FAQ: What does restoring a classic car to its "original factory condition" entail?

Restoring a classic car to its "original factory condition" is a meticulous process that aims to replicate the vehicle’s state as it was when it originally left the assembly line. However, achieving this goal is more complex than it might initially seem. While many people envision a flawless, showroom-quality finish, the reality is that vehicles built in past decades—particularly before the advent of robotic automation—often left the factory with numerous inconsistencies and manufacturing imperfections.

Classic cars, especially those produced post-World War II and well into the late 20th century, were assembled using mass-production techniques heavily reliant on manual labour. These methods, while effective, resulted in natural variations and imperfections that were simply part of the era’s manufacturing norms. Some of the most common inconsistencies found in classic vehicles include:

• Irregular panel gaps: Door, bonnet, and boot lid gaps were often inconsistent from one side to the other.
• Misaligned body panels: Due to hand-fitted components, some panels did not align perfectly with adjoining sections.
• Variable weld qualities: Differences in welding techniques and skill levels among factory workers led to inconsistencies in weld penetration, shape, and finish.
• Paint irregularities: Factory-applied paint often had varying thicknesses, and minor blemishes were not uncommon.
• Hand-finished interiors: Trim pieces, stitching, and upholstery could exhibit slight differences between vehicles of the same model.

Today, these "imperfections" are widely accepted as part of a vehicle’s originality and historical authenticity. In high-level concours competitions, for example, vehicles are judged based on how accurately they reflect their original factory condition, including any minor flaws that would have been present when new. This means that a perfectly restored classic car may actually lose points if it appears "over-restored" or finished to a standard that exceeds what was achievable at the time of manufacture.

However, while purists and concours judges may embrace these imperfections as historically accurate, many classic car owners have different expectations. Given the financial investment involved in a full restoration, most clients desire a finish that is not only true to the car’s heritage but also better than new. This presents an interesting challenge: should a restoration replicate the original quirks and inconsistencies, or should it aim to achieve a level of precision that the original factory was incapable of delivering?

At Finch Restorations, we work closely with each client to determine their preferred restoration approach. This typically falls into one of two categories:

• "As it left the factory" restoration: The vehicle is restored as accurately as possible to its original specifications, including any manufacturing quirks that were present when it was first built. This is often the preferred approach for concours restorations and for clients who prioritise historical authenticity.
• "Blue-printed" restoration: The vehicle is restored to a standard that meets the original design intent rather than the manufacturing limitations of the time. This approach involves refining body panel alignments, improving weld quality, and achieving paintwork and finishes that surpass factory standards. It delivers a level of precision and craftsmanship that the original designers may have envisioned but mass production could not consistently achieve.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to the client’s goals and how they wish to experience their classic car. Whether the priority is concours-correct originality or an enhanced, precision-crafted finish, Finch Restorations ensures that every project is completed with exceptional attention to detail and respect for the vehicle’s heritage.