At Hillarys Coachworks, classic car restoration isn’t just a service; it’s in our DNA, evolving through decades since our establishment in 1810. We understand the profound connection you have with your cherished vehicle, and our passion lies in returning your pride and joy to its former glory.
As dedicated classic car restoration specialists in Royal Tunbridge Wells, we meticulously handle every aspect of your project. Our skilled technicians are adept at restoring any make or model, breathing new life into everything from a classic Ferrari, Aston Martin, Porsche, and Mercedes, to an MG, Land Rover, Morgan, Morris, or Mini, to name just a few. Trust Hillarys Coachworks to preserve the legacy and revive the beauty of your classic automobile.
At Hillarys Coachworks in Tunbridge Wells, we believe in transparency. Discover our meticulous classic car restoration process designed to give you a clear understanding of the work required to truly revive your cherished automobile. From initial assessment to the final gleaming finish, we’ll walk you through each step involved in bringing your pride and joy back to its former glory.
This initial stage is crucial for any successful classic car restoration. Before any work begins, we thoroughly strip down your vehicle to fully understand the exact extent of the restoration required. This detailed assessment allows us to provide you with a comprehensive, written estimation. This includes a clear breakdown of the projected time for completion, the full cost of the work, and all necessary parts. This transparent approach ensures you have a complete picture before we proceed with reviving your pride and joy.
With a clear plan in place, we now begin the labor-intensive process of restoring your classic car. At Hillarys Coachworks in Tunbridge Wells, our fully equipped bodyshop is home to a team of highly skilled and experienced technicians. Classic car restoration is truly in our DNA; the profound knowledge and meticulous craftsmanship of our team are second to none, ensuring your vehicle receives the exceptional care it deserves.
Classic car restoration is typically a detailed and often lengthy process, depending on the work required. We’ll provide you with regular updates on your vehicle’s progress, keeping you fully informed every step of the way.
Should we uncover anything unexpected during the restoration, such as additional parts needed, we’ll advise you immediately. Our goal is to source all required parts for you, although this can be particularly challenging with rare or specialist vehicles. On occasion, we may even need to fabricate new parts that are no longer available – rest assured, your cherished classic is in very safe and expert hands with Hillarys Coachworks.
Finally, we meticulously reassemble your classic car, carefully refitting every component, nut, and bolt. Your exquisite new paintwork then undergoes a professional machine polish, bringing out its deep color and brilliant shine. The result is a truly stunning finish, ready for you to enjoy.
Once your classic car restoration is complete, your beautifully revived vehicle will be meticulously prepared for collection. To accompany your cherished automobile, we provide a stunning photographic booklet documenting every stage of its restoration. This invaluable record can be kept with your vehicle, significantly adding to the history, provenance, and long-term value of your pride and joy.
We have successfully restored a vast range of classic cars for our customers, owing to the reputation we have today.
We take pride in offering an exceptional customer experience, here are a few words from some of our many happy customers.
I had my Audi in with Richard and the team for some parking damage. I also decided to have a new front bumper, as it was damaged previously and repaired poorly.
The work carried out was to an extremely high standard, they were very courteous and also supplied a courtesy car for the duration.
Recommended without hesitation.
I was worried that my car would look like it had been painted as people I have used in the past have never done a very good job. I wish I had found Hillarys Coachworks sooner! What an amazing repair and you can’t see it at all! Thank you so much!
After an unfortunate accident ended up with big dent in front bonnet of my Mercedes. One company told me that they couldn’t get dent out and I needed a new bonnet at a ridiculous price. Went to see Richard and his team who did a fantastic job in repairing dent. It looked like a new bonnet but at over half the cost. Richard and his team are passionate about what they do and this shines through in the quality of workmanship. Highly recommend them.
The only bodyshop I trust with my cars. You are in very safe hands with Richard and his team.
Great workmanship repairing the bodywork.
Hillarys was one of the very few companies that had the expertise to work on my vehicle. My insurer struggled to find any of ‘their’ repairers to take on the work on what they called a classic car (1997 Nissan Skyline)
Richard and his skilled team took on the work and patiently waited for parts shipped direct from Japan. Once they had all the necessary items the work was complete in good time and to an amazing standard as they work on prestige/rare vehicles daily.
