Fantasy Time: What Restomod Would You Do?

[Pete05]

Just look at it & stare in wonder at this work of art.

It's a Sing...,sorry, a Porsche 911 (type 964) re-imagined by the magicians at Singer.

If this isn't the ultimate restomod ever built, I'm yet to see what could possibly knock this off it's number 1 position.

Maybe the colour isn't your preference & maybe you think a 911 looks like a bullfrog on wheels so.....

Having said all that, if money was no question, what restomod would you create?

Just a few simple rules:

Let's keep the engine in the same half of the car as it's originally found.

Just like Singer, your restomod has to be able to be driven on public roads so, as much as you might need a Volkswagen Beetle with the heart of Bugatti Chiron, let's not get too carried away.

Feel free to post a pic of the car that would be your starting point.

Start dreaming

 

[Stotty]

I think Singer already make the perfect car for me - but the original one, not the one above.

Failing that, I'd have a '72 ST replica built by Tuthill, but using a 964 as a base so I could retain ABS, PS and AC... but it wouldn't use a 964 engine... it would have a 2.5l 'screamer' motor on carbs.

 

[FT-1]

I'd really love to restomod a road-spec version of an iconic 80's/90's rally car. My top choice would be an Audi Sport Quattro:

The Engine and chassis will be sourced from the Audi TT RS, with the power dialled up to 450hp to make the 0-60mph time around the 3 second mark.

Visually, both the the lights and the grille (front and back) will be replaced by carbon fibre panels with LED lighting. The ride will be lower with a carbon fibre lip kit and slightly larger rear spoiler. Colour scheme will have a simplified Audi Sport livery, white paint with red/grey/black stripes. The seats will be replaced for Audi RS-style bucket seats.

 

[-Fred-]

Easy:


Although I think I'd try my hands at modernizing Ferrari 308s... There's probably a lot of money to be made there.

 

[SlipZtrEm]

Not much to do to the looks. Update the headlights with modern lamps, clean up the cheap-looking taillights with some LED/glass enclosures, and tighten up some of the panel gaps. Maybe go two-tone with the body, but that'd be a dicey move.

Some 18" tele-dial wheels and a Singer-style ride height and fender modifying would really get the stance right:


Running gear would be transplanted from the 360 Modena. I'd love for it to be the Challenge Stradale's engine, but those are far rarer. The base 360 was made in a fair amount of numbers, and a small-capacity V8 from the company that has helped craft some of Alfa's more recent engines (the 8C's, the Giulia QV's) seems appropriate.

 

[Joey D]

When I got my C30, I always thought it's predecessor would be cool to restomod. So with unlimited time and money, I'd import a Volvo 480, swap in a Polestar-tuned T5 from the C30 with a 6-speed manual. Then I'd paint it Swedish Racing Green with some black wheels. The interior would get a set of R-Design seats and a radio with sat nav in it. Speaker would be reworked and it'd get a proper sound system.

Ultimately it'd end up looking something like this:

It's just weird enough to be cool.

 

[Beeblebrox237]

Might was well dream big! Assuming I have an unlimited budget, I would use a 250 GT Lusso as a starting point. The first thing I'd do is redesign the rear end, giving it double wishbones and a limited slip diff instead of a live axle. From there, I'd examine the tubular spaceframe design and check its rigidity whilst incorporating the required mounting points. If possible, I'd redo the body entirely in aluminium and carbon fibre. Once I'd done this I'd have someone work to recreate the interior as it was from the factory, but with more sound deadening and a modern stereo hidden or disguised as a period-correct radio. Meanwhile, I'd take a look at the engine. I'd probably take the basic Colombo design and use it as a basis for a new engine design derivative, with a similarly small displacement and mechanical nature, with the aim of creating a V12 which is between 3 and 3.5 litres, revs to 7500+, and makes at least 350 bhp, but is reliable and drivable, and has air con. I'd then redesign the gearbox to suit the new engine, and add a sixth ratio. Finally, I'd finish it in a similar philosophy to Singer; mimic the factory spec but to a higher quality with alterations to suit the car's new character.

So, basically, I'd tear down a 250 Lusso and redesign and remanufacture every component I could, so that I could hopefully put the original Ferrari back together and build my own updated version of it.

Mind you, I haven't even thought about what I'd do to a Miura...

 

[Epic B]

The Singer 964 is beautiful. I'd love to own one even though I'll probably never get the chance. As for what kind of restomod I'd want to do, I don't know. There are a lot of possibilities.

