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Want to Preserve Cars and the Hobby? Embrace Modifications
In the car world, we hear the word “preservation” quite a bit. For many, it means an uncompromising reverence for all-original classic automobiles that are just as they were when they were new, or close to it, despite the passage of time. Preservation has become a fundamental component of today’s car world, with special attention given to those cars that embody the term. At major car shows, “Preservation-Class” vehicles are seen as documents of history, roadmaps for restoration, and evidence of how things really were.
In 2024, a Preservation Class car took the top honor at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance for the first time in the event’s 73-year history. It was a defining moment for that class, and for the concours itself. This car—a 1934 Bugatti Type 59 from Fritz Burkard’s Pearl Collection—drew a clear line through elegance, usability and the visible evidence of time passed—a strong example of what preservation should represent, at least as it relates to tradition.
This development was well understood by the collector car community, and cheered on by those who believe in the celebration of history being at the core of the highest levels of the car world.
Outside of Pebble Beach’s white plastic chains, though, well away from the high-end auctions and fancy hats and perfectly manicured greens, there’s another view of preservation that’s arguably more consequential to the future of the car world. In the places where younger people gather around older cars, preservation can have a different meaning.
In that world, modification is preservation.
What Did You Say?
Sure, by most definitions, modification and preservation are in direct conflict. To modify something is to change something, after all, while preserving something is the antithesis of change. So, how can one complement the other?
“Modification and preservation are not polar opposites, they’re a different manifestation of exactly the same thing, which is essentially that all things are changing,” says Miles Collier, car collector, author of The Archaeological Automobile and founder of the hugely influential Revs Institute in Naples, FL. “Nothing in this world is fated to remain static. The forces of entropy, the effect of use and accident and misadventure all have a tendency to change automobiles from the way they started life to where they are today.”
In other words, cars exist in time and space just like we do. There are varying degrees of change over time, but change itself is inevitable, whether a car is carefully stored in factory configuration or given modern upgrades to make it more usable and keep it on the road.
Parking Lot Evidence
The key here is not necessarily to look at “preservation” as it relates to a specific car. Instead, the key is to consider it in a much broader context, as it relates to the collector car world in general.
Some lament that this world is shrinking, thanks to a general aging out and shifting demographics. Is it shrinking, though? No, that’s not happening. Is it evolving? Absolutely.
Here’s one example: I got a call from a friend on a Tuesday night. An Instagram-based group in Portland, Oregon called Wasted Space was putting on a pop-up car show—on four hours’ notice—in a parking lot at a mall about three miles away from my house. He wanted to go and I joined him, me in my LS-swapped 1967 C10 and him in his G-nose Datsun Z.
Wasted Space turns otherwise empty parking lots into pop-up car shows, generally with only a few hours’ notice. Despite a lack of marketing, lead time, or much overall organization, this is a popular event. About 400 cars showed up for this show, taking over a corner of a mall parking lot in the middle of the week and right in the middle of the rush hour commute.
The attendees shared a couple of things in common. First, their average ages, taken by straw poll, were from 16 to 30 years old. Then there were the cars—Subarus, Hondas, Nissans, Toyotas. RHD. JDM. Even modern exotics such as McLarens and Lamborghinis were on hand, drawing cell phone cameras and commentary. Every single one was modified, some heavily, and those mods started hundreds of conversations.
Granted, this is just once slice of a much bigger car culture pie, one evening in one little corner of the country, but it still felt important. These people are the future of the hobby, taking ownership of the moment in new ways, yet the edge in the air was familiar, the same any seasoned car person would remember from the cruising or street racing meetups of their own youth. It felt like tradition, redefined by social media and now under new ownership, surviving and thriving. At its heart were all the modifications. They were impossible to ignore.
Big Numbers
There’s a lot of money involved in keeping old cars on the road, and young people like the ones at Wasted Space are a huge part of that industry.
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) reports that the automotive aftermarket has a combined $337B economic impact, and that in 2024, the overall sales figure in the automotive aftermarket was $52B. Contrast that with the collector car auction market (the whole auction market, including both online and in-person events) itself worth “just” $3.6B in 2024, according to Hagerty.
And it’s more than just Boomers buying carburetors for their Camaros. SEMA’s 2025 demographics report states that there are more licensed drivers under the age of 25 than there were 20 years ago, and that they are buying used cars more frequently due in large part to the high cost of new cars. SEMA also claims these young people are driving the accessories market and tend to live more enthusiast-oriented lifestyles. Critically, more than 60% of specialty equipment sales in 2023 came from car people under the age of 45.
