KINDRED MOTORWORKS

Tucked inside a reimagined naval shipyard on Mare Island, inside the San Francisco Bay—once a fortress of U.S. maritime muscle—Kindred Motorworks is quietly crafting something rare: vintage vehicles reborn with modern precision and just the right hint of indulgence. Founded in 2019 by tech entrepreneur and lifelong car obsessive Rob Howard, Kindred blends old-world charm with cutting-edge engineering in the most California-cool way possible.



After building two successful tech companies and spending decades restoring vintage cars for fun, Rob had a revelation: the restoration world was ripe for reinvention. Rob traded chaotic timelines and unpredictable outcomes for something smoother, smarter, and far more refined. Think less “weekend wrenching,” more “bespoke automotive atelier.” Kindred’s mission? Take the classics we romanticize and turn them into elegant, road-ready machines—safe, reliable, and thoroughly enjoyable to drive. Each model is treated like a fine timepiece: millions are invested in prototyping before production begins, and a team of over 20 engineers ensures every curve, bolt, and interface is meticulously considered. Its restoration elevated to an art form.

Their debut? A beautifully reengineered ‘60s Ford Bronco, followed by a silent-yet-soulful electric version. Then came the crown jewel: the Kindred VW Electric Bus. Due in 2026, this 294HP electric marvel pairs a 200-mile range with four-wheel disc brakes, independent rear suspension, and just enough plush touches—modern seat belts, subtly reimagined cup holders, period-authentic air vents—to make it feel like a vintage yacht on wheels. It’s been lovingly nicknamed “The Smile Machine” because, frankly, no one can look at it without grinning.

But Kindred isn’t in the business of replicas. They’re reviv-ing legends—gracefully, thoughtfully, and with the kind of craftsmanship that feels right at home on the winding roads of Napa or parked outside a Worth Avenue store. This is classic car culture, redefined for those who demand both soul and sophistication.

See more of this road-worthy art at kindredmotorworks.com