This '79 CJ-5 got the full restoration treatment—rebuilt 304 V8 mated to a three-speed manual, Rough Country suspension, period-correct wheels. It's the kind of restomod that respects what made these things work in the first place, not some overstyled influencer build masquerading as authenticity.

This '49 Jeepster wears a 350ci V8 and TH350 automatic—the restomod playbook executed competently but without conviction. Mustang II front end, power disc brakes, modern comfort touches. It's the kind of build that works fine but raises a question: why not go all-in on what made the original interesting.