We seem to be in a golden age of restomods at just about every level of the market. Some companies do relatively modest updates of classic SUVs with modern V8s and interior amenities, and others go all out with completely custom interiors and exteriors. Some famous car designers such as Ian Callum are even getting in on the business. Not everyone seems to feel all this effort on restomods is good, though. In fact, the man behind the boutique supercar manufacturer Oilstainlab is fed up with people being so focused on the past. Let The Airing Of Grievances Commence Nikita Bridan is the CEO and co-founder of Oilstainlab. The company revealed its first planned supercar in 2024 called the HF-11, a mid-engine supercar, of which only 25 would be built. The intention is for it to weigh under 2,000 pounds and make up to 1,200 horsepower. It also has a unique design, though one that does take some inspiration from other famous sports cars. For instance, the round headlights are definitely reminiscent of classic 911s.OilstainlabsThis context is important to keep in mind because they help show where Bridan is coming from in regard to his complaints that so much effort is being spent on vintage cars, rather than something new. Does he ever have complaints, too, as you can read in his LinkedIn post at this link. We've also included some key quotes below."To obsessively rebuild the past is to quietly admit defeat in the present. A fearful and pessimistic nostalgia. It is a glittering declaration that humanity, driving and experience has peaked.That the future can never be better.So, instead of doing the hard, optimistic work of engineering, solving problems, and creating new technologies, the restomodders peddle fearful nostalgia."-Nikita Bridan, CEO of OilstainlabIn case you don't feel like reading the whole thing, Bridan takes a dim view of the restomod business from a number of angles. He seems to lament historic vehicles being changed, often irreversibly and very expensively, for potentially minimal gain. He also seems to feel that many restomodders are taking an easy way out to creating vehicles by updating a classic vehicle that won't have to go through expensive certification required of clean-sheet cars. Though, the core of Bridan's arguments seem to be that he wants people to create new, never-before-seen vehicles for people to be excited about, just like the designers of the cars these restomodders are working on."But the legends who penned those original machines wouldn't be flattered. They’d look at a 50-year-old chassis, sprinkled with 5-axis milled aluminum, and ask: 'Why are you still playing with our old toys? Why haven't you built something better?'"-Nikita Bridan, CEO of OilstainlabHe May Have Some Points, But Also May Go Too FarYes, Bridan may come off as a bit abrasive with his statements, but we don't think he's totally off base. The number of restomod vehicles in the world does seem a bit absurd, especially with certain models like the Porsche 911. These vehicles get an enormous amount of attention and command wild prices, too, and it sometimes seems like people are more obsessed with the past than with creating something new and better.With that said, many high-end restomod products are so much more than just throwing expensive parts on a rusty old car. Many involve significant reengineering and restyling that make them almost completely new. This is the case with some Singer models that have completely custom engines, or even projects from Ringbrothers with extreme bodywork changes. Many of these vehicles also have incredible craftsmanship that shouldn't be belittled. Modifying existing cars is also a way for some companies to transition to more amazing projects. Oilstainlab itself gained notoriety for a custom 911 called the Half-11.How about you? What do you think about Bridan's complaints? Let us know in the comments below.Source: LinkedIn / Nikita Bridan