 

[-Fred-]

Alternatively, one of these:

With small bumpers and full AMG running gear with say, an M156 under the hood.

 

[Pete05]

The Singer 964 is beautiful. I'd love to own one even though I'll probably never get the chance. As for what kind of restomod I'd want to do, I don't know. There are a lot of possibilities.

Dream big & imagine what would be the first project you'd throw money at.

Alternatively, one of these:

With small bumpers and full AMG running gear with say, an M156 under the hood.

I'd love to give a Pagoda SL convertible the AMG treatment.
I find them the most attractive of the SL models.

A German Shelby Cobra if you like.

But that's just one example. My list is looooong

 

[ScottPuss20]

69 Charger. The car looks great but handles like a pig.

 

[Pete05]

69 Charger. The car looks great but handles like a pig.

So pretty much any American Muscle Car from the same era then.

There are plenty of aftermarket suspension specialists in the States, that exist solely to tie down these lose cannons.

Others would be able to help make it stop properly too.

The '69/'70 Charger is a gorgeous Muscle Car & one with SRT, Hellcat or, Demon running gear with some creature comforts inside, would go a long way to being my dream Dodge.

 

[-Fred-]

But that's just one example. My list is looooong

You mean like a '63 split window C2 Vette on a C6 ZR1 chassis (with carbon brakes and the magnetorheological dampers) but using an LS7 instead, or a '67 Mustang Fastback using the current GT350R running gear, Voodoo engine and all. Or maybe a Capri with a Cosworth DFV, or a 3.0CSL with the E46 M3 mechanicals... yeah, it goes on and on an on.

 

[Epic B]

You mean like a '63 split window C2 Vette on a C6 ZR1 chassis (with carbon brakes and the magnetorheological dampers) but using an LS7 instead, or a '67 Mustang Fastback using the current GT350R running gear, Voodoo engine and all. Or maybe a Capri with a Cosworth DFV, or a 3.0CSL with the E46 M3 mechanicals... yeah, it goes on and on an on.

I was actually thinking of a C1 Corvette with C7 Z06 or ZR1 running gear. Or a Porsche 914 with a turbo four from a Boxster/Cayman in the same vein as a Singer 911.

Or a Corvair with a modern 911 engine.

 

[05XR8]

Reminiscing about my Honda ownership days. I'd love to do a Honda 1300 giant-killer. A car I wanted to make better in Gran Turismo because, it always looked/felt so tipsy.

I love Laurels, TE27s, RX-coupes and 510s. So, a daily mountain racer with the feel of a touring car like the next pic.

Being fwd, it's not ideal, but Honda do fwd well. Utilising the current CTR engine & transmission, widening the arches cleanly and making the interior tasteful.

 

[Pete05]

You mean like a '63 split window C2 Vette on a C6 ZR1 chassis (with carbon brakes and the magnetorheological dampers) but using an LS7 instead, or a '67 Mustang Fastback using the current GT350R running gear, Voodoo engine and all. Or maybe a Capri with a Cosworth DFV, or a 3.0CSL with the E46 M3 mechanicals... yeah, it goes on and on an on.

I like the way you think @-Fred-

My C2 Corvette would have one of those new 755bhp LT5 motors because why not.

For a Mustang, I'd go for the later '69 Boss fastback with the Voodoo motor and it would sound very angry.

Capri? I'd have to keep it V6 by using the musical Cologne motor found in the RS3100.

Not sure what I'd drop a DFV in. Probably a GT40 replica cause you wouldn't alter an original would you? They're a masterpiece just the way they are.

Lastly, I wonder if we could get that CSL done cheaper if we order twins

I was actually thinking of a C1 Corvette with C7 Z06 or ZR1 running gear. Or a Porsche 914 with a turbo four from a Boxster/Cayman in the same vein as a Singer 911.

Or a Corvair with a modern 911 engine.

The Art Morrison C1 in GT is a fine example of what can be done, keeping the look but modernising beneath the skin.

I think you either love or hate the 914. Unfortunately, I'm in the later group.
We had one racing here in our local Porsche Cup many years ago & it looked so odd in amongst all the different 911s.

I reckon that Boxster/Cayman driveline would be perfect for re-imagined Singer 356

 

[UltimateYosh]

In terms of Looks I would not do a lot, all the big stuff would be done underneath.

