FAQ: How is the cost of a vehicle restoration estimated?

Restoring a classic or vintage vehicle is an intricate process that extends far beyond standard automotive repairs. Unlike routine servicing or accident damage repairs, a full restoration requires skilled craftsmanship, historical accuracy, and, in many cases, extensive fabrication or component remanufacturing. No two restorations are the same, as each project presents unique challenges depending on the vehicle’s age, condition, and desired outcome.

The overall cost of a restoration is influenced by several key factors, with the most significant being the labour hours required. Restoration is a highly manual process, often involving disassembly, rust repair, panel beating, refinishing, reassembly, and mechanical overhauls—all of which require time, expertise, and meticulous attention to detail. The complexity of the fabrication or refurbishment required, as well as the condition of the vehicle upon its initial assessment, also play a major role in determining costs.

How do we provide an estimate?

Before commencing any project, we conduct a thorough external inspection and draw upon our extensive experience with similar restorations to provide an initial labour estimate. However, unlike modern vehicles, classic and vintage cars can conceal hidden issues beneath their surface—ranging from rust hidden under paintwork to structural weaknesses, outdated mechanical components, or previous substandard repairs. These unforeseen issues often emerge only after disassembly, which is why an estimate should always be considered a starting point rather than a fixed quotation.

As the project progresses, new discoveries may require adjustments to both timeframes and budgets. Our process is designed to be transparent, ensuring that clients are informed of any changes and can make informed decisions along the way.

What about replacement parts?

Another crucial factor affecting restoration costs is the availability of replacement parts. Some components may no longer be in production, requiring them to be sourced from international suppliers, reconditioned, custom-fabricated, or even reverse-engineered from original specifications. This is especially true for rare or historically significant vehicles, where parts can be classified as ‘unobtainium’—a term used in the industry to describe parts that are no longer readily available.

What is a Provisional Allowance (PA)?

To account for potential challenges in sourcing rare components, we apply a Provisional Allowance (PA) within the project estimate. A PA is a budgeting method commonly used in the construction industry to allocate funds for items where exact costs cannot be determined in advance. In the context of vehicle restoration, this allowance covers sourcing, remanufacturing, or subcontracting the production of difficult-to-obtain parts.

Depending on the circumstances, parts may need to be:

• Handcrafted in-house using traditional coachbuilding or machining techniques.
• Partially outsourced to specialist suppliers who can reproduce period-correct components.
• Reverse-engineered using CAD modelling and advanced manufacturing techniques.

By including a Provisional Allowance, we ensure that projects maintain a structured estimate while still allowing flexibility to accommodate unforeseen challenges. This approach helps prevent unnecessary delays and ensures that restoration projects remain as predictable as possible despite the uncertainties involved.

Transparency and Communication

Our goal is to maintain transparency throughout the restoration process. As work progresses, we provide regular updates and detailed reports, ensuring that clients remain informed about the condition of their vehicle and any necessary adjustments to the project scope.

Restoring a vehicle is an investment in craftsmanship and heritage, and we take great pride in delivering exceptional results that honour both the history of the vehicle and the vision of our clients.

If you have further questions about how we estimate restoration costs, or if you’d like to discuss a potential project, please feel free to contact us. Our team is always happy to provide guidance tailored to your specific vehicle and restoration goals.