Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
What if classic cars didn’t have to feel… old?
In this episode of Cars & Culture, host Jason Stein sits down with Rob Howard, Founder of Kindred Motorworks, from the backseat of a fully modernized 1966 Bronco—right in the heart of Las Vegas.
Kindred Motorworks is redefining what it means to own a vintage vehicle—blending timeless design with modern engineering, electric powertrains, and everyday drivability. From reimagined Broncos to fully electric VW buses, Rob shares how his team is transforming classic cars into something you can actually enjoy driving.
They dive into the shift away from “numbers matching” originality, the rise of restomods, and why today’s collectors are choosing experience over preservation. Rob also breaks down how his background in supply chain and logistics helped him build a scalable, high-quality restoration process—and why Kindred might be creating an entirely new category in the automotive world.
Plus, hear how investors like Robert Downey Jr. and Michael Strahan got involved, what’s next for Kindred, and why the future of vintage cars might be electric.
🔑 In This Episode:
- Why “numbers matching” cars are losing appeal
- How Kindred Motorworks modernizes classic vehicles
- Gas vs electric Broncos—what’s the difference?
- The rise of restomods and experience-driven ownership
- Behind the scenes of building 1,200+ part vehicles
- Scaling craftsmanship with supply chain innovation
- The future of vintage cars (and what’s coming next)
🚗 About Cars & Culture
Cars & Culture with Jason Stein explores the intersection of automotive innovation, design, and the people shaping the industry. From executives to entrepreneurs, each episode dives deep into the stories driving car culture forward.
🔔 Subscribe for More
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of mobility and car culture.
0:00 – Intro
2:08 – The Mission: Reinventing Classic Cars
5:07 – Why “Numbers Matching” Cars Are Dying
6:03 – The Frustration That Started Kindred
9:33 – The Hidden Problem with Restoring Old Cars
11:30 – Scaling a “Hand-Built” Car Company
12:15 – EV Broncos, VW Buses & What’s Next
15:43 – Balancing scarcity, brand value & growth
23:40 – The Future: Dealerships & a New Car Category
25:14 – Celebrity investors: Robert Downey Jr. & Michael Strahan
What if classic cars didn’t have to feel… old?
In this episode of Cars & Culture, host Jason Stein sits down with Rob Howard, Founder of Kindred Motorworks, from the backseat of a fully modernized 1966 Bronco—right in the heart of Las Vegas.
Kindred Motorworks is redefining what it means to own a vintage vehicle—blending timeless design with modern engineering, electric powertrains, and everyday drivability. From reimagined Broncos to fully electric VW buses, Rob shares how his team is transforming classic cars into something you can actually enjoy driving.
They dive into the shift away from “numbers matching” originality, the rise of restomods, and why today’s collectors are choosing experience over preservation. Rob also breaks down how his background in supply chain and logistics helped him build a scalable, high-quality restoration process—and why Kindred might be creating an entirely new category in the automotive world.
Plus, hear how investors like Robert Downey Jr. and Michael Strahan got involved, what’s next for Kindred, and why the future of vintage cars might be electric.
🔑 In This Episode:
- Why “numbers matching” cars are losing appeal
- How Kindred Motorworks modernizes classic vehicles
- Gas vs electric Broncos—what’s the difference?
- The rise of restomods and experience-driven ownership
- Behind the scenes of building 1,200+ part vehicles
- Scaling craftsmanship with supply chain innovation
- The future of vintage cars (and what’s coming next)
🚗 About Cars & Culture
Cars & Culture with Jason Stein explores the intersection of automotive innovation, design, and the people shaping the industry. From executives to entrepreneurs, each episode dives deep into the stories driving car culture forward.
🔔 Subscribe for More
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of mobility and car culture.
0:00 – Intro
2:08 – The Mission: Reinventing Classic Cars
5:07 – Why “Numbers Matching” Cars Are Dying
6:03 – The Frustration That Started Kindred
9:33 – The Hidden Problem with Restoring Old Cars
11:30 – Scaling a “Hand-Built” Car Company
12:15 – EV Broncos, VW Buses & What’s Next
15:43 – Balancing scarcity, brand value & growth
23:40 – The Future: Dealerships & a New Car Category
25:14 – Celebrity investors: Robert Downey Jr. & Michael Strahan