I'd slot the S65 V8 from the E9X M3, Originally I was thinking an S62 from the E39 M5 but then I remembered the Z8 exists. The engine would be kept stock with the only mods being perhaps an exhaust. I'd have the 6-speed Manual from the E9X M3 as well. This would have much more of a sporting emphasis rather than Grand Touring, and I'd of course uprate the suspension and brakes but I'd like to keep the same style of wheels as seen here but widen the tyres and maybe make it 5-lug instead of knock-off, but I'd keep the look. In terms of colour, I really actually like the Black of this 507 in the picture so I'd paint mine black.

 

[JR98]

1973 Ford Gran Torino Sport

Powertrain from the 2013 Mustang Boss 302 including 5.0 Coyote V8, suspension, transmission, brakes, tyres, etc.

 

[eiriksmil]

Too many to list.. Start off with

E7 Corolla with newish Lexus V8, LSD, ITBs, the works.. Modern tech, leather, ABS, traction control etc.. Slide-able street car with a screaming NA.

 

[Epic B]

In terms of Looks I would not do a lot, all the big stuff would be done underneath.

I'd slot the S65 V8 from the E9X M3, Originally I was thinking an S62 from the E39 M5 but then I remembered the Z8 exists. The engine would be kept stock with the only mods being perhaps an exhaust. I'd have the 6-speed Manual from the E9X M3 as well. This would have much more of a sporting emphasis rather than Grand Touring, and I'd of course uprate the suspension and brakes but I'd like to keep the same style of wheels as seen here but widen the tyres and maybe make it 5-lug instead of knock-off, but I'd keep the look. In terms of colour, I really actually like the Black of this 507 in the picture so I'd paint mine black.

I was thinking of the E46 M3 engine in the 507. If only because it's a 3.2 liter like the 507's V8. Which also brings to mind the thought of what if the E46 had a 3.2 liter V8 instead of a 3.2 liter six.

 

[Pete05]

Reminiscing about my Honda ownership days. I'd love to do a Honda 1300 giant-killer. A car I wanted to make better in Gran Turismo because, it always looked/felt so tipsy.

I love Laurels, TE27s, RX-coupes and 510s. So, a daily mountain racer with the feel of a touring car like the next pic.

Being fwd, it's not ideal, but Honda do fwd well. Utilising the current CTR engine & transmission, widening the arches cleanly and making the interior tasteful.

You know, for a minute there, I thought you were posting pics of your Honda.
The second one with the Red rally stripes looks like fun.

The KE27 Corolla Levin is one of my favourite Toyotas.
Growing up in the 70's, one of Mum's friends had a Corolla of the same shape, albeit the Nana version.

Later on, I had my own Datsun 510 (1600). I had huge plans for it but, unfortunately my beer budget couldn't attain my champagne tastes.

In terms of Looks I would not do a lot, all the big stuff would be done underneath.

I'd slot the S65 V8 from the E9X M3, Originally I was thinking an S62 from the E39 M5 but then I remembered the Z8 exists. The engine would be kept stock with the only mods being perhaps an exhaust. I'd have the 6-speed Manual from the E9X M3 as well. This would have much more of a sporting emphasis rather than Grand Touring, and I'd of course uprate the suspension and brakes but I'd like to keep the same style of wheels as seen here but widen the tyres and maybe make it 5-lug instead of knock-off, but I'd keep the look. In terms of colour, I really actually like the Black of this 507 in the picture so I'd paint mine black.

I actually built a retro tech 507 in GT6. It was essentially a 507 body in a gunmetal grey with a Z8 driveline.
You couldn't have a 6-speed manual in the 507 so, I adapted the ratios to replicate 2nd - 6th gear.
Managed to get it handling sweet too.

1973 Ford Gran Torino Sport
View attachment 691530

Powertrain from the 2013 Mustang Boss 302 including 5.0 Coyote V8, suspension, transmission, brakes, tyres, etc.

Starsky & Hutch would be very impressed.

If it wasn't in the script, they wouldn't have caught anything faster than a taxi cab in the original.

 

[eiriksmil]

Also I'd put a six shooter S50/S52 from an E36 M3 in an E21 and fill the engine-less E36 with an S65 from an E92 M3.

 

[homeforsummer]

@-Fred-'s already chosen my most likely candidate:

Easy:

...which, if we're to assume vast wealth, would probably sit alongside an Emory 356 and a Swiftune Mini Madgwick in my dream garage. Much as what Singer does is amazing, everything I've seen so far has been just a little too glitzy for me and, realistically, probably way more performance than I'd really be interested in for the road or track.