The data shows that modification trends younger, and there’s real excitement there that is reflected at SEMA’s cornerstone event every November, where tire smoke and rev limiters welcome the 160,000 attendees that head to the Las Vegas Convention Center to learn about what’s new in the automotive aftermarket.
YouTube content creator Zac Mertens (@Mister_Zachary) knows that well, both from his current content efforts and from his extensive experience as one of the former members of the multi-million-follower Hoonigan group. He’s hosted burnout events at SEMA and elsewhere, and currently builds high-profile high-power vehicles on his own YouTube channel.
“People like high horsepower stuff,” says Mertens. “[W]e are definitely living in a different generation and there’s different interests. But the one thing that is the constant is like people love raw badass power and speed … Pretty much everything I have is radical. When I fire up something that’s violent, it keeps me locked in and engaged what I’m doing, what I’m driving.”
Mertens thinks a lot of the same things get young people excited: “The litmus test for that would be, you know … my live show is Burnout Wars. And even through the Hoonigan years, when I had the Hoonigan Burnyard and I’d be hosting that … you’d get to see how captivated people are and the fact that they can wait … they can be outside in the sun for six straight hours just watching burnouts, where people bash limiters and slam the walls, you know. It just, it does really seal the deal that people are into this stuff still.”
That audience tends to be a young one, relatively speaking. Most of it is in the 26 to 40 range, but “there is still a very alive and well culture of kids that want to drive and want to modify these things and experience them. And that is still clearly booming because, realistically, if private equity is dumping so much money into trying to capture these aftermarket automotive companies, then there’s clearly something to that,” he adds.
A Blank Canvas
While the quiet concours green and the billowing tire smoke at SEMA are both celebrations of the automobile and of driving, there’s obviously some distance between the two. For most cars and for most people, the latter celebration is actually a lot more relevant than the former.
“[W]hat’s important about preservation and how thoughtful should we be about modification relates to a very small number of very important cars,” says Collier. When there’s “two of two left in the world and they’re both really original, that’s something else. That’s not even part of this discussion.”
Meanwhile, “all the other cars in this world, all of the 2002 BMW tiis, etc., etc., you can modify all the hell you want, because in my view, a modified car that’s still on the road doing its thing is way more interesting and useful than one that’s absolutely box-stock original and is never going to turn a wheel again.”
In addition to keeping cars on the road and “doing their thing,” Collier also sees embracing modification as a key to get people interested and involved in classic cars: “I think that the best way to engage young people is to give them a canvas on which they can express their creativity. I think the idea of completely inaccessible cars, which is what so many of the modern automobiles are, is a prescription to alienating young people from the idea that automobiles are a fascinating and beneficial place to spend time. And that’s the beauty of older cars. The whole point of being able to engage with older cars is you want to do stuff to ‘em. I absolutely endorse that … The reality is that cars have always been a canvas for people to write upon, sometimes because they’re enthusiasts … There’s a whole host of reasons.”
The New Graffiti
If modification can serve as an entry point for younger people in the old car world, how does that relate to the long traditions of collector cars? Can modification evolve into something else?
“Modification and preservation are greatly linked,” says Mertens.“ Modification keeps classic cars alive because you see what’s possible with them. When it comes to classic vehicles, and even when I say classic, I hate to say this, but it’s 2010 and earlier. We still have some sort of analog input. We still get a manual. The ability to change something to your own liking, I feel drives much more interest in cars than keeping it completely stock.”
He adds, though, that “as you grow older, I feel that you typically respect and you have a greater appreciation for what the factory did. And then that leads to that whole lifestyle of wanting to bring something back to that original form … But I think the catalyst for that appreciation comes from the modification of vehicles.”
“I think that the next wave of automobile engagement is going to be one that’s much more open-ended,” says Collier. “That’s why you have the effect of the events like car shows and things of this nature. That’s why Luftgekuhlt [the all-encompassing air-cooled Porsche show founded in 2014] is so popular. They’re extemporaneous, they’re fun, they’re free flowing, they’re open-ended. They’re not judgmental, you can show up with whatever the hell you want. This all sounds pretty healthy and good to me.”
Finally, Collier sees the link between young people modifying cars now with the show fields of the future: “Is there a natural progression from modification into traditional preservation classes? Sure. Absolutely. I mean, everybody can map out their own path and there will be certain people who become interested in things like original typology and configurations and they’ll really get into it. That’s a great thing.”
That progression is where we’ll find the future of our revered traditions in the collector car world—preservation and otherwise—and we’ll have today’s young enthusiasts and their modified rides to thank for it.
Good article. Lots of stories of long term owner cars that were modded by the teen-twenties owner, then made original by the same owner decades later even if that owner never had it in the stock form to begin with.
