TMCP #637: Tom Maxwell of Velocity Restorations // Classic Cars and Trucks Made on Modern Day “Small-Mass Production Line”
About this episode
Tom Maxwell from Velocity Restorations shares insights into the innovative approach of producing classic cars with modern reliability. Velocity stands out by creating near-new classic vehicles like Broncos and Mustangs on a production line, ensuring quality and repeatability. The episode dives into the company's history, the importance of using original donor vehicles, and the unique features that set their cars apart. Maxwell discusses the balance between customization and efficiency, and the future of Velocity, including their recent acquisition of Classic Recreations.
Velocity Restorations serves a unique space in the restoration world — for enthusiasts who want a classic vehicle that captures the memories of their past without spending years in a garage or navigating endless custom decisions. Rather than operating as a boutique, one-off shop, Velocity takes an a la carte, production-driven approach. Customers choose from a curated range of options that fit within a carefully planned build system, allowing Velocity to deliver consistently high-quality restorations at scale. Their process is engineered for repeatability, efficiency, and continuous improvement, resulting in vehicles that are designed to be driven, not just displayed.
Unlike companies producing brand-new replicas, Velocity Restorations starts with authentic, original vehicles, restoring them through a refined production line that preserves history while delivering modern reliability. With a growing inventory of sourced vehicles and demand that continues to rise, Velocity offers everything from classic and Fox-body Mustangs to Broncos, Ford trucks, Chevy Blazers, C10s, K10s, and Scouts. The result is a restoration experience that delivers peace of mind, a rare industry warranty, and a vehicle ready for road trips, memories, and real-world use. You can see Velocity’s impressive builds at YouTube.com/@VelocityRestorations and explore build options at VelocityRestorations.com.
The post TMCP #637: Tom Maxwell of Velocity Restorations // Classic Cars and Trucks Made on Modern Day “Small-Mass Production Line” first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.
Velocity Restorations
"This week, we're going to dig into the production car company that is Velocity Restorations. There's a world out there in our industry of a production-like classic car..."
Velocity Restorations is a business that fixes up old cars and makes them feel like new again. They create classic cars that have modern engines and interiors, so they are easier to drive and enjoy.
Velocity Restorations is a company that specializes in restoring classic cars with modern features and drivetrains. They are known for producing high-quality, production-like classic vehicles that combine vintage aesthetics with contemporary performance.
production-like classic car
"There's a world out there in our industry of a production-like classic car, meaning a near new, if not completely new classic car with a usable drivetrain..."
A production-like classic car is an old car that has been updated with new parts and technology, so it drives better and is more reliable, while still looking like a classic car.
A production-like classic car refers to a vehicle that maintains the classic design and appeal but is built with modern technology and components, making it more reliable and usable as a daily driver. This concept bridges the gap between classic car enthusiasts and those seeking modern performance.
Chevrolet Blazers
"...producing not just one model but numerous. Classic Broncos, Ford trucks, Chevy Blazers..."
The Chevy Blazer is an old SUV that many people love for its style and usefulness. Velocity Restorations makes new versions that are easier to drive and have better features.
The Chevy Blazer is a classic SUV that has been popular for its versatility and style. Velocity Restorations offers updated versions of the Blazer that combine classic design with modern technology for improved performance.
Ford Mustangs
"...cos, Ford trucks, Chevy Blazers, Scouts, 67 to 68 Mustangs, now Foxbody Mustangs. You can order one up on t..."
Ford Broncos Ford
"Velocity is the biggest of them all, producing not just one model but numerous. Classic Broncos, Ford trucks, Chevy Blazers, Scouts, 67 to 68 Mustangs, now Foxbody Mustangs. You can order one up on their website with a fixed price and a delivery date known in"
Ford F-Series
"...production-line quality vehicles, Broncos, Ford trucks, K5 Blazers, Mustang..."
