| Classic car restoration is a very rewarding experience | | | | Needless to say, the more work that you are able to |
| and nothing can surpass the enormous feeling of | | | | do yourself the cheaper will be the restoration but |
| satisfaction you will get when you take 'her' out for a | | | | using a professional restoration company is a realistic |
| spin for the first time! It can, however, be a very | | | | option for many, especially if you do the preparatory |
| expensive business and, consequently, you will need | | | | work yourself. |
| to consider your budget very carefully. | | | | There are specialists in the UK skilled at restoring just |
| Much will depend on the make and model of classic | | | | about every classic car part that you will require. |
| car that you intend restoring, of course, and a | | | | There are also manufacturers of new and |
| sensible starting point would be to conduct an | | | | reconditioned parts for the most popular of classic |
| informal 'cost/benefit analysis'. This will help you | | | | cars and so replacing a worn out part with a new |
| determine your budget. In simple terms, it is about | | | | one may be a cheaper option. Again, remember the |
| arriving at the right amount of money to commit to | | | | 'cost/benefit analysis'! |
| the project in relation to the anticipated value of the | | | | Choosing your restorer will be perhaps your most |
| car, once restored. It's much like property | | | | important decision. If your classic car has an owners' |
| development in this respect. There is no point | | | | club, seek a recommendation there. Some owners' |
| spending £250,000 renovating a house that will | | | | clubs also have their own workshop, for example, |
| be worth £220,000 when you have finished | | | | the MG Owner's Club in Cambridge, and they will be |
| and, likewise, there is little point in spending | | | | the obvious starting point. Try classic car magazines |
| £25,000 to restore an MG Roadster that will | | | | and local shows too and, as with all such decisions, |
| only be worth £15,000 when you have | | | | word of mouth recommendation carries a high |
| finished. | | | | premium. |
| There are people for whom money will be no object, | | | | Once you have chosen your restorer, agree the |
| of course, and also those for whom the sentimental | | | | budget with them and insist that they notify you |
| value of their classic car will outweigh all budgetary | | | | immediately should any additional work come to light. |
| considerations. But for most of us the budget must | | | | Again, keep in mind your 'cost/benefit analysis' when |
| bear some relationship to the value of the car. | | | | considering any further expenditure. Stay in touch |
| Once you have settled upon your budget you can | | | | with the restoration too and all being well you will end |
| then set about starting the restoration itself. | | | | up with a classic car to be proud of! |