Restomods: the good, the bad & where it all began, with Henry Catchpole | Episode 51

In the context of custom builds, “one-offs” means a single, bespoke car made for one customer rather than a production run. That’s common in high-end commissions where the builder tailors the car to the owner’s taste and budget.

Group B homologation cars were rally cars built to meet FIA rules that required manufacturers to produce a minimum number of road-legal versions. That process turned extreme race ideas into street-usable cars, which is why Group B is so iconic to enthusiasts.

A restomod is a restyled and mechanically updated version of an older car. The goal is usually to keep the original look and character while improving drivability, reliability, and performance with modern engineering.

Group B was a rally category that required manufacturers to homologate (officially approve) a road-legal version of the car. Homologation rules forced companies to build a minimum number of production cars so they could race a more extreme, competition-focused machine.

“Rest state mods” appears to refer to restomods: classic cars that have been modernized with updated mechanicals and/or electronics while keeping the original look. The idea is to preserve the character of an older car but make it more usable and driveable in today’s conditions.

The host is contrasting restomods with the “current new car market,” implying that today’s mainstream offerings don’t provide the same blend of classic styling and modern usability. This frames restomods as filling a niche that new cars aren’t meeting.

The Chevrolet Camaro is a performance-focused American sports coupe that’s known for offering strong powertrains and increasingly advanced chassis and suspension setups. It comes up in discussions when people talk about how modern Camaros use more sophisticated suspension technology to improve ride control and handling. That’s the kind of “tech in the suspension” point the podcast is referencing.

“Analog thrills” is a restomod/enthusiast phrase meaning the sensory, mechanical feel of older cars—things like direct steering feel, simpler controls, and less electronic filtering. The host contrasts that with the more computerized experience of modern cars.

“Flame-spitting” refers to visible bursts of unburned fuel igniting in the exhaust, usually during aggressive throttle lift or downshifts. It’s more common on older cars with less tightly controlled emissions/engine management than on many modern cars.

A powertrain is the car’s main mechanical drive system—typically the engine, transmission, driveshaft, differential, and related components. The host is noting that restomods may swap in different powertrains, which is why identifying the car can be confusing.

The Pagani Zonda is a rare, hand-built supercar from Pagani, known for its exotic materials and bespoke, low-volume production. Here, the host uses it as an example of how conversions and swaps can make it hard to tell which exact Zonda you’re looking at.

In this context, “catch-all” means the term “restomod” is being used for many different kinds of modifications, not a single clearly defined category. That makes it harder to discuss what’s truly “restoration plus modernization” versus something else entirely.

Eagle is referenced as a company that helped pioneer early restomod-style work on classic cars. The hosts suggest Eagle did this before its later “specials,” starting with E-Types that looked original but received modern performance upgrades.

The Jaguar E-Type is a classic British sports car known for its iconic styling and performance reputation. In this segment, the hosts mention “E-types” being modified to feel more modern—specifically with upgraded suspension and brakes—while keeping the original look.

Upgraded suspension and brakes are common restomod changes because they directly improve handling and stopping performance compared with older factory components. Suspension upgrades can reduce body roll and improve tire contact, while brake upgrades help with stronger, more consistent pedal feel and fade resistance.

Porsche is a German sports-car brand known for performance-focused engineering and a wide range of enthusiast models. In this segment, “Porsche territory” is used as a benchmark for the kind of quick, performance-oriented car the speaker wants.

“Alpha-holics” is a fan/enthusiast reference to Alfa Romeo, used here to describe a community that’s especially into Alfa cars. In this context, it’s tied to the idea that these cars and their parts have strong demand within that specific enthusiast group.

A “catalog of parts” here means the company supplies individual components you can buy to build or upgrade a car—rather than only selling complete cars. The “metal-order” wording suggests parts are offered in different materials (like aluminum vs titanium), letting buyers choose based on budget and performance goals.

“Titanium bits” refers to components made from titanium, which is prized in performance applications for its high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. In restomod/aftermarket contexts, titanium parts are often much more expensive than aluminum or steel, so they’re usually positioned as premium upgrades.

