Here’s why Christian von Koenigsegg doesn’t like restomods

The boss of Koenigsegg isn’t sold on restomods. We’re talking creations like Singers, Eagles and that Eccentrica Diablo thingy. Coolest cars in the world? Not according to the man who invents three new types of gearbox before you’ve eaten breakfast.

“I think it shows the lack of desirability within modern car space” he told us at Top Gear’s ‘Boss Level' meeting of hypercar minds. “I think, 'what's driving this?'. It's like everyone is looking back to the good old days. And that I think is what disturbs me a bit.

“We should be able to create that feeling and emotion with who we are today and what we do today,” he added. “And it just seems to be lacking somehow given that all of that [restomod culture] needs to happen."

The Koenigsegg founder was quick to note the work done by restomod companies themselves is hugely impressive, citing Porsche 911 specialists Singer as a prime example.

“I've seen Singer at The Quail [during Monterey Car Week] now for probably ten years. They really pioneered the popularity among the broader audience and have done a fantastic job at it.

“It’s a difficult question, right? Does it take away from the purity of the original or is it the other way around? I dunno, difficult to say.”

The hypercar bosses we’d invited along for a chat tended to disagree. Mate Rimac is all in on reborn retro cars, explaining: “I love restomods. Actually I'm very close also with the Singer guys. I have a Turbo on order.

“For me, my journey started with an E30 BMW 3 Series. I always wanted an E30 M3 and luckily now I could afford one. I love driving that car and I love looking at it. It's beautiful… but even the most basic cars today are better at steering or braking or even acceleration.”

Turns out Mate has an idea how to solve that, though. “I would love to have a restomod E30 with a V10,” he grins, nodding when we ask if that would be the V10 from the E60 M5. “Sure, with a manual,” he adds. “That's one project I want to do.”

Stateside, John Hennessey also has his eye on the restomod scene. “I'm a big fan, whether it's American muscle, whether it's some of the classic Italians, I think it's a very cool art form,” he tells us.

“I just wish I could afford more of 'em. I mean the really nice ones are between half a million to $2 million, and I'd have one of each of 'em.”

So, would Hennessey ever decide to reboot some classic Americana? “We’ve looked at doing restomods in our modification business – if I had additional staff and resources. I won't say what cars we would want to restomod, but I've got a few ideas…”

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