Latest news with #restomod
Motor Trend
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
Kingsley Range Rover Classic KSR Restomod First Drive: Cooler than a Lambo?
Everyone loves a restomod Land Rover Defender SUV. So much so that reinventing Land Rover's world-famous 4x4 workhorse has become a profitable niche industry with a global reach. Even Land Rover itself has jumped on the bandwagon as its Classic Works Bespoke operation rebuilds classic Defender 90 and 110 models with new luxury interiors, reworked suspension and brakes, and punchy V-8 engines. The entire scene has reached a point where a restomod Defender often walks a fine line between caricature and cliché—which is precisely what makes the Kingsley Range Rover Classic KSR an interesting alternative. 0:00 / 0:00 The Background While the Jeep Wagoneer of the 1960s invented the idea of a luxury 4x4, Land Rover's original Range Rover perfected it, although the early 1970s versions were relatively spartan with vinyl seats and rubber mats on the floor. However, the Range Rover's magic carpet ride is what made it special from the outset. It was a fearsomely capable off-roader that was as comfy as a Cadillac, on and off the road. When wood, leather, carpet and air conditioning arrived later, they seemed logical, perfectly in character with the rest of the vehicle rather than looking like lipstick on a rough-riding pig. British-based Kingsley Re-Engineered has been in the business of restoring and restomodding Range Rovers and Land Rovers since 2001, though the company has been under new management for the past 14 months. The KSR is a new addition to the Kingsley Range Rover Classic lineup, which includes the KC, a full nuts-and-bolts restoration, and the KR, which is a restomod with leather wrapped over much of the original Range Rover interior. The Details Available in either two- or four-door configuration, the Kingsley Range Rover Classic KSR is based on pre-1993 Range Rover Classic donor cars, what enthusiasts call the 'hard-dash' models. The later 'soft-dash' cars have a rounded, more integrated instrument binnacle that was a major improvement at the time but is now much more difficult to restore or retrim. Beyond that, says Kingsley managing director James Sawbridge, the soft-dash models are much more prone to severe body-rust problems, to the point where cars that look good from 30 feet away have bodies that are so catastrophically rusted out under their carpet and other trim pieces that they must be junked. Fortunately, the chassis is much more durable. 'It's very rare we have to throw a chassis away,' Sawbridge said. The KSR shares much of its mechanical hardware with the KR. Under the hood is Kingsley's 'High Torque' 4.6-liter V-8, an upgrade of the original Rover 3.9-liter unit that now develops 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Driving all four wheels through the standard four-speed automatic transmission, that's enough grunt to propel the KSR from 0 to 60 mph in 9.8 seconds and to a top speed of more than 120 mph. That's not earth shattering in the context of rocketship-modern SUVs such as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT or Ferrari Purosangue, or even today's Range Rover P530, which packs a 523-hp, 553-lb-ft punch and is a full 5.2 seconds quicker to 60 mph. But it's worth remembering the original Rangie took about 11 seconds to get to 60 from a standstill and topped out at 110 mph. This is why the Kingsley Ranger Rover Classic KSR, though retaining the standard Range Rover Classic spring and roll bar rates, uses TracTive adjustable adaptive shocks to better control the body motions and has bigger disc brakes front and rear. Spot the Differences The interiors are the big difference between the Kingsley KR and KSR models, with the latter featuring a redesigned dash, a digital instrument panel, and a new center console with upgraded switchgear and an inbuilt digital display. The redesigned interior makes the KSR easier to build to a higher quality. Wrapping the original Range Rover dash and doors and other hardware sounds simple enough in concept but is difficult to execute as it involves retrimming substrate structures that are not always in good condition or robust enough. The interior redesign also improves its functionality: The Range Rover' Classic's notoriously poor windshield demisting is notably better courtesy of larger vents at the top of the