Tinkering vs Technology

The classic vehicle industry is at crossroads - many owners want to keep their vehicle as authentic as possible, replacing parts like-for-like where they can, but there has always been an element of ‘improving’ upon what they have.

This could vary from fitting a more powerful version of an engine offered in the same model when new, to upgrading the brakes or suspension to make the car more usable day-to-day. Though there is now not only a school of thought, but also a burgeoning industry, behind thoroughly modernising a model.
Whether that’s creating a Restomod or electrifying a previously non-electric vehicle, authenticity is lower down the list of priorities than ever, to the extent that the UK Government is consulting on possible changes to how classic vehicle modifications are registered.

Authenticity above all else?

Those who tinker – or pay professionals to do so – are not simply a cliché of the classic industry, but a significant proportion of owners. The idea of people with calloused and oily hands, pottering away in a garage, fixing, improving, and maintaining their pride and joy, no matter its value, is a very real element of the classic car world.

It’s also one of the most authentic, and not only because of the work carried out. The cottage industry-style repairs and maintenance are often broadly similar to the way these models were manufactured in the first place – certainly for older models at least. And considering few personal garages have a wide range of hydraulic tools, painting gear, and lifts, the rebuilding is at a simpler level than when the vehicle was first built.

There is also a commercial value to be factored in. Keeping a vehicle in as original a condition as possible will only increase its value, both now and in the future. However, it’s always recognised that a vehicle will need replacement parts, even if you’re just talking about consumable such as tyres, plugs, filters… any car that’s a classic today will not have left the factory with the exact same set of equipment; or if it remains absolutely original, it will be undrivable.

It is the extent of the maintenance and restoration that will determine how ‘original’ a car is. With every effort to keep things authentic, it’s not only a case of using original parts where possible. Often it’s a case of repairing bodywork or the chassis, replacing tired components like suspension or brakes, but as sympathetically as possible.

‘Ripping the heart out’?

Naturally, whether through desire to modernise, or just because so much work is required to keep the vehicle roadworthy, there comes a point when significant changes are considered. This has given rise to restomods and companies that specialise in electrifying classics, completely overhauling these old machines to modern standards, but with classic style and appeal.

Restomods are a linear extension of the classic restoration industry, not only bringing a car back to its former glory, but often improving upon the recipe. The same design and character are retained, but with parts that are more reliable, offering improved performance, and potentially creating the perfect vehicle for some – all the class of a classic, but with the dependability of a modern car.

This can range from simply updating the electrics, engine, and transmission, to a complete strip-down and rebuild, even using materials such as carbon fibre in the bodywork for a thoroughly modern take. The scope is essentially limited only by budget.

But there is also a tangential theme which is modernisation through electrification. Usually offered alongside a thorough restoration, replacing the previous powertrain with an all-electric one – motor and battery – makes for a quieter driving experience, and often significantly improved performance.

The question is, does this destroy what the classic is all about?

To get around this point a little, some electrification companies offer a ‘complete return’ package. This isn’t like buying something and keeping the receipt, rather the changes made to incorporate an electric powertrain are not so significant that it destroys key parts of the car. There is the ability to change everything back at a later date should the owner – or subsequent owners – want.

There are environmental factors to take into account, but these are slight considering classics tend to be driven less than ‘normal’ cars. And much of the carbon cost of the car has been spread out over many years, so adding a new battery into the vehicle actually makes its emissions cost worse for some time. Plus, there is little financial benefit, as there is for modern machines, with classics already exempt from car tax, and usually free to enter low emission zones. So the predominant cost benefit is the price of fuel, which will take some time to recover from the cost of the conversion.

Then there is the ‘ethical’ issue – and we’re talking about classic car ethics here. Does replacing a petrol engine with an electric motor go against the idea of owning a classic in the first place? Many will say yes, and there are certainly some vehicles where a big part of the character is down to its engine. Those who buy an air-cooled Porsche 911 for example, or an Alfa Romeo with a Busso V6 will have been tempted to the car at least in part by the sound and character of the engine.

There are undoubtedly some cars that will benefit from electrification however; avoiding the question of originality that is. A Citroen DS or classic Mercedes-Benz saloon for example could be considered prime targets for electrification. The engine is rarely the strong point of this car, with ride or build quality the main strengths. And no matter how smooth or refined an engine is, it can never match the quietness or power delivery of an electric motor. So, it’s far from a black and white argument.

Of course, there are points to be made for and against, and ultimately it’s down to the owner to decide what to do, and Footman James will be able to arrange insurance regardless of how original the classic is.