The temptation to do something along the lines of the V12-engined Toyota Mark II that appeared on Speedhunters a while back would also be high. Classy, fairly understated, but capable of purring along at low revs or sounding terrific and going like hell depending on your mood.

But if we're being original here, I'd love to take a Renault 17 and drop the running gear from a Clio 172 into it. Paint it Gordini blue, have some period-appropriate wheels filling the arches, and a fairly understated but well-trimmed interior (buckets, cage), along the lines of the Alfaholics GTAs.

Think this kind of thing, but without the livery and with modern innards. I might be tempted to keep a few of the spotlights though, and yellow headlights in general would be a must.

 

[MedigoFlame]

Too many to list.. Start off with

E7 Corolla with newish Lexus V8, LSD, ITBs, the works.. Modern tech, leather, ABS, traction control etc.. Slide-able street car with a screaming NA.

Loving this choice! Especially tastefully modified, they'd make for a fun street car.

Plenty of good restomod ideas here. I would say older SUVs but we already have ICON and the FJ Company doing some nice restomods. Restomodding 80s SUVs would be nice.

What about...some large luxury sedans? I'd like to see them somewhat modernized. Add some more safety features and make them handle a little less...boat like.

 

[Joey D]

A restomodded Land Cruiser would be awesome.

 

[Snorevette]

I'd love to have a restomodded Alpine GTA (preferably with the Le Mans bodykit), but if I'm honest I'm not sure what I'd do to it outside of regular modernisation. What do people think could make this even cooler than it already is?

 

[05XR8]

You know, for a minute there, I thought you were posting pics of your Honda.
The second one with the Red rally stripes looks like fun.

The KE27 Corolla Levin is one of my favourite Toyotas.
Growing up in the 70's, one of Mum's friends had a Corolla of the same shape, albeit the Nana version.

Later on, I had my own Datsun 510 (1600). I had huge plans for it but, unfortunately my beer budget couldn't attain my champagne tastes.

I actually built a retro tech 507 in GT6. It was essentially a 507 body in a gunmetal grey with a Z8 driveline.
You couldn't have a 6-speed manual in the 507 so, I adapted the ratios to replicate 2nd - 6th gear.
Managed to get it handling sweet too.


Starsky & Hutch would be very impressed.

If it wasn't in the script, they wouldn't have caught anything faster than a taxi cab in the original.

I wish. Yeah,back in the early 1980s, I also had a family friend(she's a tall old lady now) with a 1st-gen Corolla. Hindsight, should have kept in touch.

I'd love to have a restomodded Alpine GTA (preferably with the Le Mans bodykit), but if I'm honest I'm not sure what I'd do to it outside of regular modernisation. What do people think could make this even cooler than it already is?

This was another of my apocalypse/Mad Max end of the world choice cars(hey, being a teen in the 1980s, always a threat of needing a fast car in the aftermath of nuclear war). It's a retro car indeed. I'd probably carbon everything, dump the new Alpine A110 engine in it with paddle shifts, or the V6 from the Megane Trophy race car.

 

[Aerocoupe]

I'd start with a 1988 Fiero, specifically because that was the year the entire suspension got reworked from being Citation and Chevette based. Next I would drop one of these into it:

The Quad4 was one of GM's first DOHC engines, and it made pretty good power and torque figures for an I4 too. It would receive more aggressive cams, less restrictive exhaust, and beefed up internals to handle higher RPMs (and staying naturally aspirated, of course);
A 5-speed manual would be my transmission of choice. The car overall would look stock, and either be a Formula or GT model. To finish off, there would be bigger brakes and calipers along with stickier rubber at all four corners.

 

[Beeblebrox237]

@Aerocoupe Your use of the Fiero just inspired me to think up another restomod I'd love to do. Take the drivetrain (manual, of course) from this:

And shoehorn it into something like this:

With plenty of work to the chassis to make it handle better than it looks like it should, of course. The idea of a Ferrari-powered Fiero modified to look like a Ferrari does amuse me. I should probably see a doctor about that.

 

[Tunerguy21]

RX-coupes

Speaking of...

I'll take something along those lines, but go fully independant suspension, enhance aspects of the interior a la Singer, and (most importantly) add an aggressively streetported high-comp N/A 3 rotor. ITBs and a titanium exhaust will make it sing. Sticky tires, wide Wats, works flares, and aero just like the ones in the above pictures. Possibly even add an integrated roll cage to make it, in my eyes, an ideal street/track 1st gen 7.