Vantage Motorworks is renowned for complete show quality Rolls-Royce and Bentley restorations as well as fine maintenance of all phases of client’s vehicles. The company is a complete “in house” operation with only a few specialized operations sublet to specialty shops such as chrome plating and glass. Vantage’s mechanical, electrical, body work, paint, trim, and woodwork departments are all staffed by craftsmen with years of experience.
A typical Bentley or Rolls-Royce restoration begins with an initial inspection of the vehicle, including under the body to decide on the depth of the restoration required. The work proceeds with a complete careful, stripping and dismantling of the Bentley or Rolls-Royce by all the departments involved. Parts are tagged and stored, each later closely inspected for condition, wear, cracks, and hidden damage.
The chassis is checked for cleanliness, corrosion, and oil leaks from the differential, gearbox, and engine. Drains on the rear brake plates are inspected for possible blockage, brake cables are examined and the gaiters are checked for cracks. The exhaust system is inspected. The radiator may be removed for repairs due to leakage or rust. The steering box, shock absorbers and axles are inspected for signs of leakage. The cylinder head and block is checked for cracks. Instruments are removed and recalibrated or repaired as required. Wiring throughout the vehicle is checked for wear or damage and replaced or refurbished as necessary or desired by the client.
Whenever possible the original factory records of the Bentley or Rolls-Royce will be obtained to determine the original paint, interior colors, and equipment. The stripping of paint from the body and chassis frame is done with high power pressure, a new method saving hours of manual labor in scraping and sanding and without the use of chemicals. This quicker and more efficient method eliminates chemical residue in seams and joints which may later interrupt the paint of your restored Rolls-Royce or Bentley. The floorboards and framework are checked for rot. Any imperfections in the body shell are eliminated. Sometimes a vintage Rolls-Royce or classic Bentley will have rusted or warped areas, these are cut out and new panels are fabricated and fitted to the body. While preparation and repairs to the body shell and chassis frame of your antique Bentley or Rolls-Royce are in progress, the engine and ancillary units, running gear, and other mechanical units are being overhauled and rebuilt to original factory specifications using only genuine Bentley and Rolls-Royce parts.
Meanwhile, the upholstery shop has dismantled the seats and door panels, saving the original materials where possible, and creating patterns specific to each vehicle. Springs are fabricated for your Bentley or Rolls-Royce restoration and cushions are re-stuffed using the highest quality Connolly leather and original Wilton carpet that are correct for the period as the interior is reupholstered. Seams are hand stitched and custom fit to your Bentley or Rolls-Royce. No prefabricated “kits” are used as each Bentley and Rolls-Royce is unique. The wood is stripped, any faults or defects repaired and a veneer is chosen either to match the original installed in the motorcar or to compliment the exterior and interior colors. Multiple layers of clear finish applied by hand heighten the depth and clarity of the veneer. All bright work and chrome is surveyed and re-chromed as required. Missing parts are fabricated in our workshops.
The chassis frame is treated with a special paint resulting in a hard wearing, show finish. The body shell of the Bentley or Rolls-Royce is painted with color but not buffed and polished until the color has dried. Following that, a minimum of four days are spent as the classic vehicle is wet sanded, buffed, polished and waxed - all by hand.
Reassembly of your newly restored classic Rolls-Royce or Bentley now begins, slowly and methodically. Wiring for the vehicle is replaced, overhauled instruments replaced and assembled on the chassis. The engine is reviewed and tuned. The new interiors are installed, woodwork is refitted, chrome and bright work reassembled to the vehicle.
Work in progress photographs are taken at various stages of the restoration showing the extensive, detailed work.
Once completed, our restored Bentleys and Rolls-Royce’s may be well on their way to various parts of the world. Our list of customers and friends encompasses the entire world including Germany, Switzerland, the Middle East, South America, and throughout the US. Photos of some of our award winning Bentley and Rolls-Royce restorations are below.
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