It is hard to find a company like this that has been run by the same owner (40 years) and that offers you a cup of tea religiously on arrival.
The 1.5hr drive to the companies HQ was worth the effort as the car has been returned to better than before the accident. Additional items were flagged and even dealt with during the job as good practice. Communication was very good and prompt with all prices being very clear. Brilliant work, brilliant ethos and management. A1.
Delighted to hear from my elderly father that the charming owners of Hillarys Coachworks fixed his wing mirror with a smile when he wasn’t sure how to get it fixed- I am sure you had much better things to do but he was so very grateful and impressed with your kindness and generosity not charging him-thank you.
My Jaguar was involved in an accident with a wall and based on a friend’s recommendation, I took it into Hillarys to see if they could help. They were brilliant. Very friendly and helpful and you would never know the car had been repaired. Very pleased my friend recommended Hillarys and I will now do the same.
Explore some common frequently asked questions we have encountered regarding classic car restoration.
How long does a classic car restoration take?
The duration of a classic car restoration can vary significantly, depending on your chosen vehicle and its current condition. Rare models may require more time due to the challenge of sourcing specific parts. While some restorations might take a few months, others can extend into years. For the most accurate estimate, we recommend bringing your classic car to our Tunbridge Wells garage for a free, no-obligation inspection.
To provide an accurate estimate for your classic car restoration, we’ll need to see your vehicle in person. This allows us to conduct a thorough assessment. While a very rough estimate might be possible based on clear photographs and a detailed description of your requirements, an in-person inspection at our Tunbridge Wells facility is always best for a precise quote.
Yes, as part of our classic car restoration services at Hillarys Coachworks in Tunbridge Wells, we will endeavour to source all the required parts for you. Please note that if numerous or particularly difficult-to-obtain parts are needed, this can sometimes extend the overall duration of the restoration project.
Absolutely. We understand that not every classic car requires a complete restoration. Upon a visual inspection of your vehicle at our Tunbridge Wells bodyshop, we’ll assess its current condition and discuss your specific requirements. Some clients simply wish to enhance certain cosmetic aspects, while others aim for a full restoration to prepare their vehicle for events and specialist car shows. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution in classic car care, and we tailor our services to meet your needs.
Significant rust on a classic car is a common challenge, but one our skilled team at Hillarys Coachworks in Tunbridge Wells is certainly equipped to handle. We’ll need to complete a physical inspection of your vehicle to assess the full extent of the corrosion. Depending on its severity, affected parts are either taken back to bare metal and treated, or meticulously replaced. After our assessment, we’ll discuss the estimated time and cost with you, allowing you to decide how you’d like to proceed with your restoration project.
No, we don’t offer an engine remapping service at Hillarys Coachworks in Tunbridge Wells, as it’s not our specialist area. However, we may be able to recommend a local company that can assist you, depending on your classic car’s make, model, and age.
While Hillarys Coachworks specializes in paint and bodywork, we understand that a complete classic car restoration often includes interior work. For services like leather repairs, seat re-trimming, headlining, dashboard re-trimming, and other interior repairs, we have an excellent relationship with a very well-established company that specializes in this field.
If this type of work is required, we’ll seamlessly integrate them into your restoration process. These additional services can be included in your overall estimate, providing you with a single, comprehensive solution for your classic car’s revival.
We are classic car restoration specialists and are equipped to restore any make or model of classic vehicle. This includes a wide range of iconic brands such as Ferrari, Aston Martin, Porsche, Mercedes, MG, Land Rover, Morgan, Morris, Mini, and many more.
Our comprehensive restoration process typically begins with a detailed strip-down and assessment to fully understand the work required. Following a transparent project plan, we then undertake the restoration work, meticulously addressing bodywork, paint, and structural elements. We provide regular progress updates and conclude with careful reassembly and finishing touches, including a professional machine polish.
Our goal is to return your classic car to its former glory. This includes meticulous paintwork, professionally applied and finished with a deep machine polish to achieve an exquisite, showroom-quality shine that highlights the vehicle’s original beauty.
