Restomods are definitely a unique specimen of modified car. A label commonly applied to classics and muscle cars from several decades ago, "restomod" defines any classic car that has not only been restored to factory-fresh condition, but has also been further modified with different performance and aesthetic parts, as well as modernizing it.
Any classics can be ripe for a restomod build, but throughout the years, there have been truly great Fords that have received the treatment. Mustangs are the prime targets for these transformations, but tons of other classic Ford models have been treated to a refresh and update as well. With that being said, here are the sickest Ford restomods we've ever seen.
10 Ringbrothers "UNKL" Ford Mustang Mach 1
As restomod Mustangs go, this one is special. It was built by pro-touring legends Ringbrothers over in Wisconsin, and it pays tribute to the client's favorite uncle, hence the name
Powered by a 520 ci (8.5-liter) V8 engine built by Kaase Racing Engines, it has well over 700 horsepower, so needless to say, it's definitely not slow. It sends that 700 hp to the rear wheels through a Bowler-built 6-speed Tremec manual transmission and a carbon fiber driveshaft.
As befits a Ringbrothers build, this classic Mach 1 is also adorned with a striking blue color, Trans-am-inspired livery, forged HRE wheels, and a bespoke, high-end interior. As far as restomodded Mustangs go, this is in the highest ranks.
9 Sung Kang's "Underdog" Ford Maverick
This was the Fast and Furious star's second custom build, right after the "FuguZ" S30 Fairlady. Chosen due to its connection with the character of Han, and despite being called an Underdog, it definitely looks like a winner.
Powered by a 2.3 liter EcoBoost crate motor, and with a little bit of help from Japanese tuning royalty GReddy, this Maverick puts down around 400 horsepower to the rear wheels via a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission.
But, by far one of the most unique things about the Underdog build was built by three tuning shop students, hence all the U3 logos seen about the cars, with Sung Kang acting as their mentor and overseeing the build.
8 ICON BR Bronco
Unlike the previous two on this list, the ICON BR Bronco can be commissioned by anyone. Or, well, people with deep pockets, because the ICON BR is definitely not cheap, costing around $200,000 or thereabout.
Despite seeming like a regular first-generation Bronco on the exterior, the BR, just like the Porsche 911 by Singer, is sprinkled with all sorts of modern touches, including the 5.0 Coyote V8 from the Mustang GT.
What's more, if you get the Old School version of the BR, it looks even more like an actual old Bronco, using OEM colors and OEM+-style accessories. If waiting for the new Bronco is not an option anymore, the ICON BR is definitely worth considering... as long as money isn't an object.
7 This Insane 1956 F-100
While the "murdered-out" aesthetic of this 50s pickup won't be to everyone's taste, it's not a vehicle that anyone should mock. Despite looking somewhat unassuming on the outside, hiding underneath the bulge in the hood is the engine from the Shelby GT350.
What's more, this truck also sports a Kooks exhaust system, because, well, the GT350's Voodoo V8 didn't sound insane enough already. It was also brought bang up to date thanks to a new sound system, gauges from the experts at Dakota Digital, and a rear-view camera. The exterior, meanwhile, sports new 5-spoke wheels, the obvious satin black paint finish, and the LED lighting front and rear.
6 1956 F-100 "Snakebit"
Another F-100, and one of an identical model year to the previous one. This one, however, built by Gene Simmons a few years ago, is something else entirely.
If there was ever any question what the Ford F-100 would look like if it had select components from the Mustang, Snakebit was the answer to that. It was designed as a tribute to all the Shelby Mustangs, and the combination resulted in something highly reminiscent of the FR-100 concept truck from the 2000s, only even more modernized.
The tribute is continued under the hood, with a supercharged 550 hp V8 from Ford Performance, and a 6-speed manual transmission. All finished off in a stunning silver paint scheme and a gorgeous bespoke interior.
5 This Locomotive-Inspired Ford COE
If there was ever a need in a driver to instill fear in other people in traffic, this modified Ford COE (cab-over-engine) truck from the 40s would be an excellent contender.
Complete with spiked wheels, a wild paint scheme, and a sidepipe encased in diamond pattern steel, this is definitely a truck that won't be missed on the road. Interestingly, the cab hides a 440ci Dodge HEMI V8, coupled with a 3-speed automatic transmission. That might anger the Ford purists, but this truck looks so intimidating, that they probably wouldn't have time to have their say.
4 Pure Vision Design's "Black Ops" 1967 Ford Fairlane
Imagine that, back in the late 1960s, there was a skunkworks team in Ford's racing department that was preparing the Fairlane for the upcoming SCCA race season, as a data-logging test car. Steve Strope, founder of Pure Vision Design, decided to imagine that scenario for himself and then built that very car for SEMA 2014.
As this Fairlane is not limited by late 60s race regulations, it has over 700 hp from its 427 SOHC "Cammer" V8 engine built by Ed Pink Racing Engines. All that power was covered by a beautiful, custom painted body, period-correct wheels and tires, and a sidepipe to boot. One of the coolest things about it is the air brake at the back, which is actually functional, and it's controlled by compressed air, instead of hydraulics or even a motor.
3 This '63 Falcon Futura
In the 60s, the Galaxie was the Ford you got if you wanted a big, luxury sedan, and the Fairlane and Mustang were billed as the sportier alternatives. The Falcon, despite being the compact, could still fit some of Ford's big engines under the hood, and big fun in a small car is always a good thing.
This particular Falcon Futura is equipped with Ford's 289ci small block, an engine never offered on the original car. It also benefits from quite a few performance upgrades, disc brakes all around, and a very stock looking body, proving that looks, indeed, can be deceiving.
2 Pure Vision "Anvil" Mustang
Once piloted by Roman Pearce in the sixth Fast and Furious film, "Anvil" was built in 2010, and just like UNKL, it uses a 520 ci Kaase Racing engine, but in this application, it makes well over 800 horsepower, and to say that it sounds mean would be an understatement.
Despite looking deceivingly stock on the outside, there are some tell-tale signs that this is not a typical Mustang, including the flush sidepipes, the yellow driving lights, and those beautiful Le Mans-inspired bespoke wheels.
1 Robert Downey, Jr.'s Speedkore-Built Boss 302
Specially commissioned by actor Robert Downey, Jr., of Iron Man fame, this Boss 302 built by Speedkore is the perfect marriage of retro inspiration with modern touches. The original-looking paint combined with the halogen headlights contributes to the retro look, which is then offset by new carbon fiber panels and retro-modern HRE wheels. Oh, and it's also powered by a 5.0 liter V8 with 667 horsepower, so it's not just all show and no go.
These cars are just some proof that with a little bit of love and a few modern components, restomodding a classic car is a govia od idea that should be more commonplace in the world of classics.