Restomods — a mashup of restoration and modification — are among the most thrilling automotive trends of the 2020s. In an age where many new cars feel harmonized by regulations and electrification, restomods bring back character, emotion and visceral joy: classic designs reborn with modern technology, improved performance and higher reliability. For 2026, we’ve selected some of the most exciting and aspirational restomod creations from around the world, from bespoke continuation‑style builds to reengineered classics that blur the line between the old and the new.

Below are 11 standout cars that encapsulate the best of restomod culture — iconic heritage with modern performance, drivability and craftsmanship.

1. Ford Escort by Boreham Motorworks

One of the most eagerly anticipated cars of 2026 is the return of the Ford Escort Mk1 — but not as a simple restomod. British specialists Boreham Motorworks have reimagined the legendary rally icon as a continuation‑built vehicle, dubbed a “continumod” rather than a basic restomod.

Rather than starting with a donor car, Boreham builds each Escort from the ground up, using original blueprints and Ford‑approved continuation VINs. This means each car is newly constructed yet period‑accurate — a rare approach that blends authenticity with modern engineering. Underneath its classic bodywork, modern materials like carbon fiber help keep weight low, while engine options range from high‑revving four‑cylinder units up to a screaming 2.1‑litre powerplant that revs to 10,000 rpm and produces astonishing power for its light weight.

The result is a car that looks unmistakably like the Escort RS of old but drives with modern capability — engaging, fast and rewarding in a way few production cars can match. Its limited run and high craftsmanship make it a future collectible.

2. Theon Design Porsche 911

A modern restomod wouldn’t be complete without a Porsche — and Theon Design has delivered one of the most compelling 911 reinventions around. Based on the air‑cooled 964 platform, Theon’s 911 restomods mix classic proportions and lines with bespoke performance and attention to detail.

Clients can choose from a range of naturally aspirated engines (3.6 L, 3.8 L or 4.0 L), and optional forced induction is available for those seeking even more power and mid‑range punch. Theon’s latest commission even breaks the 100 horsepower per litre barrier while retaining the pure, unfiltered feel of an air‑cooled Porsche.

What makes Theon’s 911 special is not just the power but its driving ethos: lightweight construction, analog throttle feel with drive‑by‑wire refinements, switchable driving modes, and finely tuned suspension that bridges classic handling with modern agility. Inside, bespoke trim, leather and thoughtful finishing elevate the experience without detracting from the car’s sporting character.

3. Callum Aston Martin Vanquish 25

Restomod culture isn’t limited to small sports cars — even grand tourers get the bespoke treatment. Callum Design, led by automotive design legend Ian Callum, has created the Vanquish 25, a reimagined version of the classic Aston Martin Vanquish.

Though the original Vanquish was already an elegant and powerful grand tourer, the Vanquish 25 elevates it with more aggressive body proportions, a wider track, bigger wheels, revised aerodynamics and a reworked 6.0‑litre V12 pushing around 580 hp — significantly more than the original. Ride height is lowered, dynamic upgrades sharpen handling, and widebody styling elegantly modernizes the classic silhouette.

The result feels like a more focused GT: poised at speed, luxurious yet dynamic, and a celebration of British engineering and design heritage. While expensive, it’s a masterclass in how to reinterpret a classic without losing its soul.

4. Everrati Mercedes‑Benz SL “Pagoda”

Electric restomods are becoming more common, and Everrati’s take on the iconic Mercedes‑Benz W113 SL — commonly known as the “Pagoda” — is one of the most beautiful.

Everrati replaces the original internal combustion powertrain with a modern electric system. The standard conversion uses a 54 kWh pack, while a higher‑spec Touring model uses performance motors from hypercar platforms like the Lotus Evija or Aston Martin Valkyrie, along with a larger 68 kWh battery for up to ~200 mi range.

The result: a classic roadster that retains its elegance and timeless lines with whisper‑quiet, instantaneous electric torque and improved usability, all while featuring bespoke interiors and modern safety/infotainment fittings. It’s luxurious, sustainable and uniquely evocative — a brilliant fusion of heritage and future tech for those who want both.

5. Frontline LE60 MGB

British restomod firm Frontline brings fresh life to another beloved classic: the MGB. Their LE60 model pairs the classic body with a high‑output Rover‑derived 4.8 L V8, producing roughly 375 hp — a huge leap over the original’s modest power figures.