dash, and the upgraded air conditioning system is activated more easily via improved switchgear on the center console, which now has cupholders and USB and USB-C connection points. The software powering the digital screen supports Apple CarPlay, thus delivering up-to-date navigation and audio functionality. Make It Yours Customers can choose almost any color and trim combination they desire. Our test SUV, the first KSR out of the shop, features Brewster Green paint over a Chestnut leather interior and Boxweave carpets, with Black Watch Weathered tartan accents in the seats. It rolls on 18-inch multispoke wheels finished in gloss black and fitted with 255/55 Avon Zx7 tires. Wheels apart, color and trim combinations don't come much more classically British. And they suit the crisp, clean lines of the Range Rover Classic, a car so highly regarded as a paragon of industrial design that one was exhibited at the Louvre back in 1971. How It Drives Sliding behind the wheel of the Kingsley KSR is to be reminded that ever-tougher crash-safety regulations have turned modern SUVs into pillboxes on wheels, with heavy rooflines and slits for windows. With its low cowl and beltline—the side windows come down to elbow height—and ultra-thin pillars, the Range Rover Classic cabin is a light and airy place to be, offering superb visibility for all occupants. The tuned V-8 is a rumbly, grumbly thing, amplified by a sport exhaust system that's in truth a little too sporty, even at idle, for an SUV that by modern standards is a relatively relaxed performer. Worse, the exhaust note gets boomy under load, with an annoying resonance at 2,500 rpm. Kingsley's Sawbridge agrees the exhaust tuning needs finessing to give the car a more dignified soundtrack that's more in keeping with the Range Rover's refined character. The suspension presents a similar story. We began our drive with the TracTive shocks in their middle setting, and the low-speed ride was just a touch too firm, too sporty. The softest setting—the different ones can be activated via the rotary controller on the center console—was the most comfortable, not quite the magic carpet of the original Range Rover but still plusher than many modern SUVs. It's a decent compromise: The original Range Rover required care and anticipation when driven fast on the road to allow for its prodigious roll rates during rapid changes of direction; the TracTive shocks keep a much tighter rein on the Kingsley KSR through the twisties. Sawbridge says Kingsley is looking at offering 16- or 17-inch aluminum wheels that will allow a taller-sidewall tire to add a little more syrup to the low-speed ride. That's an option we'd definitely explore. A different wheel/tire setup would also help the steering, which is too heavy, especially at low speeds—a characteristic amplified by the Nardo steering wheel that's much smaller in diameter than that of the original Range Rover Classic. If it sounds like we're harping on the low-speed refinement, you're correct. That's because the reality is the Kingsley KSR is a vehicle that will spend most of its life woofling around town or along country roads at modest velocities rather than being hammered along on a fast cross-country drive. It's not even meant for heavy-duty off-road action: The redesigned center console eliminates the stubby lever that enables drivers to shift between high and low range and to lock the center differential. 'KSR customers don't want extreme off-road capability,' Sawbridge said of the decision to remove the transfer-case shifter. (The transfer case is still present; you just can't use it). 'They want the old-school style of the original Range Rover. The only off-roading they do is driving across a grassy field to watch polo or go shooting.' How Much? With a starting price of about $300,000 (based on today's exchange rates) plus tax and shipping, the Kingsley Range Rover Classic KSR restomod isn't cheap, costing more than an Aston Martin DBX 707 or a Lamborghini Urus. But it offers character and charisma few modern SUVs can match, and it can be built exactly the way you want it, not just in terms of color and trim but also in terms of a quieter exhaust, softer shocks, and a more comfortable wheel/tire combination. And if you want both performance and refinement, Kingsley will soon offer the KSR with a punchy 6.2-liter GM LS3 V-8 under the hood that drives through a six-speed automatic transmission.
