Restomodding is a term that not only describes the process of bringing a classic car back to life but also bringing it into the present. It involves restoration and modification, a marriage of classic style with modern technology to improve performance and reliability. The level of modification varies between individual modders and the preferences of their clients.

Areas often touched include the engine (aiming for more grunt), the transmission system, brakes, suspension, entertainment, comfort, and wheels. But no matter how subtle or outrageous the modding is, retaining the classic body lines is very important. Some die-hard traditionalists consider it sacrilegious to mutilate classic cars, especially rare classics. However, if done right, it is one fantastic way of resurrecting vintage vehicles. There are been brilliant and blasphemous restomods everywhere you turn. Read on for a list of the coolest restomods that have managed not only to retain their original beauty but have elevated it to greater heights.

10 Rad Rides 1969 Ford Torino Talladega "GPT Special"

Rad Rides 1969 Ford Torino Talladega
Via: Eastwood Company

Before being placed in the hands of Troy Trepanier, the 1969 Ford Torino Talladega was a muscle car that was a more aerodynamic version of the regular Torino. Power was supplied by a 7-liter Super Cobra Jet V-8 power mill that produces an output of 335 hp.

Rad Rides 1969 Ford Torino Talladega Shown
Via HemmingsMotorNews

The head-turner that Rad Rides by Troy presented at the 2013 SEMA show rode on a Boss 429 engine tuned to produce 750 hp. Modifications to the exterior were extensive, and everything was adorned with a two-tone Tennessee Whiskey Gold and Daytona Sand finish.

RELATED: Check Out This 230HP Mini Restomod

9 Schwartz 1973 Oldsmobile 442

Black Schwartz 1973 Oldsmobile 442
Via HandBuiltCars:YouTube

From a muscled exterior to an insanely powerful powertrain, there is absolutely nothing old about the 1973 Oldsmobile that passed through Schwartz Performance shop. What went in was powered by Rocket 455 V8 that produced an output of 270 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque.

Schwartz 1973 Oldsmobile 442
Via Djb1156:YouTube

To satisfy the owner's wish for more horsepower, what came out sported an LS engine tweaked to deliver an unbelievable 900 hp. While trying to maintain the original look of the 442, Schwartz added a few custom pieces to create a charming restomod.

8 Cyan Racing Volvo P1800

Cyan Racing Volvo P1800
Via MrJWW:YouTube

A commendable first effort by Cyan Racing - the Volvo P1800 Cyan is a recreation of the 1964 Volvo P1800 with a modern engine and space-age materials. The tuners at Cyan strengthened the chassis, stiffened, and widened the body to house bigger wheels.

Cyan Racing Volvo P1800 Shown
Via HotCars

Under the hood, a 2-liter turbocharged I-4 engine delivers 420 hp and 336 lb-ft of torque through a 5-speed manual synchromesh transmission to the rear wheels. For a more engaging driving experience and to please the traditionalists, Cyan Racing left out amenities like stability control and an antilock brake system.

RELATED: Watch: Top Gear Takes The Volvo P1800 Cyan Racing Restomod Up Against The Original

7 Canepa Porsche 956C

Canepa Porsche 956C
Via 19Bozzy92:YouTube

Introduced in the early 1980s, the Porsche 956 is a legendary racing car that achieved racing success using technology that was decades ahead of its time. To bring the 956 into its rightful moment in time, Canape, first of all, disassembles all the components, then rebuilds, restores, and improves them.

Canepa Porsche 956C Shown
Via 19Bozzy92:YouTube

The resulting Porsche 956C, after upgrades to the engine, now makes more than 700 hp and 635 lb-ft of torque. With the enhancements to the suspension, you have a sports car that is a delight to drive - all day and every day.

6 EMC Mercedes Benz "Wolf" G-Wagen 250GD

Mercedes Benz 250GD Wolf
Via HotCars

The Expedition Motor Company is one custom shop that builds perfect restomods. One of their most unique projects involves building restomods of classic G-Wagon 250GD Wolfs. An all-terrain thoroughbred, the Wolf - initially designed for military use - is taken apart and then rebuilt with the necessary upgrades from the ground.

