The Art of the Restomod: A New Standard for Classic Cars

The automotive restoration industry has undergone a significant transformation over the past two decades. The era of the "trailer queen"—a perfectly preserved, numbers-matching classic that is too valuable to drive—is slowly giving way to a more pragmatic and exhilarating philosophy: the restomod. This movement prioritizes drivability and performance, seamlessly blending the timeless aesthetics of vintage sheet metal with the reliability and safety of modern mechanicals. At the forefront of this movement, operating out of the vibrant car culture hub of Music City, is Nashville NA Builds. This shop has built a reputation not just for restoring cars, but for re-imagining them—turning beloved classics into daily-drivable, high-performance machines that offer the best of both eras.

What is Restomod? Unpacking the Philosophy

To understand the work of Nashville NA Builds, one must first understand the restomod ethos. The term itself is a portmanteau of "restoration" and "modification," but the reality is far more nuanced than a simple parts swap. A true restomod begins with a full restoration of the body and chassis, ensuring the car is structurally sound and free from rust. However, unlike a pure restoration, which uses OEM-spec parts to return the car to its factory delivery condition, a restomod deliberately replaces those parts with modern upgrades.

This distinction is critical. A pure 1967 Ford Mustang restoration might celebrate its original 289ci V8 and drum brakes. A restomod version, by contrast, might feature a brand-new Ford Coyote crate engine, a Tremec six-speed manual transmission, and a fully independent suspension system with four-wheel disc brakes. The goal is not to preserve history in amber, but to enjoy it on modern roads. As Hagerty expertly defines in their primer on the genre, a restomod is built to be driven, offering the driver a sensory experience that rivals a brand new sports car while retaining the soul and character of the original design. This philosophy has exploded in popularity, driven by enthusiasts who want their classics to keep up with, and even outperform, modern traffic.

Why Nashville NA Builds? The "NA" Specialty and Beyond

While many shops perform general restomod work, Nashville NA Builds has carved out a specific and highly respected niche. The "NA" in their name refers directly to the first generation Mazda Miata MX-5, produced from 1989 to 1997. This car, widely celebrated as the world's best-selling two-seat sports car, is the perfect platform for the restomod philosophy. Its chassis is light, agile, and brilliantly balanced, but its factory 1.6L or 1.8L engine produced modest power that, by modern standards, leaves some drivers wanting more. Its interior, while charmingly simple, features 1990s economy car plastics and lackluster sound systems.

Masters of the Mazda Miata

Nashville NA Builds started with a singular focus: to unlock the full potential of the NA Miata. They recognized that these cars had brilliant bones that were worthy of modern drivetrain technology. Their expertise includes performing flawless engine swaps, such as the wildly popular K24 swap from the Honda Civic Si, or installing Flyin’ Miata turbo kits to safely and reliably double the car’s horsepower. But their work goes far beyond power. They upgrade the suspension with modern coil-overs, reinforce the chassis with strut bars and roll cages, and completely rework the interior with modern seats, digital gauges, and high-quality sound deadening. This specialization has made them a destination shop for Miata purists who want a taste of modern performance without abandoning the car's fundamental character.

Expanding into American Muscle and European Icons

The methodology perfected on the Miata proved to be directly transferable to other platforms. The same attention to weight distribution, chassis rigidity, and driver engagement that makes a great Miata also applies to a 1967 Mustang, a 1980s BMW E30, or a Chevrolet Chevelle. Nashville NA Builds expanded their portfolio to take on these iconic models, applying their "no-compromise" engineering approach. They don't just throw parts at a car; they engineer solutions. Whether it's fabricating custom mounts for an LS3 V8 or designing a modern air conditioning system that fits seamlessly behind a vintage dashboard, their work is characterized by a meticulous, problem-solving approach that prioritizes the end driving experience.

Core Technologies: The Modern Restomod Toolbox

The heart of any Nashville NA Builds project lies in the intelligent selection and integration of modern technology. They are not bound to a single parts catalog; rather, they curate the best components from various industries to achieve the client's specific goals. Here is a look at the key technological cornerstones of their builds.

Powertrain Conversions

The engine is the soul of a restomod. For American muscle cars like the Chevelle or Mustang, the GM LS engine family remains the gold standard. The LS3, LS7, and supercharged LT4 crate engines offer incredible horsepower, lightweight construction, and modern reliability, including electronic fuel injection and coil-on-plug ignition. For their beloved Miatas, the K24 swap has become the modern classic, offering a high-revving, reliable 200+ horsepower in a package that weighs barely more than the original engine. Flyin' Miata, a leader in Miata performance parts, provides much of the hardware that makes these conversions robust and repeatable. Looking forward, Nashville NA Builds is actively involved in the growing trend of EV restomods. Converting a classic like an E30 BMW or an NA Miata to electric power eliminates oil leaks, exhaust noise, and maintenance headaches, creating a silent, torque-filled driving experience that is both luxurious and incredibly fast.

Chassis and Suspension

Power is nothing without control. A classic car's handling is often defined by vague steering, excessive body roll, and outdated braking systems. Nashville NA Builds addresses these issues head-on. They install modern coil-over suspension systems from brands like Ohlins and Fox, featuring adjustable damping and ride height. Subframe connectors and seam welding are used to stiffen the chassis, providing a solid foundation for the suspension to work. Braking systems are completely overhauled with large diameter rotors and multi-piston calipers from Wilwood and Brembo. This results in a car that can stop confidently and carve canyon roads with the precision of a modern sports car, transforming a stressful vintage drive into a relaxing thrill.

