Modern Classic Car Foundation - Landcruiser Vintage Restomod

The restomod world is a thriving space overseas, with everything from classic American muscle to fine European sports cars undergoing transformations of epic proportions.

The mantra is to build the “best of type”, deploying bespoke engineering and design with a view to executing in a way a mainstream manufacturer simply cannot.

The result is only governed by the pockets of the lucky individual commissioning the build.

Perhaps lesser known, but no less detailed are off-road vehicle restomods. A sign of the times, where classic Range Rovers, Land Rovers and Landcruisers are coming of age as historic vehicles.

For those nostalgic few that prefer dirty tyres to carpeted pavilions, there are overseas design houses who will undertake a commissioned project to turn these workhorses into artworks.

Australia won’t miss out for long either, with the Modern Classic Car Foundation

embarking on a project to be amongst, if not the first, to undertake such a build in Australia.

Landcruiser Vintage - reimagined by the Modern Classic Car Foundation

Coined the Landcruiser Vintage; the build will employ a 60-series Toyota Landcruiser as a base, which will be stripped to the metal before fettling commences across every facet. Most impressively, this not-for-profit foundation operates to train and pass on artisan-level trade skills to apprentice tradesmen/women within the team.

“For us, it’s about ensuring the longevity of the trades required to keep and service these cars into the future” said David Dyer, who notes a dwindling resource pool of capability for such bespoke work.

With past creations including an EV converted Mini and various bespoke MG’s, moving to an offroad focus was with a view to expanding exposure to the team, while catering to a different market segment. “Off-roading is a significant part of motoring in Australia given the nature of our country. Going with the 60 series meant we could expose our team to a different vehicle type whilst bringing this quality of build to Australia”, said Dyer.

The build will entail a Nappa leather lined interior featuring German square-weave carpets, completely revised suspension by Old Man Emu, an updated sound system and most intriguingly; a 4l petrol V6 from a later model Hilux.

The team are looking for 5 Patrons that are willing help fund the build and provide much needed exposure and training to the team. All contributions will be repaid at the sale of the vehicle or within 24 months, with Patrons offered the first opportunity to purchase the finished build.

It presents a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community and be part of what I see to be a pioneering build for the Australian motoring scene.

To find out more reach out to the team.