EMC Mercedes Benz Wolf
Via OldBenz:YouTube

What you have now is the EMC 250GD Wolf that is fitted with creature comforts to make your adventures as comfortable as possible. This Wolf has just been given a new lease on life, and it looks all set for prowling.

RELATED: This Twin-Turbo Trans Am Restomod Would Leave Bandit Speechless

5 RTech 1972 Chevrolet K50 Crew Cab "The Duke "

RTech 1972 Chevrolet K50 Crew Cab
Via DezzysSpeedShop:YouTube

One of the more awesome sights in the 2017 SEMA show was the restomodded 1972 Chevrolet C50 nicknamed "The Duke''. In line with RTech's motto, "We build trucks to do Truck Things'', the Duke certainly looks the part - a truck built to deliver.

RTech 1972 Chevrolet K50 Crew Cab Shown
Via MotorBiscuit

The Duke, which started its life cycle as a standard cab, albeit with an attitude, was given the RTech treatment. In the end, the monster came out with extra doors, a tilt bed, a killer interior, central heating, air conditioning, and a new 550 hp Cummins diesel.

4 Legacy Overland 1982 Land Cruiser FJ40

LegacyOverland_FJ40_ProjMeranti_finishedcar_2
Via LegacyOverland

Changing the character of a car without altering its outward appearance is not an easy feat; there is always a sign that gives the game away. However, that's what Legacy Overland has achieved with the 1982 Land Cruiser FJ40, after strapping a modern 5.7-liter V8 under the hood.​​​​​​​

1982 Toyota Land Cruiser
Via: BringATrailer

The additions to the exterior, rather than altering its looks, only enhance the 40 years of cuteness that it exudes. However, evidence of the 21st century is glaring in the cabin - air conditioning, USB port, Sirius XM, and more are also part of the modding.

RELATED: These Restomodded European Classics Produce Pack A Serious Punch

3 Legacy Classic Trucks 1949 Dodge Power Wagon

Legacy Classic 1949 Dodge Power Wagon
Via BringATrailer

The classic Dodge Power Wagon, produced between 1945 and 1980, is a 4x4 work truck that succeeded the Dodge WC series. Following a complete workover by Legacy Classic Trucks, the Power Wagon, now sporting 40" tires, is an absolute head-turner. ​​​​​​​

Legacy Classic 1949 Dodge Power Wagon Shown
Via HotCars

More than half a century is shaved off its age by adding modern trappings like air conditioning, Bluetooth stereo, and USB charging ports. Three powertrains are offered to crown the process: a 3.9-liter Cummins turbo diesel, a 6.2-liter V8, and a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 with outputs ranging from 350 hp to 620 hp.​​​​​​​

2 Icon 1970 Ford Ranger

1970-Icon-Ford-Ranger-Reformer-front
Via MotorBiscuit

As part of Icon 4x4's Reformer series, they took a 1970 Ford Ranger and transformed it into a daily driver that blends a 70's look with modern features. For power, it relies on a 5-liter Ford V8 engine that sends 426 hp through a Ford AOD automatic transition to the wheels.​​​​​​​

Icon 1970 Ford Ranger Shown
Via JonathanWard:YouTube

To match the modern engine, massive upgrades are made to the suspension system, and power steering is made available for easier handling. Inside the cabin, the Icon 4X4 is fitted with air conditioning, digital gauges, and hand-stitched upholstery.

1 Ringbrothers 1972 AMC AMX Javelin "Defiant!"

1972 AMC AMX Javelin
Via RingBrothers

The AMX Javelin, powered by a 177 hp 5.9-liter V8 producing 284 lb-ft of torque, is a variant of the AMC AMX. However, what Ringbrothers unveiled at the 2017 SEMA show was a heavyweight monster with a new hood, an extended wheelbase, and carbon fiber wheel arches.

Ringbrothers 1972 AMC AMX Javelin
Via PrestoneProductsCorp:YouTube

Powering the new Javelin, rightly named "Defiant!", is a 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 delivering 1036 hp through a Bowler Automatic transmission. With that much power on tap, what the incredible Defiant! can accomplish is best left to the imagination.