What is an Outlaw?
(Taken from another site. Paraphrase). Although many people often hear the terms “Restomod” and “Restoration” being used almost interchangeably in the classic and collectible car marketplace, there is a big difference between the two descriptions. What the two terms do have in common is that they are both ways of describing the result of bringing an antique or classic car back to the appearance and performance it had when it was new. The decision to restore a car as either a “restomod” or a “restoration” job will usually depend on the age and value of a particular vehicle, and of course, the taste and the budget of the person performing the work.
A true “restoration” is a vehicle that has been reassembled with the goal of bringing it back to factory-stock condition only. A “restomod” job is defined as a vehicle that has been put back together with the addition of new modern or aftermarket parts that were not on the vehicle when it came from the factory. This makes a “restomod” a car with a combination of both factory original parts and some new parts designed to improve the performance or appearance of a vehicle, like putting a modern engine in it to make it more drivable, or painting a car in a new color that the original factory did not offer at the time of manufacture.
A car falls into the “restoration” category when it is restored back to the exact original specifications it had when it left the factory assembly line. Enhanced performance and drivability are not part of a true “restoration.” Instead, the goal is simply making the vehicle as factory-correct as possible. Cars that are super-rare or valuable are usually worth the most when in they are in “restored” condition. This means every nut and bolt on the car needs to be the same as original, and if the car is going to get high marks for its “restoration” job, everything on it must be compared to the original factory specifications.
Both “restorations” and “restomods” are recognized as legitimate collectible vehicle classes today, and both classes are judged separately and scored by different methods. While some of the rarest cars may be worth their most in “restored” condition, cars that are more common might be worth more in “restomod” condition, and in the end, which route you choose to take will ultimately depend on your own tastes and desires.
A true “restoration” is a vehicle that has been reassembled with the goal of bringing it back to factory-stock condition only. A “restomod” job is defined as a vehicle that has been put back together with the addition of new modern or aftermarket parts that were not on the vehicle when it came from the factory. This makes a “restomod” a car with a combination of both factory original parts and some new parts designed to improve the performance or appearance of a vehicle, like putting a modern engine in it to make it more drivable, or painting a car in a new color that the original factory did not offer at the time of manufacture.
A car falls into the “restoration” category when it is restored back to the exact original specifications it had when it left the factory assembly line. Enhanced performance and drivability are not part of a true “restoration.” Instead, the goal is simply making the vehicle as factory-correct as possible. Cars that are super-rare or valuable are usually worth the most when in they are in “restored” condition. This means every nut and bolt on the car needs to be the same as original, and if the car is going to get high marks for its “restoration” job, everything on it must be compared to the original factory specifications.
Both “restorations” and “restomods” are recognized as legitimate collectible vehicle classes today, and both classes are judged separately and scored by different methods. While some of the rarest cars may be worth their most in “restored” condition, cars that are more common might be worth more in “restomod” condition, and in the end, which route you choose to take will ultimately depend on your own tastes and desires.
Details matter
The previous owner of this 911 SC had the door panel restored per the “before” photo. But I wanted it to look just the way it did when it left the Porsche factory. You can see the result for yourself.
Here's an SC engine in progress, looking at it from the back, where you can see the pressure plate. All of the black engine tin surrounding the engine has been cleaned and re-anodized. The red air guides are hard to find in good condition. And they're no longer available, so I cleaned up and refinished the existing one.
Here's the finished product. Notice the plated parts and the lack of glossy spray products. 
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Upgrades matter
Sometimes an upgrade can be a great idea, provided it’s an acceptable one. Take, for example, a headlight. The photo at left shows the original, small U.S. spec. headlights. They are dim and unsafe. The photo on the right shows the H4 headlight I used to replace it. It’s simply better, and Porsche enthusiasts agree that it’s an acceptable upgrade.
Another valued upgrade is adjustable spring plates. These let you easily change the height of the car to improve the handling and appearance. I put a lot of work into this one. Note how clean every part is. Moreover, I plated every bolt and spring to prevent corrosion, and I increased the size of the torsion bars. You won't see it, but it's there.
Extra points to anyone who recognizes this part. It’s a vintage alarm system. They’re all but un-foilable, even by the most savvy car thief, but they’re also a pain when you lose your key (and most keys are lost). I’m in process of replacing the keyhole with a pushbutton so owners can use their alarm system worry-free.
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Want to unload the heap you found behind your grandparents’ shed?
There’s no shame in not wanting the old Porsche you found behind your grandparents’ abandoned garage. Let’s talk. I’ll gladly take it off your hands.
There’s no shame in not wanting the old Porsche you found behind your grandparents’ abandoned garage. Let’s talk. I’ll gladly take it off your hands.