The Ford F-Series is a group of trucks made by Ford, including the very popular F-150. These trucks are used for work and everyday driving because they are strong and reliable.
The Ford F-Series is a line of trucks that includes the F-150, one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States. Known for their durability and versatility, they are popular for both work and personal use.
Chevrolet K5 Blazer
"...production-line quality vehicles, Broncos, Ford trucks, K5 Blazers, Mustang..."
The Chevrolet K5 Blazer is a big SUV that was made a long time ago and is loved for its ability to go off-road. Many people like to collect them because of their classic look.
The Chevrolet K5 Blazer is a full-size SUV that was produced from the late 1960s to the early 1990s. It is known for its off-road capabilities and classic styling, making it a sought-after vehicle among collectors today.
Foxbody Mustang
"...not Foxbody Mustangs. It's remarkable..."
The Foxbody Mustang is a specific version of the Ford Mustang made between 1979 and 1993. It's known for being easy to modify and is loved by many car fans.
The Foxbody Mustang refers to the Ford Mustang models produced from 1979 to 1993, characterized by their Fox platform. They are popular among car enthusiasts for their performance and customization potential.
roval
"He did practice that roval, though, in his sim, and it is helpful. It's a challenging track."
A roval is a racetrack that has parts of both a road course and an oval track. It means drivers have to make sharp turns and go straight, making it a bit more challenging.
A 'roval' is a type of racetrack that combines both road course and oval track elements. This design allows for a unique racing experience, as drivers navigate both turns and straightaways typically found in separate track types.
Ford Gt
"...the big news was that the Ford GT lightweight went for $12.375 million. That's a million with an M."
The Ford GT is a fast sports car made by Ford. The lightweight version is even more special because it's designed to be faster and more efficient.
The Ford GT is a high-performance sports car produced by Ford, known for its advanced engineering and racing pedigree. The lightweight variant is particularly sought after for its performance and rarity.
Chevrolet Camaro
"I think the 69-Copo Camaro prototype went for $1.8 million."
The 1969 Camaro is a classic car made by Chevrolet that many people love for its speed and style. The 'Copo' version is a special type that is even more powerful and rare.
The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car known for its powerful performance and iconic design. The 'Copo' variant is particularly rare and valuable due to its limited production and high-performance specifications.
Ferrari 250
"...o Camaro prototype went for $1.8 million. The 62 Ferrari 250 GTO, the white one. Is it a GTO?"
Ferrari 62 Ferrari
"The 62 Ferrari 250 GTO, the white one. Is it a GTO?"
The Ferrari 250 GTO is a very famous and expensive car made by Ferrari in 1962. It's known for being really fast and beautiful, and many collectors want to own one.
The Ferrari 250 GTO is one of the most iconic and valuable cars in automotive history, known for its racing success and stunning design. Produced in the early 1960s, it is highly sought after by collectors.
Ferrari
"I don't know if Ferrari is very well. That went for $38 million."
Ferrari is a famous Italian car brand that makes very fast and expensive sports cars. They are known for their racing history and luxury.
Ferrari is a renowned Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and success in motorsport. The brand is synonymous with speed and exclusivity.
muscle cars
"But I'll dig into the results with Rick about the muscle cars that are kind of more in our lane."
Muscle cars are powerful cars, usually from America, that are built for speed and performance. They became really popular in the 60s and 70s.
Muscle cars are high-performance vehicles, typically American-made, known for their powerful engines and aggressive styling. They became popular in the 1960s and 1970s and are often associated with drag racing and street performance.
Chevrolet El Camino
"There's a Mint El Camino out there, like an 86. I saw a Bugatti."
The Chevrolet El Camino is a type of vehicle that looks like a car but has a truck bed in the back. The 1986 version is popular among collectors for its style and functionality.
The Chevrolet El Camino is a unique vehicle that combines the features of a car and a pickup truck, known as a 'car-truck'. The 1986 model is part of the third generation, which is characterized by its sporty design and versatile utility.
