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Oldtimer Studio
Ground-up restoration

Complete Restorations

Three restoration levels (Concours, Show Driver and Daily Driver) built ground-up at our Moara Vlăsiei workshop. Bodywork, mechanical, electrical, and interior run in parallel under one roof.

Pre-restoration steps

  • Vehicle identification and acquisition, domestic or international
  • Expert evaluation by Oldtimer Studio specialists with cost estimate
  • Specialised transport via trailer or truck-autoplatform
  • Secure indoor storage until restoration begins
  • Documentation gathering: technical manuals, parts catalogues, photos, original drawings

The restoration phase

Every component is inventoried and studied, and non-original parts are removed. From there, bodywork, mechanical, electrical and interior work run in parallel, so your project doesn't stall waiting on a single station.

Concours (99+ points)

A car restored to Concours level is brought to the condition of a vehicle leaving the factory line. Showroom finish, rarely driven, and destined for museums or private collections.

  • Complete disassembly to bolt level
  • Original NOS (new old stock) parts only
  • Full body removal and sandblasting; replacement of corroded components
  • Lead application as in original manufacturing
  • 5–7 layer specialised paint process
  • All ornamental and assembly parts zinc-plated, chromed, or anodised
  • Complete electrical system replacement with original colours and routing
  • Engine completely rebuilt; all seals, gaskets, and rubber replaced
  • New tyres matching original dimensions and design

Show Driver (90+ points)

Driven primarily at events (concours, rallies, parades) in favourable weather and for limited distances per year.

  • Full disassembly; worn components replaced
  • Complete body sandblasting and remediation of previous repairs
  • Panel replacement with original or specially fabricated parts
  • Hood and door alignment; combined paint and anti-corrosion treatment
  • Complete mechanical disassembly of engine, transmission, axles
  • Upholstery remade in appropriate materials; carpet and soft-top replaced
  • Chrome ornaments polished or re-chromed
  • Complete brake rebuild and road testing before delivery

Daily Driver

For a car intended for regular, everyday use, including urban driving. Reliability and comfort take priority over the last degree of concours accuracy.

  • Partial disassembly, repairs identified from an evaluation sheet
  • Body remediation preserving original form
  • Combined paint and anti-corrosion treatment
  • Upholstery and chrome cleaning; electrical cabling inspected
  • Engine and transmission functional checks; clutch replacement
  • Complete brake system overhaul (hoses, lines, pads/shoes, seals)
  • Carburettor disassembled and rebuilt; radiator cleaned and pressure-tested
  • All fluids and filters replaced
Frequently asked

Complete Restorations: frequently asked questions

How long does a complete restoration take?

Projects range from 3 to 24 months depending on the vehicle's condition, originality, and parts availability. An average project is 8–12 months.

How is a complete restoration billed?

Restoration services and related materials are paid monthly, against a signed contract. You receive an itemised statement each month and can pause or adjust scope between phases.

Do you accept projects from outside Romania?

Yes. We run Rotterdam–Bucharest transport on demand and can arrange door-to-door collection from most of Europe and the US via our Transport service.

Is my car eligible for a warranty after restoration?

Yes. Every fully or partially restored car is covered by the Oldtimer Studio warranty programme, which includes complimentary technical assistance during the warranty period.

Can I pick the restoration level partway through?

We lock the level at the evaluation stage because it materially changes the parts sourcing and disassembly strategy. You can upgrade between phases, usually from Daily Driver to Show Driver, but not mid-phase.

Do you source parts for me, or should I bring them?

Both, but please don't buy parts without checking with our expert first. Sourcing the wrong variant can set a project back months.

What's over-restoration, and do you do it?

We don't. A car is over-restored when original elements are replaced with modern equivalents or when the restoration deviates from the manufacturer's original technical solution.