To borrow an expression from the custom car world 'tribute' is closer to mark than modded.
Solypsa, well stated! I adore certain properly executed vintage based interpretations, "tributes" if you will of turntables, and own several of the finest examples myself.
After examination of Torqueo's website, I discovered the answer to my initial inquiry, their record players are based directly on the Rek-O-Kut Rondine Jr. L34 est. circa 1952. On their Labor Process page, a original Rek-O-Kut L34 top plate can be seen next to one of their new plates, obviously the drive geometry and mechanical layout, if you will, is identical to its forebearer and the basis of its design. On their Tech Info page, the mention of NOS motors being cleaned and necessary parts being replaced is covered as well as new motors being used, so uncertain sure which explanation is the more accurate one.
www.torqueo-audio.it/labor-process/
www.torqueo-audio.it/english/
There are companies that refurb old components (maybe with a refreshing of the hardware) like Garrads into new plinths and there are those like Torqueo that take the technology of the idler drive and build a new design from scratch. Saying Rek O Kut is like a Torqueo, is like saying a belt drive table is like another belt drive just because they both use belt drive.
Believe High Fidelity, with all due respect, the Torqueo, is undeniably a modern reinterpretation of the Rek-O-Kut idler drives, thus it simply is not a "new design built from scratch", but rather a beautiful homage and vast improvement from the original. On the
ARDESIA page, the chassis inscription reads "Rek-O-Kut Rondine L-34", so its roots are evident.
.......And that being said, I may consider adding one to my collection someday.