Crown Victoria
"I know there's not as many Crown Vixas where it used to be in a round, have a little"
The Ford Crown Victoria is a large car that was often used by police and as taxis. It's known for being sturdy and having a lot of space inside.
The Ford Crown Victoria is a full-size sedan that was widely used as a police car and taxi due to its durability and spacious interior. It has a strong V8 engine and rear-wheel drive, making it popular for various applications.
Mercury Marauder
"There is one in the Marauder. There's a brand new Marauder over there."
The Marauder is a car made by Mercury, which is a brand that was part of Ford. It was known for being a powerful and stylish sedan, often associated with performance.
The Mercury Marauder is a full-size sedan produced by Ford's Mercury division, known for its performance and distinctive styling. It was particularly popular in the early 2000s as a modern interpretation of the classic muscle car.
ARCA
"...but also you're getting ready. You're going to run ARCA there again."
ARCA is a group that organizes car races, especially for stock cars. It's a place where drivers can show their skills and possibly move up to bigger racing leagues like NASCAR.
ARCA stands for the Automobile Racing Club of America, which is a sanctioning body for stock car racing. It provides a platform for drivers to compete in a series of races, often seen as a stepping stone to higher levels of racing like NASCAR.
Meekum
"...that was Meekum. We'll review more cars from Meekum and probably Barrett Jackson with Rick Schmidt."
Meekum is an auction company that sells classic cars. They have events where people can buy and sell interesting and valuable vehicles.
Meekum Auctions is another prominent auction company that focuses on classic and collector cars. They hold multiple auctions throughout the year, showcasing a wide variety of vehicles, from muscle cars to vintage classics.
Barrett-Jackson
"...We'll review more cars from Meekum and probably Barrett Jackson with Rick Schmidt."
Barrett-Jackson is a famous auction house where people buy and sell classic cars. It's popular among car lovers who want to find rare and special vehicles.
Barrett-Jackson is a well-known auction company that specializes in classic and collector cars. Their auctions attract car enthusiasts and collectors from around the world, often featuring rare and valuable vehicles.
Gen 3 Hemi
"...that was that red 57 Chevy they built with a Gen 3 Hemi."
Gen 3 Hemi is a powerful type of engine made by Chrysler. It's known for its unique shape that helps it run better, and it's used in many Dodge and Chrysler cars.
The Gen 3 Hemi refers to the third generation of Chrysler's Hemi engine, which is known for its high performance and distinctive hemispherical combustion chamber design. This engine has been widely used in various Dodge and Chrysler vehicles since its introduction in the early 2000s.
Errington Performance
"And that was something that they put together with Mike Copeland at Errington Performance. And here are the results."
Errington Performance is a company that modifies and improves car engines to make them perform better. They work on different types of engines to help them run faster and more efficiently.
Errington Performance is a company that specializes in high-performance automotive modifications and builds. They are known for their expertise in engine tuning and custom builds, often working with various engine types to enhance performance.
Cadillac Brougham
"...I listened to my joy comment on like a 94 Cadillac Brougham for two or three minutes."
The Cadillac Brougham is a big, fancy car made by Cadillac. The 1994 version is known for being very comfortable and having a lot of space inside, making it a classic luxury car.
The Cadillac Brougham was a full-size luxury sedan produced by Cadillac, known for its spacious interior and classic American luxury styling. The 1994 model was part of the last generation of Broughams, which were popular for their comfort and distinctive design.
National Parts Depot
"Don't forget, once per month, we do have Mr. Rick Schmidt from National Parts Depot on to talk all of things National Parts Depot, and you can ask him anything you like."
National Parts Depot is a company that sells parts for older American cars, helping people fix or restore them. They have a lot of different parts available for classic cars.
National Parts Depot is a company that specializes in providing restoration parts and accessories for classic American cars. They are known for their extensive inventory and support for car enthusiasts.
classic recreations
"He is the chief revenue officer for Velocity Restorations, and now classic recreations, too, which I'm a fan of."
