoring Your Timeline and Budget
Understanding the financial and time investment involved in each option is essential. Both restorations and restomods require significant craftsmanship—but the scope, materials, and goals create distinct differences.
Timeline Considerations
Restoration: A full-frame, factory-correct restoration can take several months to a year, depending on the availability of original parts and the condition of the donor vehicle. Precision and historical accuracy take time.
Restomod: A high-quality restomod—especially a ground-up, all-new build like those at HighLine—can be completed in 12 weeks due to the assembly line nature of the process. That’s due to the complexity of integrating modern components, custom fabrication, and detailed finish work. Every restomod is essentially a new vehicle built in a vintage shell.
Budget Expectations
Restoration: Depending on condition and scope, a restoration might range from $50,000 to $150,000+. Much of the cost comes from labor, sourcing rare parts, and meticulous attention to factory specifications.
Restomod: A full restomod typically starts at around $189,000+, with final pricing based on customization, drivetrain choices, and premium features. That budget reflects the use of brand-new components, modern tech, and custom finishes designed for performance and comfort.
Key Takeaway
A restoration might be more affordable upfront, but it often leads to higher maintenance costs over time.
A restomod demands a higher initial investment, but delivers unmatched reliability, safety, and satisfaction for long-term use.
In either case, you're not just funding a vehicle—you're investing in craftsmanship, confidence, and a one-of-a-kind classic built for your lifestyle.
How to Decide Which Is Right for You: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself
Remember: this isn’t just about the vehicle—it’s about your lifestyle, values, and vision. Here are a few key questions to help guide your decision:
What kind of driving experience do you want?
If you’re dreaming of carving up canyon roads, taking cross-country road trips, or using your classic as a daily driver, or a reliable weekend cruiser, a restomod offers the power, comfort, and reliability to make that dream stress-free.
If your goal is to park a historically accurate showpiece in your garage or participate in concours events, a true restoration may be the better route.
Are you a purist—or a pragmatist?
Some enthusiasts cherish every original part and factory-correct paint code. Others want the vintage look with none of the vintage headaches. Knowing where you land on that spectrum can clarify your path.
What’s your tolerance for maintenance?
Restorations, even when done perfectly, will often require more frequent maintenance simply due to the nature of old technology.
Restomods replace these systems with new, tested, and warrantied components—giving you peace of mind with fewer surprises.
What is your long-term plan?
Is this an investment vehicle? A family heirloom? A weekend toy? A retirement dream? The intended use and emotional value can help you decide what matters more: originality or functionality.
What level of customization do you want?
Restorations stick to the script. Restomods let you write your own story. At HighLine Classics, we involve you in every detail of your restomod build—from gear ratios to leather stitching.
No matter which path you choose, it should reflect your values, style, and journey. And at HighLine, we help guide that journey—step by step.
Why HighLine Classics Is the Ultimate Restomod Partner
At HighLine Classics, we specialize in the art of reviving legends—restomods that deliver modern reliability and vintage styling. Every Bronco we build is more than a vehicle; it’s a custom-crafted experience.
Here’s what sets us apart:
100% In-House Builds with all-new parts—no patchwork, no shortcuts.
Custom Everything: From Gen 4x Ford Coyote 5.0 V8 engines to hand-stitched leather interiors.
Bumper to Bumper Warranty - Zero deductible, Backed by Highline Classics.
Personal Service: Work directly with our founder, Josh, every step of the way.
Turnkey Ownership: We make the process fun, easy, and stress-free—with shipping and financing support too.
Whether you’re new to the classic car world or finally ready to build the Bronco you’ve always dreamed of, we’re here to make it happen—your way, with our craftsmanship.
Ready to build the Bronco of your dreams—reborn with timeless style and modern muscle?
Contact HighLine Classics today, and let’s bring your vision to life.
FAQs
Is a restomod still considered a classic car?
Yes—restomods retain the original body and style of the classic vehicle, but with upgraded internals. They’re modernized classics.
Which is more valuable: restored or restomod?
Restomods. They are much more desirable and have better resale value.
Can I daily drive a restored car?
You can—but it may be less comfortable, less safe, and more prone to breakdowns compared to a restomod.
How long does a restomod build take?
At HighLine Classics, a full custom build usually takes 12-14 weeks. Each vehicle is hand-built from the ground up with meticulous care.
Do restomods use original frames?
We start with a vintage VIN-matched frame but reinforce or replace components to meet modern standards.
Can I choose every detail of my restomod?
Absolutely. Our “Built Your Way” philosophy means every HighLine Bronco reflects your personal taste—from paint to performance.