Muscle CAr Restoration

What We Do

Ready to transform your classic muscle car into a show-stopper?

At Real Rides, we’re specialists in the restoration and re-creation of iconic 1950s–1970s American and Australian muscle cars.

With decades of hands-on experience, we combine authentic components with modern performance upgrades to deliver powerful, precision-built vehicles that stay true to their heritage — and turn heads on the road or at the show.

Whether you’re after a factory-faithful rebuild or a heavily modified custom build, we’ll bring your vision to life with craftsmanship that speaks for itself.

Let’s bring your dream car back to life — contact us today to get started.

NZV8 FEATURES - COURTESY OF NZV8 MAGAZINE

Full Service Restoration Workshop

OUR TEAM

Real Rides Ltd began in 2006 as a one-man panel and paint shop in a small block garage.

From those early days, it has grown into one of New Zealand’s leading vehicle restoration workshops, earning multiple industry accolades — including the prestigious Mothers Shine Award, a mark of excellence recognised worldwide.

Today, our experienced team covers nearly every part of the process.

The growth has been significant, but the goal has remained the same: building street cars with precision, passion, and respect for their heritage.

our process

The Build Journey
From vision to ignition – see how your muscle car comes to life with Real Rides.

BUILD JOURNEY

01. CONCEPT

WHERE THE VISION STARTS

Every build begins with a conversation.
You bring the ideas, style, and purpose - we listen, plan, and shape the direction together.
This is where imagination meets experience.

02. PLAN

TURNING IDEAS INTO A ROADMAP

We map out the build - from drivetrain and body to paint and budget -
so you know what's involved before the first bolt turns.

03. BUILD

WHERE THE MAGIC (& MESS) HAPPENS

Our crew gets to work - fabrication, welding, shaping and painting.
Every detail is done by hand, every stage documented.
This is the heart of Real Rides.

04. COMPLIANCE

BUILT RIGHT. BUILT LEGAL.

Each project is checked and certified through LVVTA & engineering standards.
It's not just about how it looks - it's how it runs;,stops, and handles for real.

05. HANDOVER

THE FIRST DRIVE MOMENT.

The day every build leads to.
We walk you through every system, hand over your full build record,
and watch you take the wheel for the first time.
That's the payoff - for you and for us.

06. AFTERCARE

OUR STORY DOESN'T END AT DELIVERY

We stand behind every build long after it leaves the shop.
From follow-up checks to fine-tuning - we make sure your ride keeps performing
like the day it left Real Rides.

what our customers say

Two decades. Hundreds of builds. Countless hours in the workshop perfecting some of the most iconic muscle cars on the road. Here’s what our clients have to say about the Real Rides experience.

Client Testimonials

Got a project?

Ready to make your dream car a reality? Send us an email with a few pictures and an outline of what you want done and we'll let you know if it's something we'll take on.