Auto Blog
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
ECD Automotive Unleashes ''67 Ghost' Mustang – A Redefined, Bespoke Classic
ECD Automotive Designs, the company known for its reimagined Land Rovers and Jaguars, has branched out into the muscle car realm with the ''67 Ghost.' This gorgeous 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback is a restomod take on Ford's classic icon, with some touches that may impress or mortify, depending on how you like your classic cars. ECD has not committed classic car powertrain sins '67 Ghost — Source: ECD Not only is this the first Mustang that ECD has built entirely in-house, but it also marks the beginning of their custom Mustang lineup, offering bespoke builds across the 1965 to 1970 model years. With a claimed focus on 'period authentic engines and modern luxury craftsmanship,' ECD decided to make the right decision and stick to gas by working exclusively with Roush Performance on a refined small-block Ford V8 for the '67 Ghost. The ROUSH 347 IR V8 makes 465 hp through a set of deep, throaty exhaust pipes, just the way it should be. 'We're not following the crowd,' said Elliot Humble, CTO of ECD. 'Everyone else is swapping in modern powertrains. We're doing something far more special — taking original Small Block Fords and making them better with Roush. Paired with the RS Spec chassis, these cars are fast, comfortable, and totally reimagined for how people want to drive today.' The interior might be a different story '67 Ghost — Source: ECD The interior is where this restomod may start to fall apart for some, including yours truly. While the brushed aluminum dashboard and gauges fit the look of a classic Mustang, the black leather heated Recaro front seats with tan diamond-stitched inserts do not. The same goes for the black center console and the inclusion of an Alpine touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and JBL audio. Even the rearview mirror has been swapped to a live-feed digital rearview mirror, which, despite bringing a modern touch to the cabin, takes away from the overall feel of a classic Mustang. The Mustang rides on a Roadster Shop RS Spec chassis, with a body finished in High Gloss Mineral White with Santorini Black Metallic rally stripes. The rest of the body remains true to the 1967 Mustang's image, with the glaring exception of those 17' Rambler chrome wheels. In my mind, a muscle car needs big rubber to get the V8's power under control at all times, and the skinny Nitto tires on the big chrome wheels just don't fit that look. At least there are 11″ drilled & slotted rotors behind them with four piston red calipers. '67 Ghost — Source: ECD Final thoughts ECD claims it has multiple Mustang builds already underway, with some inspired by Shelbys and Boss-era styling. According to the company's website, a Mustang build starts at $279,995, which…isn't cheap, to put it mildly. Whether or not a six-figure price tag is worth it for a modernized 465 hp V8 Mustang is entirely up to the prospective owner, but at least ECD didn't make it electric. That's one thing we can all be happy about.
Motor 1
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
This MGA Restomod Has a Miata's Soul. And It's Brilliant
Somewhere in the UK, a lady had a great idea. She wanted a classic MG to tool around in, but didn't want the one-on-every-corner MGB that most go for. Nor did she want any possibility of breaking down. So she went to Abingdon's Frontline Cars, who make MGBs bulletproof (and electric… and V8-powered) and asked them to work their magic. Perhaps it was the right combination of sunny afternoon, British countryside, and classic British sports car. Perhaps it wasn't. But this was one of the best experiences I've had in a car in 2025. Photo by: Frontline Cars Let's back up a bit—what is Frontline? It's a business that restomods MGBs. It started off as a company that modified MG Midgets for racing, but as time went on, Frontline realized it could take the world's plentiful supply of B's and make them quicker, more reliable, and more luxurious. The lady with a good idea didn't want an MGB, though; she wanted an MGA. Older and sleeker than the B, the A's shape appealed to her, and lo, the Frontline MGA Factory Edition was born. You can have an MGA with a 2.0 or 2.5-liter Mazda -derived four cylinder that's been delightfully reworked (with ITBs..!) to produce 225 or 290 horsepower. Whichever motor you choose is hooked up to the famously brilliant Mazda MX-5 gearbox to ensure slick shifting and big grins. Photo by: Frontline Cars Photo by: Frontline Cars The brakes and springs have been swapped out too, the chassis has been reinforced, and the wooden floors have been replaced with steel for better ride and handling. Pleasingly, there's a Quaife limited slip differential fitted too. Frontline's treatment doesn't stop at making an MG go better, either. This A's interior is covered in sumptuous leather, with alloy bucket seats to keep you in place during spirited driving. There's even a USB slot, Bluetooth audio, and it's all hidden away so you can keep your phone charged for on-the-fly Google Maps. While the dials are all as they were in period, the electrics powering them are modern, so they shouldn't go all 1950s on you and conk out at an inconvenient moment. Frontline's demonstrator was built to look like the standard car, but the firm says you can happily ask for a de-bumpered car fitted with a perspex racing screen if you want to look like