With the move towards hybrid or electric powered vehicles, one topic we've revisited many times on the blog in recent years is around that of restomods. For those needing a reminder, these are classic cars that have been modified - in many cases updated - with newer technology and amenities found in more modern cars, whilst still retaining their original vintage looks.
Indeed, we've shone the light on two companies who are pioneering this movement before; RBW with their EV MG Roadster, and the Silverstone based design and engineering firm Lunaz Design, who have been upcycling everything from a 1961 Rolls Royce to a Range Rover Classic, and who can count the likes of David Beckham amongst their biggest supporters.
And there's more - in the last 15 years, there's also been the emergence of the US based Singer Vehicle Design, who have been applying their innovative restoration techniques and work to classic Porsche 911s. It's certainly encouraging to see the number of firms that are willing to do something different to ensure these motoring classics aren't lost to the annals of automotive history forever.
However, there are many critics of restomods, and one of the most vocal of late has been Christian von Koenigsegg, the head honcho of the Swedish hypercar firm of the same namesake.
Speaking to Top Gear for their panel on their Boss Level film on YouTube, he has voiced his scepticism, saying that "it shows the lack of desirability within the modern car space … it's like everyone's looking back to the good old days … We should be able to create that feeling and emotion with who we are today and what we do today."
That said, Koenigsegg was quick to note how impressed he was by the work of Singer, founded by the British musician Rob Dickinson, saying "They really pioneered the popularity among the broader audience and have done a fantastic job at it."
The fact that Koenigsegg is able to note the impressive work being undertaken by the likes of Singer, and also the Sussex based firm Eagle with their restored Jaguar E-Types, shows that he is at least acknowledging the efforts and hard work they are putting in, even if it sits at odds with the forward thinking vision he and other global supercar manufacturers have.
And indeed, setting aside supercars or hypercars for a second, progress has allowed cars to move forward to where they are now, both in design, performance and power, even with the most basic of models. With the world changing as fast as it is, and in response to the demands on the environment and climate, some of these are important and necessary for new models coming to market.
But nostalgia is a powerful currency, in all walks of life. Take, for example, the recent phenomenal demand for tickets to Oasis' reunion tour of stadiums next year, or the reboot of popular old TV shows such as Gladiators. The same is true of cars. You only need to look at the number of classic car shows, meets or rallies that are hosted practically every weekend across the country.
Surely, the fact there are organisations out there, such as Singer, Eagle, RBW and Lunaz Design, who are keen to preserve these much loved vintage models to such an extent that they are willing to incorporate new technology to help give them a second life, shows innovation and ingenuity itself?
This is a debate that will run and run, but here at Driving Experience, we say that if furniture, houses and everyday items can be upcycled, especially with the finite nature of raw materials and energy needed to build new cars, then with the right technology and guiding engineering hand to oversee their upgrade work to ensure it meets today's standards, classic cars can be part of the circular economy too.
Whether you're in favour of vintage motors or an advocate of forward thinking models, we've got a driving experience with your name on it. Visit our Classic Car Driving Experiences and Tesla Driving Experiences pages today to book your next turn on track through dates from our Events Calendar or purchase of our open Gift Vouchers.
