The restomod industry is booming and shows no signs of slowing down. We’ve taken a look at the industry, what it brings to the UK economy, and where it could go in future.
For anyone unaware, restomod is the practice of keeping the classic vintage look whilst upgrading technical and mechanical components. This has seen cars like the classic Jaguar E-Type receive upgrades that have them performing alongside today's cars.
A Quick Introduction to Restomodding
First emerging in the mid-1990s, restomodding has quickly become a major part of the wider classic car industry. First launched by Eagle’s Jaguar models in 1992, restomodding has transcended car types of brands across the last 30 years.
Viewed primarily as a way to modernise classic cars, car modding in the UK has become a stable industry, valued at around £500 million.
There are different layers to the industry, from specialist boutique showrooms to large luxury brokers, and cars range anywhere from £50,000 to over £1 million. This steep price isn’t putting customers off either. The restomod industry has displayed its strength and robustness in recent years, continuing to perform through the COVID-19 Pandemic. All this evidence points to restomods being a part of the classic car industry for years to come.
The Most Expensive Restomods in the UK
- Singer 911 DLS / DLS Turbo. A carbon fibre-wrapped 911 with a 710 hp twin-turbo 3.8L flat-six engine sits at the very top of the tree. The Singer 911 ranges from £3,000,000 to £4,000,000.
- Eagle E-Type. The godfather of UK restomods, Eagle’s E-Type Jaguar remodel is worth up to £1,000,000.
- Overfinch. The Range Rover restomod can fetch over £375,000, with engine swaps and hand-stitched leather on offer.
- Audacious Automotive. A new entrant, this British-based project refits Audi RS4s with a 10,000 rpm V8. Prices start at £350,000.
The Benefits of the Restomod Industry
Many point to bringing back icons and the boost to the UK economy when supporting restomodding.
- Bringing old cars back to life. Many of the classic cars we love are simply not fit for today’s requirements. But restomodding can bring these cars up to scratch whilst keeping their unique charms and looks.
- Drivers yearn for the basics. Advanced tech has revolutionised driving. However, for some, it’s brought back a demand for a classic touch and feeling. A restomodded car can bring back the basics without compromising performance.
- Supporting UK infrastructure. The UK restomod industry currently supports over 35,000 direct, highly skilled jobs.
- Electromodding for the environment. Many restomodders are introducing electric engines to these classic cars, allowing them to bypass emission restrictions and reduce their environmental impact.
The Arguments Against Restomodding
For some, these cars are best left untouched. On top of this, classification issues have meant some models haven’t undergone enough safety testing in the eyes of some.
- Out with the old. Some believe restomodding ruins the unique charms of a classic car, disrupting its historical setting with brash tech.
- Questions over safety. Existing vehicle categorisations (which, as of November 2026, are under review) mean most restomods end up in the classic car category even though they have modern tech. When it comes to crash testing, this creates an issue, as classic cars don’t undergo as vigorous testing.
- Future maintenance issues. A bespoke car will require specialist maintenance, which can be expensive.
The Future of Restomodding
The industry is showing no signs of backing down. Nostalgia amongst younger drivers is growing, and restomods are increasingly viewed as investments. For these reasons, it’s hard to see the restomod industry slowing down any time soon. If anything, it’s more likely to continue growing.
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