Interior and Electronics

The interior is where the driver interacts with the car, and Nashville NA Builds ensures that interaction is modern and intuitive. They specialize in integrating modern infotainment systems that look period-correct. This might involve hiding a high-quality Bluetooth amplifier behind a factory radio, or installing a fully digital dash display from companies like Racepak or Holley. Digital dashers like those from Racepak provide critical data like boost pressure, air/fuel ratio, and tire temperature, while allowing for a customizable layout. They also specialize in air conditioning systems, using compact Sanden compressors and modern evaporators that deliver ice-cold AC without cluttering the engine bay or interior. The goal is to make every drive comfortable, whether it is a 30-minute commute or a 1,000-mile road trip.

Signature Projects: A Portfolio of Icons

The best way to appreciate the capabilities of Nashville NA Builds is to examine their portfolio. Each project is a case study in thoughtful engineering and bespoke craftsmanship.

The 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback Restomod: This project took a beloved first-generation Mustang and transformed it into a genuine world-beater. The original 289 was replaced with a Gen 3 Ford Coyote 5.0L crate engine producing 460 horsepower, paired with a Tremec T56 Magnum six-speed manual transmission. The suspension was completely redesigned with a front coil-over conversion and a three-link rear setup. Inside, the classic "Pony" interior was re-trimmed in premium leather, with a custom center console housing a modern touchscreen with Apple CarPlay.

The 1980s BMW E30 "Restomod Hybrid": The E30 is a beloved chassis, known for its sublime steering feel and balanced handling. However, its engines are often underpowered and, with age, unreliable. Nashville NA Builds offers a solution that respects the car's legacy. Rather than a radical LS swap, they often install a modern BMW S54 inline-six from an E46 M3, providing a significant bump in horsepower while retaining the high-revving, naturally aspirated character that makes the E30 so fun. They complement this with a refreshed suspension, larger brakes, and a modernized electrical system. This creates a car that feels perfectly like a factory-built M3 that BMW never made.

The Classic Chevrolet Chevelle Pro-Touring Restomod: This is restomod for the muscle car purist. The goal was to create a car that could dominate a road course while still turning heads at a cars and coffee. The Chevelle received a polished LS3 6.2L V8, a 4L80E overdrive automatic transmission, and a Detroit Speed & Engineering Quadra-Link rear suspension system. The interior features Dakota Digital gauges and Vintage Air climate control. The exterior, finished in a deep, modern PPG paint, retains its factory sheet metal but sits aggressively over a set of 18-inch Forgeline wheels. This car represents the pinnacle of the "Pro-Touring" movement: a classic icon with the handling of a Corvette.

The Definitive Mazda Miata NA Build: This is the shop's cornerstone. A typical "NA Build" at Nashville starts with a rust-free chassis, which is stripped to bare metal. The chassis is seam-welded and fitted with a Flyin' Miata stage 2 suspension kit with Fox coil-overs. Power comes from a K24a2 engine swap, mated to a lightweight flywheel and a six-speed gearbox. The interior is race-inspired, with a custom roll bar, Corbeau seats, and a quick-release steering wheel. The result is a car that weighs just 2,200 pounds, produces over 200 wheel horsepower, and handles like a go-kart. It is the ultimate expression of the "less is more" philosophy.

The Investment and the Client Experience

Commissioning a restomod from a shop like Nashville NA Builds is not simply a purchase; it is a partnership. The process begins with a detailed consultation to understand the owner's vision, driving style, and budget. Do you want a track-focused Miata, a luxurious highway cruiser Mustang, or a balanced weekend warrior Chevelle? The shop then creates a detailed build sheet and manages the entire process from disassembly to final tuning.

The investment case for restomods has never been stronger. The collector car market has recognized that numbers-matching, original cars are becoming too fragile to drive. As a result, well-executed restomods have seen a massive surge in value. Platforms like Bring a Trailer have dedicated categories for restomods, and top-tier builds regularly sell for prices that exceed their original counterparts. This is because a restomod offers liquidity and usability. It is an asset you can drive, enjoy, and take on adventures, rather than an artifact that sits idle in a garage. Nashville NA Builds provides meticulous documentation of their work, including thousands of photos, dyno sheets, and receipts, ensuring that their cars are highly desirable on the open market.

The Future of Restomod at Nashville NA Builds

The industry is constantly evolving, and Nashville NA Builds is positioned at the cutting edge. The most significant shift on the horizon is mass-market electrification. As internal combustion engines become more restricted in urban areas, the EV restomod will become an increasingly attractive option. The shop is actively developing conversion kits for the NA Miata that use Tesla or Nissan Leaf drive units, paired with custom battery packs that fit where the transmission and fuel tank used to be. This allows the car to retain its 50/50 weight distribution while gaining instant torque and zero emissions.

Furthermore, the integration of "smart car" technology is on the rise. Future builds may feature automated driving aids, adaptive cruise control, and GPS-based suspension tuning. Nashville NA Builds continues to invest in the latest fabrication and diagnostic technology to ensure they can offer these features without compromising the classic aesthetic. Their commitment to the "NA" philosophy—simple, light, fun—guides every innovation. They use technology to enhance the driving experience, not to numb it.

Conclusion

Nashville NA Builds represents the gold standard of the modern restomod movement. They understand that a classic car is more than just a collection of parts; it is an emotional connection to a past era. By infusing that emotional connection with the confidence and performance of modern engineering, they unlock the true potential of these automotive icons. Whether you are looking to transform a humble Mazda Miata into a tarmac-shredding weapon, or turn a stately Chevelle into a cross-country touring car, Nashville NA Builds has the vision, the skill, and the passion to build the modern classic of your dreams.