Modernized classic cars are vintage icons rebuilt with today's powertrains, brakes, suspension and interiors, and Kindred Motorworks is one of the names leading the movement. The California builder hand-assembles turn-key restomods at its Mare Island facility, opening orders on a 1966 to 1975 Ford Bronco, a 1950 to 1967 VW Bus, a 1969-based Camaro and a fully electric Chevy 3100 pickup.
What does Kindred Motorworks actually build?
Kindred is offering the public the chance to buy unique, modernized vintage cars that are ready to drive straight out of the showroom. Every vehicle is hand-built at the company's Mare Island workshop in California, then delivered turn-key with updated engines or electric motors, brakes, suspension and cabins. The launch lineup covers three of the most recognisable shapes in American and European motoring: the Ford Bronco, the VW Bus and the Camaro, with the electric Chevy 3100 pickup extending the range.
How are the engines and drivetrains upgraded?
The Bronco is powered by Ford's modern 5-liter Coyote V8 and pairs raw capability with a touchscreen infotainment system, making it a strong choice for buyers who want both power and everyday comfort. The VW Bus takes the opposite route, swapping its original motor for an electric drivetrain and revised steering that delivers a far smoother ride than the classic original. The Camaro leans into muscle-car DNA with a supercharged GM V8, while the Chevy 3100 goes fully electric. Kindred plans to add electric power across its existing lineup and introduce a new model every year.
Why are modernized vintage cars so sought after?
Restomods solve the central frustration of classic-car ownership: the looks you fall in love with rarely come with the reliability, safety or driveability of a modern vehicle. By combining period styling with contemporary engineering, builders like Kindred deliver the best of both eras, a point explored in depth by design outlet Dwell. The result is a vehicle you can drive every day without sacrificing the character that made the original special. TheArsenale curates this exact category, from electric reinventions to bespoke restomods, in its cars collection.
Photo: KINDRED MOTORWORKS
Where to find more modernized classic cars
If a turn-key restomod is on your radar, TheArsenale stocks comparable builds from leading workshops. The Charge Electric Mustang reimagines a 1960s icon with a full EV drivetrain, the Nardone 928 is a meticulous Porsche 928 restomod, and the Project M Ferrari 308 GTS brings a pop-culture legend back to life. For a modern restomod SUV in the Bronco mould, the Rezvani Retro RR1 750 is worth a look.
Ready to own a modernized classic car? Explore the full TheArsenale cars collection and find the restomod that fits your garage.