There’s also quite a few things where the “to market tastes” restomod is going to pull more money than the very original green bench seat inline 6 version. (I do appreciate those myself, but auctions show where the money is).
Well said – I agree 100%.
a G-nose Z-car in Portland?!?
I thought I was the only one!
Interesting article, I agree to keep the hobby alive modifying your favorite car to fit your personal needs and make it faster, more reliable, safer, or whatever plays a big role. While there’s a place for originality, there’s a lot of fun in modifying to enhance your driving experience.
Great article!
I own a limited edition Porsche, the 2004 “50 Years of the 550 Spyder Edition Boxster S.”
Only 1,953 were built, to pay tribute to the year the 550 Spyder was launched.
I drive this car. A lot. And I want to modify this car. But that brings the dilemma, how far to personalize and modify a limited production Porsche?
The car came with a special exhaust tip that mimics the one on the 550 Spyder. I wanted a more sonorous exhaust note. What to do?
I replaced the muffler, but kept the special edition tip and have it mounted on the wall of my garage.
I replaced the yellow corner marker lights with clear units. The originals are in storage.
I put on a different set of wheels, but the special edition originals are in storage.
I installed a flat bottom and thicker rimmed steering wheel, but it is in the matching cocoa leather. The original is in storage.
I have a Bluetooth dongle to allow music streaming to the factory head unit. I am loathe to install the Porsche Classic touchscreen radio with Car Play. But I might end up doing that.
I’m with Mr. Collier, modify them and enjoy them and keep them running.
Enjoy the drive.
I live in a state where doing any modifications to vehicles from 1976 on is virtually impossible because of very strict regulations. The only mods that you can get away with are a cat back exhaust or a CARB certified cold air intake. So what I have seen at car shows are extensive cosmetic modifications. Anything from giant rear wings to LED lighting adorning the engine compartment. Not to mention the ground shaking audio systems.
So yes, modifications are alive and well. One way or another.
I say “it takes all kinds”, and I appreciate them all (mostly – some appeal to me more than others). Vehicles, like so many other things in our lives, are expressions of who we are, and however we decide they should “exist” [in bone-stock factory form to the wildest mods imaginable] are the same as how we might paint a picture or write a story. I totally get the “it’s only original once” mindset, but I also enjoy seeing what people’s personalities and preferences can create – and those aftermarket numbers show that there are obviously a LOT of folks out there who have ‘something to say’ in the form of their rides.
I agree. I never have fully understood the idea of modifying a car with a lot of changes (engine/trans/exhaust/wheels/tires etc) and then when talking about all that, they say” but I kept all the original parts so it can be put back to stock”. Most people who buy modified cars AREN’T going to put it back stock. They’re buying it because it already has changes they would make anyhow.
No they won’t put it back to stock, and neither will whoever buys it but the point is that it COULD be put back and there’s value in that capability.
The “does it come with the original wheels?” Guys are the ones that really drive me nuts.
So, this car had ugly wheels, that I paid a good sum of money to get rid of. You expect me to haul them around through 30-40 years of house moves, storage units, etc., just because you’re too lazy to go on EBay and click three times? Sorry, you’ll just have to put up with the BBS Modular’s and Hankook RS4s I put on.
That there is funny – and true! 😂
Completely agree. While CO has emissions testing along the front range, there are still lots of improvements that can be made to keep the car yours and moving. Having a ‘13 Boss 302 LS it already qualifies as collectible (~700 built) but seeing that the values of ‘in the wrapper’ cars are dropping I see no reason not to modify the car to my liking. I will keep all the original parts if my son wants to bring it back to OEM when I can no longer get in and out.
There are ways to modify late model cars and keep them on the road in CA. My ’95 Mustang Cobra R is a great example.
I’ve performed extensive modifications to mine from top to bottom and front to back. The original F&R suspension was removed and thrown into a dumpster. It now has world class race quality frame and suspension. The original cast iron 351W is gone and was replaced by a N/A 636hp 430 CID aluminum 4-bolt stroker with Holley HP EFI (that weighs less than a 289). This is backed up by a blueprinted Viper T56 and a Torsen diff. The POS cloth seats got the dumpster treatment as well. Huge brakes slow it down. It weighs ~2,900lbs. This stuff does not come cheap.
This is just a small sample of what has been done. The list is extensive. I use a loophole to keep it registered. I’ll let you figure that out.
This thing is way badass but looks totally stock (from the outside). It is not a drag car. It is set up for road course.
I do get a lot of dirty looks from soccer moms. 8^)
I was even approached by a cop here in LA. I told him “It’s a street legal factory race car.” I did not offer to open the hood. He just smiled.