you're going endurance racing, too. They'll make you a convertible or a coupe, depending on preference as well. There's a lot to love about the whole deal, though it comes at a cost: £145,000 ($195,000) plus local taxes, so it's one for the more committed enthusiasts out there. That said, Frontline's prowess is proven, which means you can rest assured the work going into the car isn't half-assed. Photo by: Frontline Cars Whichever motor you choose is hooked up to the famously brilliant Mazda MX-5 gearbox to ensure slick shifting and big grins. On a sunny day in the UK, folding yourself into the cockpit is a joy—though one that requires some work if you're tall. The MGA is not a capacious car. The controls are all pleasingly classic. Smiths dials are neatly laid out over the stunning dash. Everything works as you'd expect, bar the indicators, which are on a toggle switch to the right of the wheel. Pull the lever to the left to indicate right, and vice versa. It takes a while to get used to, and the mechanism is a bit soft, but once you know what you're doing, you'll be fine. Classics, restored or otherwise, can be a bit of a crapshoot to set off in. The risk of stalling a shiny car that draws the eye is ever present, and in the MGA, you really don't want to be 'that guy.' The Mazda 'box puts those fears to bed. Photo by: Frontline Cars Photo by: Frontline Cars It's easy to slot into gear, and the light clutch is a joy to roll away slinkily from a stop. In town, it's easy to thread the MGA through any gap you'd care to mention. It's a car from the 50s, when everything was smaller and actually fit on the UK's roads (the less said about safety regulations the better… ahem), so you needn't worry about peeling bits off the side. Even if that was a concern, the MG's body is low and easy to see over, which allows for last-moment bum proppage to make sure you're in a good place on the road. The visibility is a genuine highlight. The windshield is large enough to keep bees out of your retinas, and there's no roll hoop to speak of. Being narrow and roofless, the rear view mirror does the job of the (absent because old car) wing mirrors, and if you do need to do a lifesaver check, you don't need to turn your head too far to see over the back of the low trunkline. You'll get eyes on you in town, and you'll have a lovely time gently parping around as though the '50s never ended. But to go full 'post-war fun', you need to head to the country. Usually, when you're driving an older car, it feels somewhat cruel to push the motor. The MGA sounds tremendous on a trundle, and you'll pick up a decent clip without bother. However, when I looked at the rev counter, I saw that rolling up to 4,500 rpm was barely touching the sides of its range. Photo by: Frontline Cars Usually, when you're driving an older car, it feels somewhat cruel to push the motor. The MGA sounds tremendous on a trundle, and you'll pick up a decent clip without bother. A suitably straight bit of road found, I gave it some welly and the thing soared far, far higher, letting out a beautiful noise as it went. Loud, glorious parps flew from the rear, plastering a big grin on my face as they did so. In 225 hp spec, with 178 pound-feet on tap, it feels plenty quick. The gas pedal has decent feel. A gentle push to get you going leads to smooth progression, allowing for parps-ahoy. Frontline says it'll get from 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds and will apparently hit 155mph. With a suitably clear road and a heavy right foot, that's more than believable. There's only 815 kg to shift, so modest power is more than enough. Scrubbing the speed off is down to a set of chunky brakes, front and rear. There's no ABS to save you in a pinch, which means you need to learn them, and the pedal's on the heavy side. Once you've figured it all out, they're great, but don't go in thinking you can brake like a Golf. Parps are one element of the fun, the handling is a cherry on top. Double wishbones with Frontline's own dampers live up front, with five-links and Frontline telescopic dampers at the rear. The MGA simply glides around the tight 'n twisties. The ride can get jarring on some of the UK's more… lumpy roads, but that's par for the course with old British metal no matter how much you do to it. It's all part of the fun. Photo by: Frontline Cars Frontline's steering is a joy, too. A neatly-sized Motolita 'wheel is your connection to the road. It's assisted at low speeds (in this car - it can be adjusted to driver preference) because old cars are heavy buggers, but once you're at speed it's all you. It's well weighted and gives you confidence that you know where the car's going to go. Wind in your hair (or beard), sun shining, and engine on song, Frontline's take on the MGA is nothing short of unfiltered happiness. The sounds it makes, the smell of its leather interior, the feel of its wood-rimmed wheel, the look of the thing… it all adds up to a uniquely British experience. You may even end up tasting an errant bee if one slips over the windshield. Yes, it's expensive and still comes with 1950s sports car compromises, so it's not for everyone, but that's part of its charm. More Restomod News This Jaguar E-Type Restomod Does the Original Proud This Isuzu Truck Is the Coolest Restomod We've Ever Seen Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Forbes
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Test-Driving The Everrati Porsche 911 – Is This The Californian Dream?
