Restoration and Project Management
Restoration vs Preservation
Proper project management can help you to define your goal. Over the past number of years there has been an increasing appreciation of cars in their original condition as opposed to fully restored (or in many cases over restored) examples. At a Bentley owners meeting, W.O. Bentley was asked what he thought of the show. He replied “There seem to be a lot more cars than I remember building, and they all look a lot better than when I built them.” Many dislike the look of an over-restored car.
Celebrity car enthusiasts like Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno have led the way, in the appreciation of automobiles in their original condition. They enjoy the unique patina each vehicle exhibits.
This video is a good example. The two of them driving through the mountains in an unrestored Porsche Speedster.
Restoration time and costs are similar for many models. The cost to fully restore a Porsche 356B will be similar to that of a Porsche Speedster, yet the 356B will fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars less after completion.
If you are choosing the route of a complete restoration, the creation of a critical path document and an accompanying budget will help ensure a successful outcome.
Be wary of any “Open Ended” per hour services.
Restoration and Project Management when Considering a Project or Bandit car
Modifying your car is a delicate balance. Much like makeup, the right amount enhances a look and too much produces a clown.
Factory engineers have worked hard to create a functional balance that performs well in real world driving situations combined with acceptable longevity. Every modification is a relationship where one thing is improved at the expense of the other. Clear goals = good choices.
Restoration and Project Management is our opportunity to live up to our Core Values
Using our experience to set expectations, establish guidelines, assist in choosing vendors then overseeing the project to completion.
- Preservation and recommissioning projects
- Restoration to full show quality projects
- Modified or 'Outlaw' projects