Muscle Car Musings: Breaking down the differences between Traditional, Resto-mod and Pro-touring
Images courtesy of RK Motors
For most enthusiasts, adopting a vintage car is both interesting and invigorating. But, as with any major purchase, there exists an almost infinite number of variables that can have a major effect on the enjoyment and value of that experience. In fact, it’s fairly easy for unversed enthusiasts to get a bit confused about even the hobby’s basic terminology. So many words in the collector car industry have, over the years, adopted multiple meanings or definitions. And even terms like “survivor”, “original”, “correct” and “numbers-matching” aren’t always as simple as they seem. Today, we’ve decided to use three awesome Camaros to help you better understand three of the most vague and interchangeable terms in the classic car hobby: “traditional”, “resto-mod” and pro-tourer”.
In the age of Search Engine Optimization, pro-tourer and resto-mod are used fairly indiscriminately to describe many of the same cars. That’s because it’s always in a dealer’s best interest to attract as many eyes to their listings as possible. It’s only logical that more exposure should equal more sales, right? So, for better or worse, resto-mod and pro-tourer tend to be interchanged on a whim. In fact, here at RK Motors, we even use the term “pro-touring resto-mod” to cleverly integrate both descriptors. That said, traditionally (pardon the pun), there is quite a lot of difference between a traditional muscle car, a resto-mod and a pro-touring car.
TRADITIONAL MUSCLE CAR
A traditional muscle car, or just “muscle car”, is exactly what you probably think it is: a vintage classic that’s been restored to essentially how it left the factory. Many traditional muscle cars are purposely restored to factory specifications for the sake of value. There will always be big equity in authentic, restored-to-original classics like Hemi ‘Cudas, Boss Mustangs and LS6 Chevelles. But there are also many other reasons traditional muscle cars are maintaining popularity. They inspire excellent memories, they’re often more visceral than modernized cars, and they’re generally easier to build compared to pro-tourers and resto-mods. That said, variety is the spice of life even in the traditional realm. These classics are often upgraded with easy engine mods. They often employ different or improved variations of long-running or model-correct drivetrains. They usually sport aesthetic tweaks like better wheels, a better color combination or mild upgrades to things like audio systems and lighting. And they’re generally restored to a condition that’s much better than how they rolled out of the dealership. Remember: we’re comparing what is essentially a hand-pieced restoration to what are, at this point in time, archaic assembly line techniques.
Image courtesy of RK Motors
This awesome Cross Ram Camaro is an excellent example of what RK Motors would consider a traditional muscle car. It features a factory-spec 302/4-speed driveline, a factory chassis and, because of those traits, provides a lively, late ‘60s driving experience. Even though the car wears an excellent, ground-up restoration, it still presents a factory-correct appearance that’s been lightly upgraded with cool Minilite wheels and a modern, direct-fit radio.
Images courtesy of RK Motors
Traditional muscle cars are a lot of fun, especially if you’re looking for the thrill of driving something much rawer than today’s technological marvels. But, keep in mind, they can be a little moody since, after all, you are dealing with a decades-old car with decades-old technology.
RESTO-MOD
The next step up the muscle car ladder is probably the best compromise in the muscle car world: resto-mod. It’s a classic that has all the great style and character of a traditional muscle car, but adds choice modern components to increase drivability, performance and reliability. Resto-mods are highly appealing classics to folks who like to put their cars on the road and see the sights. That’s because resto-mods are 1) generally more livable than traditional muscle cars and 2) generally more affordable than pro-touring cars. Building on that second point, most resto-mods could almost be considered pro-touring lites, in that they aren’t so altered or modernized that they compromise character to serve a specific purpose.
A common feature of resto-mods is a better, often retrofitted drivetrain. Consider a 1957 Bel Air that’s swapped its old school 283/Powerglide set-up for a fresh LS3 and a modern 4L60E. But it doesn’t even have to be that drastic. How about a 1967 Chevelle that features a mid-70s small block and a catalog-bought Tremec 5-speed? As happens with Chevy 350s, different factory rear ends are sometimes swapped in, with 9-inch Ford axles being popular conversions in many makes of cars. Safety is usually improved, with retrofitted or upgraded power disc brakes joining retrofitted or upgraded power steering. Mild suspension modification is common, usually manifesting in tubular control arms, subframe connectors and/or traction bars. Rolling stock is generally larger, more expressive takes on timeless 5-spoke designs. And, while aesthetics stay largely traditional, they do begin to trend into the custom realm, with mods like filled markers and smoothed firewalls complementing things like shaved trim and modest interior upgrades.
