‘Another day, another resto-mod,’ is what I thought when the E-Type Unleashed came across my desk barely a week after Electrogenic’s EV E-Type conversion. All in a long line of Jag E-Type reimaginations. It’s a car that may just hold the record for spawning the most ‘off-the-shelf’ resto-modded options.
These reborn creations, where a company will either build an “inspired-by” take on a legend or take an original and outfit it with modern conveniences, strike a common chord with enthusiasts. Because let’s face it, looked upon objectively, there are countless ways a concept that was engineered some 50 years ago can be improved upon, many of which won’t completely ruin the experience and instead improve the everyday usability factor, and perhaps iron out some niggles.
Read: How About A 400-HP 6.1-Liter V12 For Your Jaguar E-Type?
Electric conversions are a different kettle of fish. I can understand the want to modernize a classic lovingly. But not by ripping out its soul to replace it with something, perhaps not entirely devoid of character, but definitely a million miles away from the original. That just doesn’t float my boat. But, I don’t harbor hatred for the idea either and am happiest if it’s done in a way that allows a car to be returned to its original condition.
All these resto-mods, electro-mods, and recreations, though, have got me thinking. What present-day cars will be looked back upon wistfully in 50 years, inspiring niche manufacturers to improve upon what was once considered the pinnacle of engineering? To get things started, here’s a quick list of some cars we think could make an enthusiast’s comeback several decades from now, assuming the fun police don’t have their way.
Mazda MX-5
Zero points for creativity, I know. But hey, there’s no way around the fact that the chances of an ND Mazda MX-5 reproduction restomod in fifty years is almost a dead cert. It’s the kind of car that receives universal praise from practically anyone who’s driven one. It’s not too hard to imagine that such a formula of lightweight fun wouldn’t be held onto dearly by the nostalgia brigade. Odds are every recreation will have dollops more power, though.
Ford Bronco
The new Bronco seems to be on the kind of trajectory that should make executives at Jeep feel more than a little anxious. And it wouldn’t surprise us if it ends up becoming the last ICE-powered version of this platform. The perfect recipe for those who care about good looks and off-road ability will cling to them for dear life.
Nissan GT-R
Far from it being the kind of tech-laden showcase it once was, the GT-R is starting to look and feel a bit long in the tooth in light of today’s alternatives. Yet, it soldiers on and has the same kind of loyal, adoring fan base as Korean pop-group BTS. And if you’ve ever tried to talk smack about that ensemble online, you’ll know just how defensive fan power can be. That’s the kind of thing that’ll trigger demand in the future, right? And for good reason.
Chrysler 300C
A leftfield choice this one, and perhaps we should have stuck with our original options of either the Ford Mustang or Dodge Challenger. I didn’t, because I figured that would be all too predictable. However, time will soften the fact that Chrysler’s unloved line-up is long overdue for some restyling. And the design of the 300C may just be remembered fondly for standing out against the German-set standards that will likely look indistinguishable from each other after half a century.
So, which current models do you think will (or should) be reborn, most likely with electric or hydrogen powertrains, in 50 years from now? Feel free to chime in in the comments right below.