What classic car fan hasn't had the fantasy of stepping into a time machine, setting the dial to their favorite automotive decade and emerging directly into the showroom of their favorite brand, cash in hand, ready to drive back to the future in a brand new old-school vehicle?
There are, of course, a few barriers between the average enthusiast and the above scenario—primarily that time travel has yet to be invented. There's also the often-overlooked fact, however, that due to the industrial equipment and techniques available at the time, cars and trucks that left that factory were often nowhere near the level of fit and finish of a modern restoration.
They say "it's only original once," but if you want something better than OG, well, the current market has you more than covered. Shut down the DeLorean and take the keys away from the mad scientist, because you don't have to bend the laws of physics to buy a brand new classic car.
Dynacorn
Anyone who's ever had to track down rare sheet metal for a resto project—or bemoaned their inability to find a corrosion-free shell in their area for a particular build—will be delighted to learn that it's been possible for several years now to buy complete bodies for an ever-increasing list of classics.
Currently, Dynacorn produces full body shells for the 1970 Dodge Challenger, 1965-1970 Ford Mustang, 1966-1976 Ford Bronco, 1967-1969 Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird, 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle, 1947-1950 Chevrolet pickup, and 1955-1957 Chevy pickup. Although the trucks are cab-only, the other models are A-pillar back in terms of the body, with all of the mounting and frame points required to attach front fenders, hoods, bumpers, etc. Doors are already installed prior to shipping, and the trunk lid is there, too.
Pricing is surprisingly reasonable, ranging from $7,900 to $17,500. That's a pittance compared to what it can cost to resurrect a rust-ridden vehicle, or slice and dice the sheet metal you need from a donor. Each of the Dynacorn bodies is licensed from the OEM, and is made entirely out of 1006 galvanized steel. The company has also added extra metal in areas where the originals were known to be weakest, which is perfect for anyone looking to double or triple stock power.
Revology
Looking for more than just the body? Seeking a turn-key reproduction of one of the most iconic muscle cars of all time? Not too concerned about staying period-correct in areas the average person will never see, like under the hood or the chassis? Revology has the Mustang for you.
Revology's entire business model is based around building 1966-1968 Ford Mustangs that look like the real thing from the outside, but ride on as much modern tech as possible. That includes a completely revised front suspension system mated to a rack and pinion steering setup, a fuel-injected, computer-controlled V8 engine, four-wheel disc brakes and a custom interior that goes way beyond the metal-and-vinyl look of the original cars.
Revology Mustangs are intended to be driven—in fact, driven every day—and come with a full warranty. Not quite a replica, not quite a restomod, if you've got $200,000 to spare, why not park something a little more unique than your office-mate's Lamborghini in the investment bank parking garage?
ICON
If your wallet is wide enough, and you've got a hankering for a classic SUV, then ICON is probably your best bet for an all-new old-timer.
Based in California, ICON produces a series of thoroughly-updated Toyota FJ and Ford Bronco designs that boast completely modern, emissions-friendly drivetrains. Want to conquer the great outdoors? You can ask ICON to hand-build you one of these rides with all the equipment necessary to go beyond the Rubicon. Prefer to eat interstate miles in total comfort instead? Plenty of luxury is awaiting you on the order sheet, too.
Interested in something a little more out there? ICON also offers classic pickup truck builds (the street-oriented TR and the off-road Reformer), as well as the Derelict series of patina-heavy rat rod-style '50s coupes, wagons and convertibles. The end result is always the same, however: all of the street cred with none of the classic car nightmares.
Gateway Bronco
Narrowing the focus is Gateway Bronco, a company that goes deep on the first-generation Ford SUV to produce a three-tiered series of modernized rides.
It all starts with the Fuelie ($95,000), a version that includes a fuel injected, 347 ci engine, four-wheel disc brakes and a choice between manual or automatic transmissions. Next up is the Coyote Edition ($150,000) which swaps in a modern Coyote V8, followed by the Modern Day Warrior, which marries high performance with a unique six-speed gearbox and an impressive five-year warranty.
As with ICON, you can specify a completely custom build limited only by your imagination, and, of course, budget. It takes between two and four months to produce the Bronco of your dreams (depending on whether you're willing to pay extra for rush delivery).
Singer Vehicle Design
The Porsche 911 is a little like the Lego brick of the automotive restoration world: there's so much parts-swapping, back-dating and modernizing possible for each and every variation of the platform that it seems only natural that a company like Singer Vehicle Design would eventually tap into the market for high-end 911 rebirth.
Although a fair amount of what happens under the Singer umbrella could be loosely termed "restoration," the cars that emerge from the company's shop are more accurately described as blank-canvas reinterpretations of the 911 itself. While some buyers crave an original look with a current engine and transmission, others go all-out in terms of customization both visually and mechanically. There are 3 air-cooled engine options available from Singer, ranging from 300hp to 390hp, depending on how much of a blind eye towards emissions you're willing to turn, and how much tolerance you have for race-spec builds.
What further separates Singer from the other businesses on this list is that customers are required to bring a road-legal shell as the starting point for any project. That car is then stripped down, sandblasted and re-welded to be strong enough to qualify for the upgrades it is about to receive, with a full slate of both steel and carbon fiber replacement panels and parts available alongside the mechanical mayhem.
One thing is certain—there are no two Singer customer cars that could be considered clones. Each of these updated classic sports coupes is an individual work of art.