Beyond the Restomod: How Kindred Motorworks Builds "Immortal" Classics | Cars & Bikes | Forbes

Key Concepts

• Modernized Vintage Cars: The process of restoring classic vehicles while integrating modern engineering, safety, and comfort features.
• Standardized Production: Moving away from one-off custom builds to a repeatable, high-quality manufacturing process.
• EV Drivetrain Integration: The complex engineering required to convert vintage platforms to electric power, including thermal management and charging infrastructure.
• Craftsmanship vs. Automation: A focus on manual labor (1,400 hours per vehicle) rather than robotic assembly.
• Original VIN Preservation: Maintaining the legal and historical identity of the original vehicle.

1. The Kindred Methodology: Standardization and Quality

Kindred’s core business model is built on the philosophy of "modernizing vintage cars" through a rigorous, repeatable process. Unlike traditional restoration shops that treat every project as a unique, one-off endeavor, Kindred tears down a specific model to its chassis, rebuilds it to a standardized specification, and puts it into production.

• The Process: Each vehicle undergoes approximately 1,400 hours of manual craftsmanship. By standardizing the build, the company learns from each iteration, allowing them to refine the engineering and eliminate the common "problems" associated with vintage ownership.
• The Goal: To create "immortal" cars that retain their original VINs and historical chain of custody while offering the reliability and enjoyment of a modern vehicle.

2. Engineering and Technical Specifications

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) represents a significant engineering challenge for the company. Kindred has invested heavily in developing a proprietary EV drivetrain that can be adapted across different models.

• EV Drivetrain Complexity: The conversion process involves reinventing heating, air conditioning, and cooling systems to function within the constraints of a vintage chassis.
• Charging and Power: The EV models feature Level 3 charging capabilities, providing modern convenience for classic aesthetics.
• Model Lineup:
  • Gasoline Bronco (1966–1977): The company’s inaugural model, priced at $199,000.
  • EV Bronco: A more powerful, tame-handling, and modern driving experience, priced at $225,000.
  • EV Bus (1954–1968): A platform the company believes is ideally suited for electric propulsion.

3. Design Philosophy: Curation of Old and New

Kindred emphasizes a "curation" approach, where modern technology is integrated into the vintage aesthetic without disrupting the classic feel.

• Essential Modern Features: Every build includes modern amenities such as high-quality audio systems and USB charging ports.
• Integration: The design team focuses on making these modern additions feel "natural" within the vintage interior, ensuring that the utility of the 21st century does not clash with the design language of the mid-20th century.

4. Market Positioning and Competitive Advantage

The founder, who spent 25 years restoring cars in his personal garage, identified a major gap in the market: the lack of reliability and serviceability in traditional restorations.

• The "Local Shop" Problem: Most vintage restorations are done by local shops that lack the scale to standardize knowledge. When a shop finishes a project, the lessons learned are often lost. Kindred differentiates itself by applying engineering rigor to every model, which is then applied across all future units of that model.
• Service and Warranty: A critical "unlock" for the vintage car market is the inclusion of dealer networks that provide service and warranties. This addresses the primary consumer fear regarding the maintenance of old vehicles.

5. Notable Quotes

• "We really believe these cars are immortal, and we're just making them available again to enjoy."
• "I knew if we applied technology and standardized this, that we could create a much higher quality modernized car that you could enjoy owning and enjoy driving."
• "Frankly, every bus should be electric. I think if they had electric back in the day, it probably would have been electric from day one."

Synthesis and Conclusion

Kindred is transforming the vintage car market by shifting from the "garage restoration" model to a standardized, engineering-led production framework. By focusing on 1,400 hours of manual craftsmanship per vehicle, maintaining original VINs, and integrating complex EV drivetrains, the company bridges the gap between historical nostalgia and modern reliability. Their strategy of introducing a new model every six months, supported by a dealer-based service and warranty network, positions them as a professionalized alternative to the fragmented, high-risk world of traditional classic car restoration.