Keep in mind kids, don’t try this at home.
YMMV (your mileage may vary).
Not really helpful to state “there are ways” but then tell us kids not to use your loopholes…..It’s probably not your stock looking car that’s getting the dirty looks from soccer moms.
I always wanted a Datsun Roadster and ended buying a non-running 1600. When I was looking at getting a parts car (yeah, I did that…), the seller says “Oh you’re a hot rod kinda guy, so you’ll probably want this 93 KA24DE engine and 5 speed too, it’s a bolt in with this swap kit”. I put in the KA24DE with its ECU, wiring harness and voila’. Instant Hot Rod!!! I got to drive a stock 1600 roadster and I will say I would have very disappointed if I would have kept mine stock.
Very insightful article. The two automotive communities in which I have been involved that have always been a successful blend of restoration and modification are the Fiero community and the Jeep community. My 1985 one owner Fiero is bone stock and becoming more of a rarity because of that fact. My 2013 Jeep Wrangler Sahara is mildly modified, and I feel that it is better for it. Even people I know who work for the Jeep brand at Stelantis believe that a stock Wrangler is a blank canvas waiting to be personalized.
I have to agree with you about the Fiero. There’s quite a few aftermarket restoration products available for Fiero. Using those helps keep the Fiero almost original but not exactly. Fieros are great the way they were/are.
Purists will say that modifying a car ruins it. I will argue that many well preserved classics have been ruined by “restoration”.
I always considered my self to be a purist. But then I realized that I did not install a stock muffler, went to a tuned header system, I changed all the incandescent bulbs to LEDs. Installed seat belts, peroid correct wood steering wheel. Installed larger pistons and cylinders, upgraded the transmission input shaft and other modifications. I am not a purist by any means. I was just lying to myself. Now that I have this new found honesty, I will continue to rationalize every new modification as needed for safety and yes I put the original bulbs, headlight glass and other parts on the shelf thinking that the next owner will be thrilled to get them. It’s really just a great way of filling empty shelf space with cool looking parts.
Resto-mod in the name of a solution to keep a classic on the road is my definition of necessary evil. Look no further than tires. It’s getting near impossible to find 14” and 15” performance tires, let alone the right profile and made by a reputable company. With my first generation Miata, I almost had to forsake its stock 14” lightweight aluminum rims last year when I finally replace its aging, unobtanium BF Goodrich RE72s.
So I ask, what does everyone else do?
I would be hard pressed to modify my two other classic cars (‘95 VTEC Prelude and ‘78 Civic) in any way that deviated from the original mechanicals, but one day I may have no choice.
My 28 year old son is an old school hotrodder, in the modern sense of the word. He loves trucks. He has a 76 C10 stepside that is still original. No power steering and no power brakes. His first modified truck was a 72 C10 that he cut the frame, put on a short bed, and put a 5.3 LS motor in. Now, he has a lowered 2000 Chevy Silverado single cab short bed with a 6.0 LS motor and a Tremec 6 speed manual transmission. He drives it to work all week and autocrosses it on the weekend against all types of sports cars. He has put a lot of money and time into his hobby. This weekend he won his class at the C10 Nationals in Fort Worth. In March we drove it to Bowling Green Kentucky for the Truck Shoot Out. He ran it in the autocross competition and the start stop competition. He is always talking about the people that he meets and the other cars and trucks that he’s seen.
All old hotrodders talk about their memories of a special car, day, or place. My son will be the old hotrodder talking about these times 40 years from now.
👍👍👍
Love it.
Couldn’t agree more with Collier’s comments regarding the difference between the truly special cars and those that people (typically owners) think are special.
These people will chastise and belittle the most minute change (Ferrari fender shields anyone?), even when thousands upon thousands of examples of the model have been built.
While I don’t understand this sentiment, I do respect the fact that we all have our own reasons for being part of the hobby.
Tend to disagree; preservation & modification are different. To keep an original, ‘preservation’ car on the road, you’ll eventually have to replace belts, hoses, filters, etc.; routine maintenance as if the car were in use 50 years ago. NOS or similar when possible, even saving the old parts. OR, a fully static car, not driven, preserved as piece of history in a museum or collection.
That’s a good thought. When does preservation become modification? If i use non OEM restoration parts, is that really a modification? My priority is to keep the car drivable and safe even if the parts are not OEM or NOS, and even if the parts are not up to OEM quality because that’s the only thing available at a reasonable cost.
We can’t all be Pebble Beach millionaires. There is no hobby unless it’s a big, inclusive tent catering to all interests. Come to think of it; here we are at Hagerty which does exactly that!