Classic recreations are new cars made to look like old classic cars. They combine the style of vintage cars with newer technology.
Classic recreations refer to the practice of building new cars that replicate the design and style of classic vehicles, often using modern technology and materials.
Land Defenders
"on Land Rover Defenders. And thought it was going to be a six-month gig and work out what the hell I was going to do after that."
The Land Rover Defender is a tough SUV designed for off-road driving. It's popular for its ability to handle rough terrains and is often used for adventures.
The Land Rover Defender is a rugged off-road vehicle known for its durability and capability in challenging terrains. It has a strong following among off-road enthusiasts and is often used for adventure and exploration.
Land Rover
"So the first company I worked for, the company at the time, it was called Land Rover's UK, but it became a company called Arkonic, who are now pretty well known in this space for doing defectors."
Land Rover is a brand that makes high-end vehicles, especially designed for off-road driving. They are popular for their strong and stylish SUVs.
Land Rover is a British automotive brand known for its luxury SUVs and off-road vehicles. It has a rich history and is recognized for its rugged designs and capabilities.
restomod
"...and then later restore modding on Land Rovers. So I did that for a number of years."
Restomod means taking an old car and fixing it up with new parts to make it better while keeping its classic look. It's a way to enjoy the style of an older car with modern features.
Restomod is a term used to describe a vehicle that has been restored and modified with modern components while retaining its classic appearance. This approach allows for improved performance and comfort without losing the car's original charm.
Ford F 100
"...that we call an F 250, but it might come from an F 100 donor and some technical aspects of it might be ..."
The Ford F-100 is an older model of a pickup truck that many people used for work and everyday tasks. It's known for being tough and reliable, which is why it remains popular with fans of classic trucks.
The Ford F-100 is a pickup truck that was part of Ford's F-Series, produced from 1953 to 1983. It is known for its durability and versatility, often serving as a workhorse vehicle, and has a strong following among classic truck enthusiasts.
Ford Foxbody
"But Foxbody, we're probably about six to nine months out right now on those. A little bit depends on exactly what the person wants."
The Ford Foxbody is a type of Mustang made between 1979 and 1993. People like it because it's light and can be made faster with upgrades.
The Ford Foxbody refers to a generation of Ford Mustang produced from 1979 to 1993, known for its lightweight design and performance potential. It's popular among car enthusiasts for modifications and racing.
Shelby GT500
"That's fair. We've got the classic recreations GT500, which are also new to us as well."
The Shelby GT500 is a super-fast version of the Ford Mustang that was made to be exciting to drive. It's famous for its speed and sporty look, which is why many car fans admire it.
The Shelby GT500 is a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang, originally introduced in the late 1960s. It is celebrated for its powerful engine and racing heritage, making it a sought-after model among muscle car enthusiasts.
Chevrolet Chevelle
"..., I don't know if you saw a Seema, we also had a Chevelle there and that was from our custom side of our b..."
The Chevrolet Chevelle is a type of car that was made a long time ago, famous for being fast and powerful. It's loved by many people who enjoy classic cars and is often talked about because of its cool design and history.
The Chevrolet Chevelle is a mid-sized car produced by Chevrolet from 1964 to 1977, known for its performance and classic muscle car appeal. It played a significant role in the American muscle car era, especially in the late 1960s and early 1970s, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts and collectors.
Dodge Power Wagon
"...hen think, you know, we've like we're building a power wagon right now. I really want to do a power wagon. Ca..."
The Dodge Power Wagon is a tough truck that can handle rough roads and off-road adventures. It has a long history and is popular with people who like to drive in challenging conditions.
The Dodge Power Wagon is a heavy-duty truck that has been in production since World War II, originally designed for military use. It is known for its off-road capabilities and rugged construction, making it a favorite among off-road enthusiasts and collectors.
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