Starting a new business is a daunting prospect for many of us, so much so that we would tend to shy away from it. However, that wasn’t the case for William Allan, Director of Classic Restoration and Service who not only recently set up his new restoration business specializing in Rolls-Royce and Bentley, but he did so in the “backyard” of Rolls-Royce’s head office in the UK.
William has had many years of experience, starting off his working life with the offer of an apprenticeship in a garage and jumping at the chance to further his love of cars. Working in the business for some years he became foreman in one of the largest main agents in the area. After moving from his native Scotland to West Sussex, he was employed as a workshop foreman in a well known garage specializing in the sales, service and restoration of Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars.
All this knowledge and experience has come together in this new venture, Classic Restoration and Service, from routine annual servicing for the low-mileage user through to those who cover large distances competing in endurance rally events. From servicing to re-commissioning there is a desire to meet all customers’ needs. Advice and recommendations in regard to preventative measures designed to increase reliability and reduce future costs is offered too. This might include removing engine side plates and cleaning out water passages before the engine shows signs of overheating. Removing the sump to clean out sludge traps before they become an expensive problem – scheduled preventative maintenance is always cheaper than expensive repairs.
To give an example of their work, a recent project is a Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn. The owner has instructed them to carry out a complete body-off restoration. This is one of five similar jobs in their workshop at the present time. The engine and gearbox are removed quickly, followed by the body. Photographs of every stage of the restoration are sent to the owner, who can follow the progress from afar. Every nut and bolt is removed and each component is accessed and repaired as necessary. Meanwhile, all paint is removed and any corrosion is dealt with.
Because they are able to offer a complete paint shop facility, as well as interior trim, veneering, woodwork and, of course, mechanical, this allows them to satisfy their customer’s needs. In addition to the restoration, they are also fitting power steering, air conditioning and many other optional extras, all concealed so as not to detract from the appearance of the car. Whereas normally this would take between one and two years to complete this particular project is due for completion in just four months. They recently took three cars along to the Goodwood Revival, and this attracted a lot of attention from the general public, as well as celebrities.
Satisfied customers concur with the company mission statement: “We aim to grow our business based on reputation and recommendation.” In the words of customer Brian Johnson, of AC/DC fame, “This is heaven.”
CONTACT INFO::
Classic Restoration and Service
Unit 1B, Oakwood Business Park,
Nr East Ashling, Chichester,
West Sussex, PO18 9AL
Tel: +44 (0) 1243 779 693
Mob: +44 (0)7813 204 632
E-mail: [email protected]
