Participated · Equity · Aug 2022

Kindred Motorworks handpicks vintage cars, tears them down and builds standardized blueprints to rebuild them with modern electric or gas powertrains, upgraded safety features (disc brakes, three-point seat belts, headrests, upgraded steering, LED headlights) and Bluetooth infotainment with rear-view camera. EV versions are advertised with battery ranges of about 200 miles per charge. The company emphasizes a tech-driven, repeatable production process with how-to videos, a real-time tracking system and staffed stations to enable less-experienced technicians to participate in builds. Kindred sells three pre-order models (VW microbus, Ford Bronco, late-1960s Camaro) with deposits of $1,000 and published starting prices ranging roughly $149,000–$199,000 depending on model and trim; it does not offer custom builds. Vehicles are hand-built, come with a one-year warranty, and Kindred plans to use service-center partners for post-sale support. Kindred currently has about 30 employees in Marin County, plans to move to a larger facility across the bay and expects to grow to roughly 300 employees by the end of 2024 as it works toward full production.