Master Craftsmen Since 1987

Precision Restoration
Heritage Preserved

Our workshop unites traditional coachbuilding techniques with meticulous engineering to restore vintage Rolls Royce, Bugatti, and brass-era automobiles to factory-specification authenticity.

Vintage luxury automobile

Workshop Detail

37+

Years Experience

200+

Concours Winners

12

Master Craftsmen

100%

Period-Correct

Our Process

Frame-Off Restoration Protocol

Each vehicle undergoes our comprehensive eight-phase restoration process, ensuring authenticity and excellence at every stage.

1

Initial Assessment & Documentation

Comprehensive photographic documentation, structural integrity analysis, and authenticity verification. We catalog every component, verify chassis numbers, and establish period-correct specifications from factory records.

Timeline

2-3 Weeks

2

Complete Disassembly

Methodical frame-off disassembly with component tagging and preservation. Each fastener, wire, and mechanical assembly is cataloged, photographed, and stored in our climate-controlled facility.

Timeline

4-6 Weeks

3

Metalwork & Coachbuilding

Frame restoration, panel fabrication, and traditional coachwork using period-correct materials. Our master metalworkers employ English wheel, power hammer, and hand-forming techniques to recreate original specifications.

Timeline

12-18 Weeks

4

Mechanical Overhaul

Engine, transmission, differential, and brake system rebuild to original factory tolerances. All bearings, seals, and gaskets replaced with period-correct materials sourced from specialty suppliers worldwide.

Timeline

10-14 Weeks

5

Paint & Refinishing

Multi-stage paint process using period-correct formulations. Surface preparation, primer application, color matching to factory records, and hand-rubbed finishing for authentic gloss and depth.

Timeline

8-10 Weeks

6

Interior Restoration

Upholstery, woodwork, and trim restoration using authentic materials. Hand-stitched leather, French-polished veneers, and period-correct hardware sourced from original manufacturers or specialist suppliers.

Timeline

8-12 Weeks

7

Reassembly & Systems Integration

Precise reassembly following factory assembly manuals and period photographs. Electrical system restoration, plumbing routing, and fitment refinement to eliminate squeaks, rattles, and misalignments.

Timeline

6-8 Weeks

8

Testing, Tuning & Certification

Road testing, performance tuning, and final quality inspection. We provide complete restoration documentation, component provenance records, and authenticity certification for judging and insurance purposes.

Timeline

3-4 Weeks

Restoration Portfolio

From Discovery to Concours

Before Restoration

Vintage luxury automobile

After Restoration

Vintage luxury automobile

1925 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost Tourer

Chassis 47XG • Springfield Coachwork

Discovered in a Pennsylvania barn after 40 years of storage, this Springfield-bodied tourer required complete frame-off restoration. Original coachwork was preserved where possible, with hand-fabricated replacement panels matching 1925 specifications.

Project Duration

18 Months

Result

Pebble Beach Class Winner

Authenticity

95% Original Components

Before Restoration

Vintage luxury automobile

After Restoration

Vintage luxury automobile

1934 Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux

Chassis 57246 • Original Jean Bugatti Design

This rare factory-bodied Ventoux underwent meticulous restoration to preserve its original Molsheim coachwork. Engine rebuild to factory tolerances, period-correct Marchal lighting, and authentic French Blue paintwork based on factory records.

Project Duration

22 Months

Result

FIVA Identity Card

Authenticity

100% Numbers Matching

Before Restoration

Vintage luxury automobile

After Restoration

Vintage luxury automobile

1912 Mercer Type 35 Raceabout

Original Racing Configuration

Complete mechanical and cosmetic restoration of this legendary brass-era speedster. Hand-formed brass radiator shell, spoked wheels rebuilt to original specifications, and period-correct T-head engine rebuild preserving racing provenance.

Project Duration

24 Months

Result

Amelia Island Best in Class

Authenticity

Verified Racing History

Workshop Capabilities

World-Class Restoration Facility

Our 15,000 sq ft climate-controlled workshop houses specialized equipment and master craftsmen trained in period-correct restoration techniques.

Metalworking & Coachbuilding

English wheel, power hammer, TIG/gas welding, panel forming, frame restoration, brass fabrication

Precision Machining

CNC milling, lathe work, component reproduction, bearing fitting, valve grinding, crankshaft balancing

Paint & Finishing

Downdraft booth, period-correct lacquer/enamel, color matching, hand-rubbing, pin-striping, coachlines

Upholstery & Trim

Hand-stitched leather, period textiles, French polishing, wood restoration, brightwork plating coordination

Electrical Systems

Magneto rebuild, generator restoration, period-correct wiring harness fabrication, Lucas lighting systems

Research & Documentation

Factory archive access, build sheet verification, photographic documentation, provenance research, certification

Quality Assurance

Certified Excellence

Our restoration work meets the highest international standards for authenticity, craftsmanship, and historical accuracy.

FIVA Recognized Restorer

International certification for period-correct restoration standards

Rolls Royce Foundation Registry

Authorized documentation and authentication partner

Classic Car Club of America

Senior member and judging panelist

Concours Judge Network

Certified judges for Pebble Beach, Amelia Island, Villa d'Este

Warranty & Documentation

Complete Restoration Assurance

  • 5-year craftsmanship warranty on all restoration work
  • Complete photographic documentation at every phase
  • Detailed component provenance and sourcing records
  • Authenticity certification for judging and insurance
  • Technical build manual with specifications and materials
"The attention to detail is extraordinary. Every component was restored or reproduced to exacting factory specifications. The documentation package rivals museum-quality research. This is restoration at its absolute finest."

Malcolm Stanhope-Grey

Rolls Royce Enthusiasts' Club Chief Judge

1928 Phantom I Springfield Restoration

Schedule Assessment

Begin Your Restoration Project

Contact our workshop to discuss your vintage automobile and receive a comprehensive restoration assessment.

Instagram

From the Workshop

@douglasrestorations