Your questions, answered.
If your question isn't covered here, call +40 744 381 792 or email office@oldtimer.ro— we're happy to talk through specifics.
What does restoration mean?
Professional restoration means bringing your car to its original condition, following the correct technical characteristics of its period — not modernising or updating it.
How long does it take, and how much does it cost?
Duration and cost vary with the vehicle's condition, originality, and how many were made. Projects range from 3 to 24 months, averaging 8–12. Services and materials are paid monthly against a signed contract.
Does a restored car come with a warranty?
Yes. Every fully or partially restored car is covered by the Oldtimer Studio warranty programme, which includes complimentary technical assistance within the warranty period.
What are the levels of restoration, and how do they differ?
Three levels: Concours (99+ points, museum-quality, rarely driven), Show Driver (90+ points, event-focused, occasional road use), and Daily Driver (reliability and comfort for regular use). See Complete Restorations for full detail on each.
Where do you source parts from?
Replacement parts can be purchased by you, by us, or jointly — but please don't buy anything before aligning with our expert. Sourcing the wrong variant can set a project back months.
What maintenance does a classic car need after restoration?
A classic, restored or preserved correctly, has average operating costs comparable to a modern car. We offer a full maintenance programme covering scheduled service, pre-event inspections, and cavity wax protection.
Can I drive my classic daily?
Yes — classic cars can be used at any time. Whether that's the right call depends on the level of restoration and the local climate. We'd recommend Daily Driver or Show Driver rather than Concours for a daily.
What is over-restoration?
A car has been over-restored when original elements are replaced with modern equivalents or the restoration deviates significantly from the manufacturer's original technical solution. We don't over-restore — authenticity is the point.
Do you accept cars from outside Romania?
Yes. We operate a regular bi-monthly Rotterdam–Bucharest transport run, and offer door-to-door US collection with EU customs clearance. See Transport for details.
Can I visit the workshop?
Yes — by appointment. Give us a day or two of notice so we can have the right person available to walk you through current projects.
Do you store cars long-term?
Yes. Our ventilated hall stores cars securely with periodic inspection by our specialists. See Storage for what's included.
Do you buy and sell classic cars?
We can broker purchase, sale, and appraisal of classical cars, leveraging our network and documentation expertise. Contact us with your requirements.