“Aluminium parts” are components made from aluminum, commonly used in performance and restoration builds because it’s lighter than steel and easier to work with. In a parts-catalog scenario, aluminum is often the “budget-friendly” alternative to titanium while still offering weight savings and corrosion resistance.

“GTARs” is shorthand for GT-style “restomod” builds associated with the Porsche 911 GT-era look and performance direction. In this segment, it’s used to describe an end goal you can approximate by buying parts, even if you can’t afford a full, fully rebuilt, bespoke project.

“Taken it all back to their metal” describes a bare-metal restoration process where the car is stripped down to the original metal shell before rebuilding. That level of disassembly is typical of high-end, fully bespoke restorations and is contrasted here with doing upgrades via purchasable parts.

Singer is a specialist Porsche restomod company best known for its modernized 911 builds that retain the classic silhouette while updating the engineering. In this segment, the host uses Singer as a reference point for where many people think the restomod trend really took off.

In restomod builds, “redesign” usually refers to updating the bodywork and styling while still keeping key cues from the original car. Here, the host says the redesign approach in Eagle’s work kept “so much of the original” but generally updated it.

The Porsche 911 is a rear-engine sports car architecture that’s been in production since the 1960s, with the layout and identity staying recognizable across generations. In this segment, the host uses it as the base platform that Singer reworks into a modern restomod-style build.

Aerodynamics is how air flows around the car, affecting drag, downforce, and stability. Restomod builders may update aero details to improve high-speed behavior and overall efficiency, not just styling.

A gearbox is the transmission system that changes gear ratios so the engine can operate in its best range. In restomods, gearbox choices can strongly affect shift quality, acceleration feel, and how smoothly the car drives day-to-day.

“Group A” refers to a historic FIA touring-car homologation class where manufacturers had to build production versions of race cars. In rallying context, it’s shorthand for the kind of aggressive, competition-derived driving and setup that those cars were designed for.

“Sills” are the side body panels along the lower edge of a car, often including the rocker-panel area. Changing sill color or finish can noticeably alter the car’s visual proportions, which is why the host is discussing whether to keep them in body color versus a different treatment.

The Ferrari 355 Challenge is a track-focused version of the Ferrari 355, known for its racing look and period-correct wheel choices. In this segment, the host uses it as a visual reference point for what kind of wheel style would make a restomod feel more cohesive and authentic.

“Five spoke Speedlines” refers to a classic aftermarket-style wheel design associated with Speedline wheels, commonly seen on Italian performance and race cars. The key idea is that the specific spoke pattern and look can strongly affect whether a restomod feels period-correct or like a mismatched modern add-on.

The Ferrari F355 is a mid-engine supercar from Ferrari’s 1990s era, known for its distinctive styling and high-performance V8 character. The podcast emphasizes keeping the “Ferrari 355 DNA,” including the engine and how it looks and feels, which is why it’s being discussed. It’s essentially a conversation about preserving the original driving identity when comparing or building something inspired by the F355.

A turbocharger is a forced-induction device that uses exhaust gas to spin a turbine, compressing incoming air into the engine. That lets the engine make more power from the same displacement, but it can change the character versus a naturally aspirated setup.

Naturally aspirated engines make their airflow without a turbocharger or supercharger, relying on atmospheric pressure and engine design. Enthusiasts often associate naturally aspirated setups with a more linear throttle response and a distinct sound/feel compared with forced induction.

Lock-to-lock is the steering angle change from one full steering stop to the other. A smaller lock-to-lock number means quicker steering response (less wheel rotation for the same turn), which can make a car feel more agile but also more sensitive.

Fiorano is Ferrari’s test track in Maranello, and “Fiorano pack” is used here to refer to a specific Ferrari setup/trim associated with that track-focused package. The speaker is using it as a reference point for steering ratio/feel.

“R53 suspension” refers to suspension hardware associated with the MINI R53 (the supercharged MINI Cooper S generation). Suspension choice strongly affects ride quality and steering response, and the speaker credits this specific suspension for the car’s excellent ride.

Two-stage suspension refers to a setup where the suspension damping characteristics can be changed in discrete steps (often via valves or different damping modes). In this context, it’s used to switch the car between a more compliant “comfort” feel and a firmer “sport” feel.

