Relative to the million plus new cars produced during the golden decades of the Fifties and Sixties, very few survived. After around a decade of being pushed to their limits under the testing UK and European winters, most of these cars were taken out of circulation.

Most were hauled off to the breakers yard with just a relative handful remaining stored in abandoned lock ups or under tarpaulins at the back of a field.  An absolute handful were kept in a driveable condition- lovingly cared for by and gradually restored by devoted enthousiasts.

In the last twenty years or even more, an incredible surge in interest has grown up around classic cars and their restoration. While vehicles produced during the twentieth century have been improved dramatically, both in terms of appearance and technical capabilities, to many they lack the character of these vehicles, some of them produced more than seventy years ago.

To drive one of these cars means standing out from the crowd, through owning a vehicle that is truly unique, with the owner's personality stamped all over it

Getting started in the classic car restoration industry can be both a rewarding and demanding journey but not without its trials and tribulations.

Anyone who takes that step, whether intending to restore vehicles professionally or a serious enthusiast, should understand the various stages that are essential to long-term success.

One of the most effective ways to build knowledge of the classic car industry is by attending classic car auctions.  Classic car auctions will provide the beginner with real-world insight into market values, originality standards, and buyer expectations. Time and attention should be taken to observe how vehicles are presented, described, inspected, and sold. Valuable lessons on condition, provenance, and documentation affect price.

Equally valuable is attending classic car shows which will allow a restorer to examine finished restorations at close range and across a wide range of marques and eras. Classic car people are generally very friendly and open, and it is possible to strike up conversations, that will provide practical insights into common restoration challenges and accepted standards of authenticity.

Attending classic car swap meets is often under-rated but in truth essential for anyone entering restoration work, as a great source for finding rare parts and much sought after original components. At classic car swap meets it is possible to learn how to identify correct parts, negotiate prices, and assess usability is a skill developed through repeated attendance.

Attending classic car owners’ meetings will a restorer who is working on a particular model of vehicle to connect you with marque specialists. Owners’ clubs are invaluable sources of technical data, parts references, and historical records.

 

Choosing the ideal classic car is a strategic decision. Beginners are advised to start with models that have strong parts availability, good documentation, and an active owners’ club. Popular British and European classics often provide a better learning platform than rare or obscure vehicles.

When sourcing a vehicle, buying privately can offer better value, but it carries greater risk. Private sales often require careful inspection, verification of paperwork, and realistic assessment of hidden corrosion or mechanical wear.

Alternatively, buying from a dealer usually costs more but provides a level of protection, clearer provenance, and sometimes a warranty or pre-purchase inspection. Reputable classic dealers can be useful partners early in your career, especially when establishing credibility.

Making a budget is one of the most critical steps. Restoration costs often exceed expectations, particularly when structural corrosion or obsolete components are discovered. A proper budget should include purchase price, parts, subcontracted services, tooling, workspace costs, and a generous contingency margin.

Any experienced classic car restorer will advise you that time spent getting acquainted with restoration project is time well spent. Time invested documenting the vehicle’s condition, photographing assemblies before disassembly, reviewing workshop manuals, and researching factory specifications makes for a great investment that will pay its way many times over.

Planning the restoration in logical stages also makes for a successful project. Break the work into mechanical, body, interior, electrical, and finishing phases, and sequence tasks to avoid rework.

Clear planning improves efficiency and allows  for scheduling outsourced work at the correct stage, reducing downtime and unnecessary expense.

Setting up a workshop is fundamental to working safely and efficiently. Adequate space, lighting, power supply, ventilation, and secure storage are essential. Even a small workshop must support vehicle lifting, component cleaning, and organized parts storage.

When choosing tools, prioritize quality over quantity. Hand tools, torque wrenches, measuring equipment, and specialist pullers form the backbone of restoration work. Poor tools waste time and risk damage to irreplaceable components.

Similarly, choosing equipment should reflect your intended scope of work. Welding equipment, compressors, lifting systems, and paint preparation tools are major investments. Many restorers start modestly and expand equipment gradually as skills and workload increase.

No restorer works entirely alone. Dealing with subcontractors is a core part of professional restoration. Services such as machining, paintwork, trimming, chrome plating, and specialist electrical repairs often require external expertise. Building reliable relationships with skilled subcontractors ensures consistent quality and predictable turnaround times.

Clear communication, written specifications, and mutual respect are essential. A successful restoration business is often defined by the quality of its specialist network as much as by in-house skills.

Getting started in the classic car restoration industry requires patience, education, and careful planning.  Restoration projects must be chosen wisely, budgeted realistically, planned thoroughly, laying the foundation for what can be an enjoyable hobby that may possibly lead to a sustainable and rewarding career. Classic car restoration is not simply about rebuilding vehicles—it is about preserving history with skill, discipline, and respect.

Among the goals of My Classic Car Blog is to provide those new to the world of classic car restoration with an informative guide to help them plan their project, understand the stages involved, realise their limitations so they can avoid any pitfalls along the way.