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Oldtimer Studio
Ground-up restoration

Complete Restorations

Three restoration levels — Concours, Show Driver, 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 catalogs, photos, original drawings

The restoration phase

Every component is inventoried, studied, and non-original parts are removed. From there, four disciplines run in parallel — bodywork, mechanical, electrical, and interior — 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 — 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 on dynamometer; clutch replacement
  • Complete brake system overhaul (hoses, lines, pads/shoes, seals)
  • Carburetor disassembled and rebuilt; radiator cleaned and pressure-tested
  • All fluids and filters replaced
Frequently asked

Complete Restorations — your questions, answered.

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 have a regular bi-monthly Rotterdam–Bucharest transport run 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 purchase parts without prior alignment with our expert. Sourcing the wrong variant can set a project back months.

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

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. We don't over-restore — authenticity is the point.

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