“Comfort” and “sport” are selectable driving modes that typically alter suspension damping (and often throttle/steering response) to change ride quality and control. The key point here is that the original system could switch between these feels, while a passive damper setup can’t replicate that same range of adjustment.

Passive dampers are shock absorbers with fixed damping rates—there’s no active control changing how much they resist movement. They can still work well, but they don’t adapt between modes like “comfort” and “sport” the way electronically controlled systems can.

In a restomod context, “restoration part” refers to the work of bringing an older car back to a sound baseline—then improving it so modern systems can function properly. Here, the speaker frames the suspension and structural updates as essential to making the car work reliably with updated components.

A bulkhead is a structural panel that separates compartments (commonly between the engine bay and cabin) and helps carry loads. Strengthening and sealing the bulkhead matters because it affects chassis rigidity, water/air intrusion, and how well the car’s structure holds up over time.

“Carbon bonded” suggests using carbon-fiber components or carbon-fiber reinforcement that’s bonded (glued) into place rather than bolted or welded. Bonding can improve stiffness and packaging, but it requires correct materials, surface prep, and curing to be durable.

The BMW E46 is the 3 Series generation from the late 1990s to early 2000s, known for its strong driver-focused chassis and huge aftermarket support. In this segment, Henry Catchpole discusses a specific E46 that’s been restored/modernized, and how it feels closer to a “perfect” restored car than a heavily modified restomod.

“E46 Coupe” refers to the BMW 3 Series E46 generation in coupe body style, meaning a two-door layout. Body style matters because it affects weight distribution, packaging, and how the car feels compared with other E46 variants like sedans or convertibles.

“Boxfresh” is slang for a car that’s essentially brand-new—unused or so well preserved that it feels like it just came out of the box. Here it’s used to describe the restomod’s goal: to feel fresh and factory-tight rather than worn or modified in a crude way.

Apple CarPlay is a smartphone-to-car interface that mirrors a compatible iPhone’s apps (like Maps and Music) onto the car’s infotainment screen. In a restomod context, adding it can modernize usability, but it may clash visually or stylistically with the original dashboard design and “period correctness.”

Period correctness (in restomods) is the idea of keeping the car’s look and feel consistent with its original era—especially the interior layout, screen style, and controls. The tradeoff is that modern upgrades like Apple CarPlay can “pop the bubble” visually, making the car feel less like it belongs in its original time period.

A Parrot Bluetooth system is an aftermarket hands-free phone module that lets you pair a phone to the car’s audio and controls. It’s often added to older cars that didn’t originally have Bluetooth, keeping the cabin usable without changing the whole head unit.

“CSL rack” refers to the steering rack used on the BMW CSL, a performance-focused variant known for sharper steering feel. In a restomod context, swapping to a CSL steering rack is meant to improve response and feedback compared with the original rack.

“CS” is being used as shorthand for another BMW performance trim/variant the host is comparing against the CSL. The idea is that the steering rack choice (CS vs CSL) affects how the car feels, even if the rest of the build is aiming for a specific original character.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a compact executive sedan known for its driving dynamics and enthusiast-focused trims. The podcast mentions the Giulia in the context of special options and work, contrasting “Giulia Quadrifoglio” with other approaches like having work done or choosing options from an aftermarket-style menu. It’s discussed because the Giulia can be tailored and upgraded to match different performance goals.

The Audi R8 is a modern supercar known for its mid-engine layout and performance-focused engineering. The podcast notes that a new R8 replacement is expected after Audi shows it, framing the R8 as a continuing platform for “modern supercar” performance. It’s discussed because the R8 is a key reference point for what Audi’s supercar direction looks like.

An “open-gate” manual gearbox refers to a traditional H-pattern shift layout where the driver can clearly see/feel the gear positions. It contrasts with some modern automated/manual-style systems (like paddle-shift setups) by emphasizing a conventional, driver-controlled manual feel.

A manual gearbox is a transmission controlled by the driver using a clutch pedal and gear lever. Compared with automatics, it gives more direct control over engine speed and shift timing, which many enthusiasts prefer for feel and engagement.

A single plate clutch uses one friction disc between the engine and the transmission. It’s a common layout in many manual cars, and the clutch’s friction material and design strongly affect pedal feel, engagement behavior, and how well it can handle torque.