Image courtesy of RK Motors
A fine example of what RK Motors would consider a resto-mod is this lust worthy Metallic Midnight Camaro. While much improved over factory settings, the driveline remains carbureted and traditional. A GM Performance Parts ZZ383 leads a Tremec 5-speed and a 12-bolt, posi-traction rear end that’s finished with bigger, 3.73 gears. A more refined driving experience is provided by subframe connectors, coil-over-shocks and four power-assisted disc brakes. Aesthetics maintain a familiar theme, but with several subtle twists. There’s trick metallic paint, better lighting and almost all of the car’s emblems have been shaved. Aggressive Foose wheels, traditional and 5-spoke in style, add 3-4 inches of diameter over stock Rallies to increase both perceived and actual athleticism. And inside, a sweet Houndstooth interior keeps it old school Detroit while comfort is enhanced by modern air conditioning, power windows, modern audio and a better steering wheel.
Images courtesy of RK Motors
PRO-TOURER
If traditional is one end of the street-focused muscle car spectrum, pro-touring is the other. Many pro-touring cars are, for all intents and purposes, modern machines under retro metal. More focused than their resto-mod peers, they’re often built with specific activities in mind like showing or amateur autocross. That said, pro-touring cars aren’t necessarily hard to live with, because years of advances in engineering now allow builders to weave excellent performance into easy drivability. Some pro-tourers are pretty extreme performers but can also double as awesome weekend cruisers. And many enthusiasts find them more fun to drive than traditional muscle because of that increased performance potential.
One defining characteristic of a pro-tourer is some form of aftermarket chassis, or significant portions of aftermarket chassis. Builders like The Roadster Shop and Art Morrison offer full set-ups that vastly improve the suspension geometry of classic cars, while firms like Detroit Speed and Heidts offer application-specific subframes that accomplish much of the same effect. That chassis is usually powered by an impressive, often one-off engine that’s supplemented with the latest and greatest transmission and a reinforced third member. Braking, steering and other ancillary components are upgraded with full systems from specialty companies like Wilwood or Classic Performance Products. Because most of these cars are built to make a statement, maximal, sometimes custom wheels highlight varying degrees of custom bodywork. And interiors, almost always installed by professional shops, are fully reimagined cocoons that feature rosters of modern technology.
Image courtesy of RK Motors
This exclusive, twin-turbo Camaro is a fantastic example of what RK Motors would consider a pro-tourer. Capable of producing up to 1,200 horsepower, this Chevy’s impressive big block is also happy gliding down random two-lanes. Under the car, fully upgraded mechanicals include a proven Turbo-Hydramatic 400, a narrowed, 4.11 axle, a full Detroit Speed suspension, a full Wilwood brake system and power rack-and-pinion steering. A low, rather traditional looking body stretches subtle mods around large-diameter Asanti wheels that have been coordinated with pearl Rally Stripes. And between the doors, $24K of professionally installed leather is detailed with modern air conditioning, modern audio, pushbutton ignition and a tilting Momo steering wheel.
Images courtesy of RK Motors
Aside from seriously pedigreed traditional muscle cars, pro-touring cars tend to be the most expensive classics on the market because of the resources and gestation put into their builds. However, that sort of specialization can sometimes be a drawback, as specialized parts and build techniques can be pricey and difficult to duplicate if something goes wrong.
Whatever kind of muscle car you’re shopping, they all share one thing in common: they’re a blast to own! And at RK Motors Charlotte, ALL our inventory is subjected to a multi-point inspection prior to being listed for sale. Additionally, we have a full staff of knowledgeable enthusiasts and ASE Certified technicians who will happily answer any questions you might have. Head on over to our inventory page and buy your next classic with confidence!