From the outside, you wouldn't know this 911 doesn't have an engine There's a quiet and, some might argue, blasphemous revolution happening. Right before our eyes, beloved classic cars like the Porsche 911 are being reimagined with electric powertrains. We've seen this with numerous restomods where classic vehicles are restored and modernized with new tech but Everrati is resolute it's not a restomodder. Unlike others that build new or keep the body and move it onto a skateboard chassis to make EV conversions easier, Everrati has developed its equipment to suit the original bones. This cleverly means the car can retain its classic status while gaining a new lease of life as an electric runaround. When we look at modern electric passenger cars, despite their perceived value for money, they're often dull and uninspiring. Most lack any form of personality which is why the market is crying out for genuinely impressive EVs with an encouraging amount of character. If you can detach yourself from the idea of a Porsche 911 without an engine for long enough, you might be pleasantly surprised. Everrati prides itself on keeping the originality of the vehicle Everrati's 911 feels strangely familiar once you curb the instinct to reach for the gearstick to change gear. Remarkably, none of the Porsche's sports car prowess is lost in the conversion. The steering is still appropriately weighted and eager to communicate the road surface through the wheel. Braking feels solid and there's no doubt the car will respond in the way you're hoping it will. It doesn't take long before you start to forget the fact the car used to be accompanied by a burbling soundtrack. The electric underpinnings matched with the 911's sporty suspension and iconic design make it a match made in car heaven for Californian road trips in the summertime. With the new powertrain it's capable of the 0 to 60 mph sprint in under four seconds. Since battery space is restricted to keep everything within the original design, the 62kWh battery offers a limited range of around 200 miles. Power is rated at 500 bhp and 500 Nm of torque, a significant jump compared to an original gas-powered 911. The interior is tastefully refreshed with splashes of modern tech Owners are free to keep the interior as original or modern as they prefer. The example I drove was sympathetically modernised with small digital screens to deliver information. Beautifully integrated into the dash, Everrati has recreated original-style dials tailored to the EV-related details. Since the 911 retains much of its classic styling, the small modernisations don't feel like and intrusion but instead enhance its usability as an every day car. The upgrade includes navigation, DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay. The heating and air conditioning system is also given an overhaul to make it more enjoyable to drive in hot summers and cold winters. The 911 is an iconic car that can now live on in an environmentally-friendly way. Since every project is unique, it's hard to offer price guidance on Everrati's Porsche 911. To begin with, the cost of the project will vary depending on whether you presently own a 911 donor car. Aside from the EV conversion, Everrati also offers a range of customisation options from interior fit outs to new tech and paintwork. With an unlimited budget, the only constraint is your imagination. The Everrati Porsche 911 is offered alongside the brand's other solutions for Series 1 and 2 Land Rovers, the Mercedes-Benz SL and Ford GT40. As the battery architecture is designed specially around the vehicle's existing chassis, Everrati has created the right package for a limited number of iconic models.
Top Gear
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
The Twisted TBug is a glorious Baja Bug with the cutest face
The Twisted TBug is a glorious Baja Bug with the cutest face Yorkshire-based Twisted takes a break from restomodding Defenders and tuning Jimnys. Creates something excellent Skip 16 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. 1 / 16 When you hear that a tuner or restomodder has doubled the power output of the original car for its latest creation, it probably conjures up dreams of monstrous turbo lag and possibly ludicrous torque steer. That… probably won't be the case here. Because while Yorkshire-based firm Twisted has doubled the grunt of the air-cooled flat-four Volkswagen Beetle engine in its new TBug, it's still making less than 80bhp. Advertisement - Page continues below "It's about the connection between driver, machine, and terrain," said Twisted boss Charles Fawcett. "That sensation of working with the vehicle rather than merely sitting in it. Modern cars have isolated us from the driving experience. The T-Bug brings it back in its purest form." It really does look like it'd be a riot to drive. Look beyond the cartoonish face with its new LED lighting and you'll find a chassis that has been sealed and strengthened, long-travel suspension with Bilstein shocks, EMPI Baja wheels and proper off-road spec BF Goodrich tyres. And yes, Twisted's pretty au fait with off-roading given its usual fare is old Land Rover Defenders and new Suzuki Jimnys. There's also a Baja-inspired bodykit, upgraded brakes and a 'hand-finished' interior that's full of leather and gets a digital speedo, although we're told each TBug will be unique to its owner so we'd imagine you could spec bucket seats and all of the Alcantara if you really wanted to test its desert racer word on the price yet, though. So, why has Twisted taken a break from its restomod Land Rovers to reimagine a Beetle? Advertisement - Page continues below 'My sister Helen had these incredible Baja Bug posters on her bedroom wall when we were kids," said Fawcett. 'There was something about those modified Beetles – rebellious, capable, and unashamedly fun – that captured my imagination.' Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email*