With a sub‑4.0‑second sprint to 62 mph and a top speed near 170 mph, performance is unashamedly modern. Beyond straight‑line pace, there are suspension, brake and chassis refinements to improve agility and composure. The hand‑formed aluminium interior, bespoke leatherwork and widened stance give this MGB restomod an aggressive yet sophisticated appeal.

For those drawn to British sports car nostalgia but who crave serious performance, the LE60 is one of the few cars that feels like a genuine evolution rather than a mere upgrade.

6. Kamm Porsche 912C / 912T

While most Porsche restomods focus on the iconic 911, JPS Aircooled’s Kamm 912C brings attention to the lighter, lesser‑seen Porsche 912 from the 1960s.

With engine displacement increased to 2.0 L and fed by modern fuel injection and bespoke tune, the Kamm 912C delivers about 190 hp in a car that weighs around 750 kg — a superb power‑to‑weight recipe. Upgrades like competition clutches, limited‑slip differentials and performance brakes ensure this restomod performs on modern roads with poise.

Kamm also offers the 912T version, leaning more toward comfort. Either way, these cars retain the classic lines of the 912 while delivering genuinely engaging performance — a pure driver’s choice that feels lighter, more agile and, in many ways, more characterful than some larger restomods.

7. Kingsley Range Rover KSR

Not all restomods are sports cars — some recast luxury 4×4 icons. Kingsley Cars has taken the classic Range Rover and transformed it into the KSR, a modernized luxury off‑roader that refines the original’s rough edges.

Engine options include classic Rover V8 units or modern Chevy‑sourced V8s, giving strong performance while retaining that unmistakable Rangie presence. Kingsley’s craftsmanship extends to bespoke interiors that improve ergonomics and comfort without diluting the original’s character.

The KSR combines classic design cues with modern mechanical reliability and refinement — a perfect blend for those who want vintage Range Rover charm with contemporary usability and sophistication.

8. Thornley Kelham European RS

UK restomod house Thornley Kelham has forged a reputation for bespoke builds, and their European RS — based on older Porsche 911 models — is a standout.

Starting with a lightweight “G‑Series” 911, Thornley Kelham trims weight further, lengthens and lowers the body, and adds RSR‑style bodywork. High‑revving engine options — including a 3.6 L flat‑six that can spin to 10,000 rpm — give this restomod serious performance, while its tuning focuses on connection, balance and pure driving engagement.

This is a car for purists who crave the sensation of a vintage 911 given modern composure and pace without excessive electronic intervention or sterility.

9. Mythron Cars Healey

Not every restomod has to cost a small fortune. The Mythron Cars Healey — based on the classic Austin‑Healey Sebring Sprite — offers an affordable, small‑car restomod that packs character and performance into a tiny package.

With a light chassis weighing under 600 kg and nearly 120 hp on tap, the Healey is lively, playful and full of analog feedback. Its small size, charismatic handling and minimalist charm make it less about ultimate speed and more about pure driving fun — a reminder that restomods aren’t just about big numbers, but about emotional engagement.

10. Twisted TBug

Slightly left‑of‑center but utterly unique is the Twisted TBug, a restomod interpretation of the classic Volkswagen Beetle turned into a Baja‑style off‑road fun machine.

With a beefed‑up chassis, doubled output from its air‑cooled engine, rugged suspension and distinctive styling, the TBug mixes retro looks with adventurous capability. It doesn’t chase supercar figures, but its charm and quirky personality make it a standout restomod that celebrates imagination as much as performance.

11. Ford Escort Alan Mann 68 Edition

Finally, another Escort restomod that’s as much continuation as tribute: the Alan Mann 68 Edition, built by Boreham Motorworks in homage to the 1968 British Saloon Car Championship entry.

This limited replica honors the period‑correct styling, Weber‑carbureted twin‑cam engine and race‑ready DNA of the original. With just a couple dozen planned for production, authentic colors, FIA‑ready safety gear and a raw sporting ethos, it’s a love letter to motorsport history.

Conclusion

The restomod movement in 2026 continues to celebrate what makes cars emotionally resonant: design heritage, mechanical purity and driver engagement. Whether it’s a blueprint‑accurate continuation like the Boreham Escort, a bespoke reinterpretation like the Theon Design 911, or an electric reimagining like the Everrati Pagoda, these cars remind us why we love automobiles: for the joy, connection and stories they carry.

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