What better way to start than with a 911? Such is the current fascination with air-cooled backdating, optimization, evocation or whatever it’s called this week that we could easily do six of the best 911 restomods. And there’s plenty more to come. But it’s not hard to see the appeal, even though hot 911s have become a much more expensive business over the past decade. There are so many possibilities and so much potential that the only real limit is your budget. This RSR Tribute is the perfect example of what can be achieved, one tenth the price of the real thing with a host of upgraded parts and a fantastic retro look. It has actually been around in this form since 2006 and has been known to the dealer for many years. With 320bhp from a 3.4-litre flat-six and only a ton to move, plus KW shocks and LSD to keep things under control, this should be an absolute riot.

It might feel like we’ve seen it all for reimagined E-Types, from replica racers to electric conversions, but there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of V12s. Perhaps it still has to struggle with being the least popular engine of the time, but this car perfectly shows the impressive possibilities of a newer car. Now a 6.1-liter V12 (standard is 5.3) thanks to Rob Beere Racing, this E-Type produces over 400 hp at the wheels and features Jenvey throttle bodies, JE pistons, fast road cams and more – a five-speed gearbox and the sports exhaust should make the most of it. Handling is ensured by polybuses everywhere, gas adjustable shock absorbers, big brakes and better anti-roll bars. All wrapped up in the most evocative sports car shape ever, upgraded with some nice little details like modified bumpers and grilles, 16-inch wheels and LED lights. Long live the E-Type restomod!

Now, it would be great if we could all spend six-figure sums on an E-Type or a 911 made perfect, but that’s not realistic. And while £30,000 is a lot for a classic Mini, it does make it a bit more approachable. And, just as important, this one just looks a lot of fun; not for purists with a Vauxhall engine under the hood, fully adjustable suspension, braided hoses and Yokohama Advan tyres, but who cares when the result looks like this? The Surf Blue Mini was also featured in a magazine, where it was described as “as much art as it is machine” – we’d totally agree. As if the exterior wasn’t good enough, be sure to check out the interior. The shifter, roll cage and CAE harnesses allude to intent, with the gorgeous padding and wheel bringing the style. An utterly wonderful Mini – and surely much cheaper to buy now than trying to build from scratch.

I hope you also have a saved search in the classifieds for “Alfaholics”. Because no matter what classic Alfa has been serviced and what’s been done, you just know it’s going to be good. Fantastic, even. That’s the reputation the Clevedon-based company has built for itself in making spectacular Alfa Romeo restomods. And while this 1968 coupe isn’t a full-fledged Alfaholics build, it comes with a huge range of parts totaling £36,000 when ordered and refitted in 2015. You won’t have to wait seven years neither for this one. Almost everything you can see (and a lot you can’t), from the big 2.0-litre valve engine (with billet rods) to the wheels, pedals, shocks, steering arms and shock absorbers , comes from Alfaholics. The best of the best, in short. For fast road and track use with maybe an odd sprint for fun, the little old Alfa would surely be just about perfect.

That ups the ante somewhat, given how many other cars could be had for close to half a million, but if restomods are about classic and modern methods, they’re not much better than a Superformance GT40 . They are the only officially sanctioned continuation cars, meaning they are true-to-original GT40s, albeit built decades later. Maybe not a restomod in the conventional sense then (if anyone can actually agree on what that is), but a spectacular racing car nonetheless. Even by that exalted standard, some are more special than others, and the P2262 chassis has to be one of them; it’s a Goodwood winner, taking the checkered flag first in the 2017 Whitsun Trophy. Even in a more muted colorway than the one we’re used to seeing GT40s wear, it’s absolutely stunning; with an FIA HTP until 2026, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be a race winner again in the very near future…

Now that’s smart. We all know there are plenty out there who like to look cool cruising around the capital in an old Defender. But with so many people these days, it can be hard to stand out from the crowd. And ULEZ’s expansion means a whole range of diesel-powered cars, like this one once was, will drive daily charging; even if you live in Queens Park and work in Mayfair, it would be boring. This Twisted build solves both of those issues: an engine swap to the 2.3-litre Ford Ecoboost means it’s ULEZ-free (and no longer slower than continental drift), and a cruiser-like look ’70s beachwear means this is a Defender unlike any other. And looks brilliant, too, it must be said. Over 700 hours have gone into creating the Goddess Lincoln Green, and although it’s only a two-seater at the moment, eight can be carried. You’ll be the most popular parent in no time.