Original Material Comes First
Authentic Restoration: Letting Historic Vehicles Tell Their Story
Sixty years ago, paint could not be applied as flawlessly as it is today, with multiple layers of clear coat creating a shimmering depth. But perfection alone does not make a classic vehicle. Modern manufacturing techniques make life easier, faster, and more comfortable in many ways. However, when applied to historic vehicles, these techniques often come at the cost of original material—and with it, a part of the vehicle’s history.
Technological progress brings countless conveniences to our lives, and it has certainly left its mark on automobile manufacturing—and on workshops and restoration companies. Welds, body panels, upholstery, and wiring harnesses of historic vehicles can now be recreated almost flawlessly. In some cases, where too much original material is missing and restoration would otherwise be impossible, this is necessary and even desirable.
However, the highest level of modern perfection disregards the unique history of historic vehicles—a history that can only be told through their original material. A single weld might not determine the “soul” of a vehicle, but modern manufacturing techniques, taken as a whole, can destroy its original, irreplaceable character. This makes the preservation of original materials and traditional methods, which are rarely employed today in their historic quality, all the more valuable.
For professionals, it is crucial to recognize these differences and possibilities: Which assemblies can be preserved? Where is an authentic restoration meaningful, and where is it not? Professional restoration companies must navigate a delicate balancing act among different philosophies and approaches—always in close communication with clients and with a keen eye for the overall effect of the vehicle.
Authenticity Matters —
Especially for Precious Historic Vehicles
From Daimler’s pioneering work in the 1920s through the late 1960s, to early sports car icons from Porsche and BMW, to the Mediterranean passion of historic Maserati and Ferrari models: each chapter of automotive history shines with its own character and unique details that deserve preservation.
This desire to conserve embodies the core principle of expert restoration. The term itself implies maintaining and restoring past conditions—not creating new facts. New manufacturing techniques, synthetic composites, and modern high-performance plastics run counter to this principle. Original material—or at least faithful reproductions—not only preserves the tangible value of classic cars but also their intangible, emotional value. They keep alive the passion for these historic vehicles, just as these vehicles inspire admiration for the eras they represent.
Authentic Classic Car Restorations
Capture the Spirit of the Time
Yet, the ravages of time inevitably affect the materials: rust can attack the sheet metal or aluminum bodies of early Porsche models from the 550, 356, and 911 series, just as it can affect early exhibits from all notable manufacturers in automotive history. Wiring insulation can become brittle and break, original paints can crack and lose their luster, and horsehair-filled upholstery eventually sags. Accidents and other damage to original materials—like with humans—are almost unavoidable over 60 or 70 years of life.
In our specialist workshop for authentic classic car restorations, we often find that so-called “perfectly restored vehicles” have indeed been restored, but without prioritizing the preservation of original material or using historically accurate materials and techniques. Over time, restorations often reflected the personal taste of the owners rather than the retention of original materials. For example, in the early 2000s, many historic vehicles were restored and modified according to contemporary trends and tastes. Like any fashion, these trends are fleeting, causing vehicles to lose part of their timeless expression. While this approach may save time and money, it irreversibly erases portions of the vehicle’s unique history—and ultimately diminishes its market value.
Owners often rely on the restorer’s expertise when it comes to historically accurate sheet metal quality and thickness, material selection, and the many specific techniques from the early days of automotive history:
The body panels of the legendary Porsche 550 RS Spyder
could certainly be TIG-welded or glued today. Yet many historically significant components of this limited series were originally welded using autogenous techniques—a largely forgotten art today.
Decorative seams in the horsehair upholstery of many 1960s vehicles
could now be machine-made, but originally they were crafted visibly by hand.
When replacing a wiring harness,
modern insulation can and should be used for durability and reliability—but preserving the historic cable routing can help retain dashboards made from rare root wood or patinated leather.
The most distinctive parts of all renowned automotive designs
are defined by the quality, thickness, and workmanship of the original metal. An overly flawless, modern reproduction would diminish the historical charm, meaning a key element of the vehicle’s character would no longer be authentic. Excessive filler or overly rounded edges that erase the defined transitions between panels are unfortunately common results of improper restoration attempts today.
The Most Valuable Things
Are the Ones That Remain
Authentic restorations also require a certain willingness and acceptance from the vehicle owner—a dedication to the era the vehicle comes from. While greater attention to experience, authenticity, and detail initially increases labor and time, preserving historic sheet metal can be both bolder and wiser than replacing it. Original panels, with their unique patina and tiny imperfections, speak of handcraft and the significant beginnings of successful brands, telling a story no modern reproduction could ever convey.
Authentic restorations are not just a philosophical choice—they also make economic sense: faithful restorations support value retention and often lead to significantly higher resale prices compared to conventionally restored classic cars. Even vehicles with production runs of more than 1,000 units frequently achieve auction prices 20–30% higher than “conventionally restored” examples. For rare vehicles from small and very limited series, the increase in value is even more pronounced when restorations are historically accurate and thoroughly documented.
