If you want the best of old-school cars but without giving up the comforts of today’s vehicles, watch out. Because today we bring you a compilation with seven incredible classic cars with modern hearts, authentic ‘restomods’ that combine the beauty and style of the past with recent technology. Of course, if you want one you better have good pockets, because they are not exactly affordable.
We often hear that today’s cars have lost the charm they had years ago. It is clear that those who say it are somewhat right, but it must be recognized that everything depends on the prism from which you look at it. Because this statement may not be valid for someone with a very large checking account who has the possibility of accessing one of the models that we present below. Let’s see.
1.Mercedes-Benz M SL
Mechatronik GmbH is a company located in the vicinity of Stuttgart (Germany) that was born from the passion felt by its founder -a former employee of AMG- for the products of the star’s firm. With decades of experience, he has proven over the years to be one of the best global specialists in Mercedes-Benz models, offering everything from complete restorations to upgrade packages like the one you can see here.
I mean the Mercedes-Benz M SL, which is based on what for many is the most beautiful generation of the SL with permission from the forerunner of the saga. I am referring to the W113, which is the basis of a restomod made with great taste and which also has the advantage of being completely reversible. Modern technology combined with an incredibly stylish body; a dream for many and a reality for a lucky few.
The original straight-six engine has been replaced by a 4.3-litre M113 V8 block that shoots power up to 279bhp (or up to 320bhp depending on configuration chosen). Linked to a five-speed automatic transmission, it is combined with updated suspensions, improved brakes or modern technology, such as ABS or traction control. Its price? Around 350,000 euros.
2.Land Rover Defender Works V8
The second protagonist has not been designed and manufactured by third parties, it is the work of the brand itself. It is called Land Rover Defender Works V8 and it is a spectacular limited edition of 150 units that was born to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the British firm. An SUV with all the flavor of the old school but with current technology and features.
Under its hood we find a 5.0-liter atmospheric V8 block that yields a more than impressive 405 hp and 515 Nm of torque. A propeller that is combined with an automatic transmission signed by ZF with eight speeds. A much more attractive set than the ‘simple’ turbodiesel of 122 CV and 360 Nm that equipped the last units built.
All this seasoned with completely new suspensions (springs, shock absorbers and stabilizer bars), a more powerful brake system or a cabin with modern details, such as an integrated information and entertainment system. As I said, only 150 copies have been made, with starting prices that started at 150,000 pounds sterling (about 173,000 euros to change).
3.Singer Vehicle Design
This American firm based in Los Angeles (California) is without a doubt the most reputable specialist globally when it comes to Porsche 911 restomods. His creations are listed for hundreds of thousands of euros -or even millions- and it is easy to understand why.
To do this, just look at the model that appears in the photographs, based on a 964. It is the Singer 911 DLS (acronym for ‘Dynamics Lightweighting Study’), a car that was developed with the technical support of Williams Advanced Engineering. A project that was born after the request of one of Singer’s clients, who literally asked that they build him the best possible 911 964.
Thus, we are faced with a beast with a body made of carbon fiber, completely redesigned suspensions and the most striking thing, with a truly incredible 4.0-liter boxer engine. An air-cooled boxer mechanic that is capable of producing an impressive 500 hp of power at no less than 9,000 rpm. The only drawback we can put is that only 75 units will be built with a starting price of 1.8 million dollars (about 1.7 million euros).
4.Icon FJ
Icon 4×4 is another Californian company specializing in restomods that has achieved worldwide fame for its reinterpretations of the classic Toyota Land Cruiser J40, although it is not averse to other makes and models either. Such was the success and impact of his Land Cruiser preparations that its founder, Jonathan Ward, was contacted by Toyota itself to collaborate in the design of the recently disappeared Toyota FJ Cruiser.
Ward’s philosophy is based on the search for perfection without sacrificing style and, like the original model, reliability. Thus, they restore Land Cruisers from top to bottom, improving absolutely everything, from the chassis to the body. They even dare to create their own versions of the Land Cruiser, like this four-door that you have in the following photo.
On a dynamic level, they are also far superior to the original thanks to substantial changes such as the disappearance of the classic leaf springs in favor of rigid axles with multi-link guidance and suspension with springs and shock absorbers. The only drawback that I can get is that it does not use Toyota engines and instead bets on General Motors V8 LS engines, generally 6.2 liters with about 430 HP of power. And of course its price, since these cars usually exceed 250,000 euros with a margin.
5.Lancia Delta Futurista
It could be said, to simplify as much as possible, that the Lancia Delta Futurista by Automobili Amos is something like an Italian version of Singer’s incredible creations from the 911. Because the level of work carried out is truly sublime, with infinite redesigned, improved and handcrafted components with finishes that are literally impossible to find on conventional mass-produced cars.
For example, the aluminum body -with three doors instead of five- has been made by hand. And thanks to the use of this material and carbon fiber to shape the hood and the front end, the white bodywork is around 90 kg lighter than the original. That is precisely one of the objectives pursued by its creator, Eugenio Amos, to improve each and every one of the components of the original Delta.
And what to say about its engine, which, even though it is the original 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, now produces about 330 CV of power -in a car that weighs around 1,250 kilograms!-. Like all the examples in this ranking of incredible classic cars with modern hearts, the main problem of the Futuristic Delta has to do with its price and its limited production. And it is that only 20 units were built with prices of around 300,000 euros per unit.