A flywheel is a rotating mass that smooths out the engine’s power delivery and helps the engine keep turning between combustion events. In manual cars, it also works with the clutch to manage how torque is transferred to the gearbox.

The Porsche Taycan is Porsche’s all-electric performance sedan. In the segment, it’s used as an example of how Porsche’s limited access to certain “bespoke” cars can be tied to prior purchases of high-demand models like the Taycan.

A restomod is a car that keeps the original model’s character but is modernized with updated engineering—often including better brakes, suspension, drivetrains, and electronics. In this episode, the host is talking about how certain companies and builds are being grouped (or not grouped) within that restomod “category.”

The Morgan 400R is a modern Morgan sports car built around a classic, lightweight roadster concept, but with contemporary engineering and performance. The host references it as an example of a build that sits close to the restomod conversation—because it’s effectively “classic DNA” with modern execution.

“16 valve” means the engine uses 16 valves total (typically four per cylinder on a multi-cylinder engine). More valves can improve airflow into and out of the cylinders, which often helps throttle response and power compared with a lower-valve design.

CVH is an engine family name (commonly associated with Ford) that stands for “Compound Valve Hemispherical.” The host is criticizing it as a “horrible” engine in this application, implying it was problematic enough that the swap to a 16-valve setup was done to improve drivability and reliability.

In a restomod context, “modernising it” means updating an older car with newer engineering—often including engine swaps, driveline changes, or improved control systems. The goal is to keep the original character while making it drive more like a contemporary car.

“Gear shift” here is shorthand for how the transmission and shift mechanism feel in use—specifically the quality of engagement and smoothness when changing gears. The host’s point is that the restomod approach is meant to fix awkward or slow shifting behavior.

A “restomod” is a car that’s restored to look classic, but updated with modern engineering so it drives better and is more usable. In this segment, the host is framing it as a spectrum of modernization and modification rather than a single strict definition.

The Honda Integra Type R is a high-revving, enthusiast-focused front-wheel-drive hot hatch/sedan that became famous for its sharp steering and driver-focused feel. Because it’s already performance-oriented, restomod discussions often treat it as a “dream car” baseline—something people want to preserve while improving comfort, reliability, or usability.

The Acura Integra is a compact performance-oriented car that’s especially well known for enthusiast trims like the Integra Type R. The podcast mentions doing the Integra Type R for a client, which suggests a build, preparation, or service work tied to that specific model. It’s relevant because the Type R is a standout performance version of the Integra lineup.

ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System. It prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, helping you maintain steering control and reducing stopping distances on many road surfaces.

The Range Rover is a luxury SUV from Land Rover, built for comfort and daily drivability with a premium feel. The podcast’s “daily drive a Range Rover and then jump in your escort” line is about how different the driving experience can be—especially in terms of comfort and refinement. It’s brought up to illustrate the contrast between a modern luxury SUV and a more basic, older-style car.

The Ford Escort is a compact car line that spans many generations, including older models that pre-date modern electronic safety systems. Here it’s contrasted with a Range Rover to illustrate how driving an older car can feel like a big step backward in safety and usability.

Miller Motor Cars’ JC9 is a restomod-style build that uses a Porsche Carrera GT as its base. The key idea here is that it’s not a simple refresh—it’s a full transformation that includes a complete re-body to change the car’s look.

The Porsche Carrera RS is a performance-focused variant of the 911 line, built to deliver a more track-oriented driving experience. In the podcast, it’s referenced in the same “feels like” context as the Carrera GT, implying the discussion is about how a car’s feel compares across different eras. That makes it relevant as a benchmark for steering, balance, and overall sensation.

The “917” refers to the Porsche 917 race car, a legendary 1970s endurance racer. Saying the JC9 “looks a bit like a modern 917” is shorthand for a design language inspired by that classic Le Mans-era silhouette.

“Re-bodied” means the car’s original body panels are removed and replaced with a new body shell or bodywork. In a restomod, this is often done to change the exterior design while keeping some of the original mechanical foundation.

The Ferrari 250 GTE is a classic grand touring model from Ferrari’s 1960s era, known for its V12 and coachbuilt-style road presence. In this segment, it’s mentioned as a base car that some owners would modify rather than keep original.

