Classic Recreations Reborn Powered by Velocity
Velocity Restorations at life in classic
The world of high-end restomods was jolted in mid-2025 when Classic Recreations—renowned for officially licensed Shelby continuation cars—filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Enthusiasts worried about the fate of an iconic name, and many customers found their carefully planned dream builds paused in uncertainty. Now, that story has taken a decisive turn. Velocity Restorations, a leader in re-engineered classics, has acquired the assets of Classic Recreations and set the stage for a disciplined, quality-focused revival.
Velocity brings a reputation forged on consistency, engineering rigor, and a vertically integrated production model. Under the renewed banner of Classic Recreations “Powered by Velocity,” the company has reintroduced the brand with a clearer identity, a tighter model lineup, and the kind of process control customers expect from a top-flight builder. Crucially, the team has secured a renewed licensing agreement with Carroll Shelby Licensing, Inc., ensuring that Shelby GT500 continuation models carry authentic Shelby serial numbers and remain part of the official Shelby Worldwide Registry. For collectors and drivers alike, that continuity matters—it preserves provenance while delivering the performance and usability that modern owners demand.
Inside Velocity’s 135,000-square-foot facility in Pensacola, Florida, the focus is on predictability without compromising craftsmanship. Each vehicle can require roughly 2,500 man-hours of coachbuilding, a scale of effort that reveals why careful planning and in-house control are so important. Velocity’s CEO, Stuart Wilson, has emphasized transparency and long-term stability as the guiding principles for the reimagined operation, with processes designed to minimize the delays and variations that have historically challenged low-volume, highly customized automotive builds.
This disciplined approach is especially significant for customers left in limbo by the bankruptcy. While original contracts remain with the former entity, the new leadership is proactively reaching out to those affected and offering a defined path forward. Owners can elect to transition their projects into Velocity’s system, with updated pricing and firm timelines. The promise is straightforward: to deliver the cars people have envisioned—finished to modern standards—through a process that is clear, communicative, and accountable.
The product roadmap follows the same philosophy. The refreshed Classic Recreations lineup centers on core, high-demand models that combine timeless looks with modern drivability and durability. Think refined suspensions that inspire confidence on contemporary roads, robust crate engines that offer reliable power, and advanced transmission systems that make every mile feel effortless. These are classics you can enjoy, not just admire.
Among the highlights is the 1967 Shelby GT500CR, a nameplate that speaks to generations of performance fans. In its latest form, it pairs a 427-cubic-inch crate engine rated at 545 horsepower with a Tremec manual transmission. Braking is handled by 13-inch Shelby/Wilwood hardware, and a Detroit Speed suspension brings the car’s dynamics into the present day. It’s the kind of build that captures the spirit of the original while delivering the confidence and capability of a modern machine.
There’s also a forward-looking edge to the relaunch. Velocity’s integration of advanced manufacturing partnerships, including carbon-fiber capabilities, hints at product evolution that respects the past but embraces new materials and methods. This blend of heritage and innovation is where many of the most compelling restomods now thrive—where weight savings, precision, and durability complement design that remains instantly recognizable.
The comeback isn’t only mechanical. A new Classic Recreations website offers a streamlined way to explore the updated lineup, understand specifications, and reserve build slots. Reservations for 2027 production are already open, a sign that the revived brand is planning on a long runway and a steady cadence rather than sporadic bursts. For an industry where trust is earned over time, that long view matters.
More broadly, the Classic Recreations revival marks a notable moment for American performance culture. Continuation cars and high-end restomods carry a special weight: they’re tributes to an era of raw, visceral machines, carefully updated so they can be used and enjoyed today. When a respected name falters, it shakes confidence across the community. When it returns with better systems, stronger partnerships, and renewed licensing, it reassures everyone—from the customer eyeing a build slot to the fan who simply loves seeing these cars on the road—that the lineage will endure.
In Pensacola, the hum of a large, integrated facility now backs the Classic Recreations name, bringing together engineering discipline, parts supply, and skilled hands under one roof. “Powered by Velocity” is more than a tag line; it’s an operating model that aims to deliver what enthusiasts value most: authenticity, reliability, and the thrill of a classic muscle car that feels at home in the modern world.
