The preservation and restoration of automobiles is the mechanical or cosmetic repair of cars or trucks. Restoration means removing, replacing, or repairing the parts of a vehicle, while preservation means keeping the original components.

Though automotive restoration is commonly defined as the reconditioning of a vehicle from “original condition” in an effort to return it to like-new or better condition, there are many styles of which a vehicle can be restored, any of which can be performed at the discretion, desire, or taste of a vehicle owner or restorer.

Traditional restoration is characterized as returning a vehicle back to its original condition or better in an effort to return it to like-new or better condition.

Resto-modification, also known as resto-modding, is when you take an old car and modernize it with an updated engine, suspension, brakes, tires and/or electronics.

Complete restoration includes not only repair of the parts that can be seen – the body, trim, chrome, wheels, and the passenger compartment – but also the components that are not necessarily visible or otherwise evident, including the engine and engine compartment, trunk, frame, driveline, and all ancillary parts like the brakes, accessories, engine cooling system, electrical system, etc.

Replica, re-creation, or tribute, is a vehicle that has been modified to appear like another car or truck entirely, or like a more desirable version of that same vehicle.

Preservation of exterior wear is characterized as leaving an antique car’s body and paint unrestored and in an ‘as-is’ condition, or by preserving patina. Vintage vehicles with patina are often valued for their originality and historical significance, not for the quality of restoration.