“GTO” here refers to the Ferrari GTO family, a name associated with high-performance, homologation-era Ferraris. The key point in the segment is that people would take a Ferrari 250 GTE and convert it into a GTO-style car, which was historically accepted even if it wasn’t the original plan.

The Porsche Carrera GT is a supercar built around a mid-engine layout and known for its extreme, analog driving feel. In this segment, the host is arguing that the car doesn’t need to be “dressed up” because its original design already looks right.

The Lotus Esprit V8 is a version of the Lotus Esprit sports car that uses a V8 engine, giving it a more muscular character than the earlier four-cylinder Esprit models. It’s remembered as a “poster car” because it combined exotic looks with real-world road performance.

“Reste” here is being used as shorthand for restomods—cars that are restored but also modernized with updated mechanicals or styling. The host is tying the idea to the level of finish and detailing you see on these builds.

The BMW E60 M5 is the 5 Series generation that came with a high-performance M5 badge and is known for its V10 engine and big, luxury-sport character. In this segment, the hosts mention E60 M5s being converted to manual transmissions, which changes the driving feel dramatically versus the factory automatic setup.

The BMW 5 Series is BMW’s mid-to-large executive sedan line, often chosen by drivers who want comfort plus performance. The podcast references “E60 M5s” and notes that they “never had manual,” which points to a specific generation where manual availability wasn’t part of the usual setup. It’s discussed because transmission choice is a big part of how enthusiasts evaluate the M5 experience.

A “manual converted” car has been modified so it uses a manual gearbox instead of its original transmission type. This usually involves swapping the transmission, clutch, pedal/shift linkage, and often updating electronics so the car behaves correctly.

The Mercedes-Benz C63 is the performance version of the C-Class, typically associated with a strong engine and a more “grand tourer” feel. Here, the discussion is about putting a manual gearbox into a C63, which is a major change from how most C63s are delivered.

“Manual pedals” refers to the clutch-and-brake/accelerator pedal arrangement used in cars with a manual gearbox. When people restomod, getting the pedal spacing, travel, and feel right is important because it affects ergonomics and how naturally the car can be driven.

The BMW E46 M3 Touring is a rare wagon version of the E46-generation M3, built around BMW’s high-revving inline-six and manual-transmission enthusiast appeal. In restomod discussions, it’s often used as an example of a “modern enough” base car where you can improve drivability and usability without losing the original character.

This refers to a Peugeot 205 GTI restomod-style build by Tolman. The Peugeot 205 GTI is a classic hot hatch, and the point here is that Tolman focuses on incremental updates that improve day-to-day usability and enjoyment without changing the car’s core character.

“Restoration repair” refers to the work of bringing an older car back to a correct, usable condition—often involving fixing worn-out systems and replacing damaged parts. In restomod discussions, it’s contrasted with upgrades that can reduce the long-term pain of repeated repairs.

A “cooling pack” is an upgraded set of cooling-related components (often radiator/condenser and related ducting or fans) designed to improve heat management. In this context, it’s being discussed as an option so the air conditioning can work properly on a restored or upgraded car.

Air conditioning (A/C) is the climate-control system that cools and dehumidifies the cabin. When restorations change parts or wiring, A/C can be one of the systems that needs additional compatibility updates to function correctly.

This refers to a known failure mode of certain older seat designs where the seat structure or support mechanism can “collapse” over time. The episode claims they’ve developed a way to rebuild the seats so they don’t collapse, improving comfort and usability.

Lowering seat height changes the driver’s seating position relative to the steering wheel and pedals, which can affect visibility, ergonomics, and how the car “fits” different body sizes. In restorations/restomods, it’s often done to improve comfort or driving posture without changing the whole interior.

EFI (electronic fuel injection) replaces older carburetors with sensors and an ECU that precisely meters fuel. Converting an older car “to EFI” typically improves cold starts, throttle response, and drivability—especially for a car that’s meant to be used more often.

A “restomod” is a restyled and modernized version of an older car—typically keeping the classic look while upgrading parts like suspension, brakes, and drivability. Here, the speaker is ranking restomods by how “Pagani level” they feel in terms of craftsmanship and overall execution.