The “Restomod” Revolution: How a Jay Leno Feature Signals a Shift in Classic Car Ownership
The classic car market is undergoing a quiet revolution, and it’s not about pristine originality anymore. A recent segment on “Jay Leno’s Garage” featuring David Lane’s meticulously restored 1967 Jaguar XK-E isn’t just a showcase of automotive beauty; it’s a bellwether for a growing trend: the embrace of the “restomod” – a vehicle blending classic aesthetics with modern performance and reliability. This isn’t simply about restoring a car; it’s about reimagining it for today’s driving experience, and the market is responding with increasing enthusiasm.
Beyond Concours: The Rise of the Driver’s Classic
For decades, the pinnacle of classic car collecting was the “concours” restoration – a painstaking effort to return a vehicle to its exact factory specifications. While these restorations remain valuable, they often result in cars too precious to drive. Lane’s approach with the XK-E, however, is different. He focused on enhancing the driving experience, not just replicating the past. This philosophy resonates with a new generation of collectors who want to enjoy their investments, not just display them. The changes – from the flush-mounted bumpers and glass headlight covers to the upgraded interior – weren’t about sacrilege; they were about refinement. As classic car values continue to climb, making them less accessible for regular use, the restomod offers a compelling compromise.
Subtle Upgrades, Significant Impact: The Details Matter
The beauty of Lane’s work lies in its subtlety. He didn’t shoehorn a modern engine into the Jaguar or radically alter its iconic shape. Instead, he focused on improvements that would have been possible had budgetary constraints not been a factor in 1967. The aluminum radiator and upgraded fan address a common issue with classic Jaguars – overheating. The porcelain-finished headers and polished under-hood components add a touch of elegance. Even the seemingly minor change of swapping the original 3.54:1 rear axle ratio for a more relaxed 3.07:1 – a ratio available in other markets but not the US – demonstrates a commitment to improving drivability. These details, often overlooked in traditional restorations, are what elevate a restomod from a mere modification to a thoughtful enhancement. This attention to detail is a hallmark of the best restomod shops, and it’s driving demand.
The Interior: A Blend of Vintage Style and Modern Comfort
The interior of Lane’s XK-E is a prime example of this “if money were no object” approach. The chrome-bezeled gauges with domed glass, the silver-painted dash, and the aluminum trim all speak to a higher level of craftsmanship than was typically found in 1967. The addition of rally stopwatches adds a touch of sporting flair, while the metal sill plates provide a more durable and luxurious feel. These upgrades don’t detract from the car’s original character; they enhance it, creating a more refined and enjoyable driving environment. This focus on interior comfort and aesthetics is a key driver of the restomod trend, appealing to buyers who want a classic look with modern amenities.
The Future of Classic Car Ownership: Preservation Through Enhancement
The restomod movement isn’t about disrespecting automotive history; it’s about preserving it for future generations. By making classic cars more reliable, more comfortable, and more enjoyable to drive, restomods ensure that these vehicles will continue to be used and appreciated for years to come. The trend also extends beyond Jaguars. We’re seeing beautifully restomodded Ford Mustangs, Chevrolet Camaros, and Porsche 911s, each benefiting from modern technology while retaining their iconic appeal. This approach is particularly appealing as concerns about sustainability grow, offering a way to enjoy classic cars without the environmental impact of constantly replacing them. Hagerty’s analysis suggests that well-executed restomods are increasingly holding their value, and in some cases, even appreciating faster than their original counterparts.
The line between restoration and modification is blurring, and the future of classic car ownership lies in finding the right balance between preserving the past and embracing the present. David Lane’s Jaguar XK-E, showcased on “Jay Leno’s Garage,” isn’t just a beautiful car; it’s a glimpse into that future. What innovations will we see next in the restomod world? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
