About us

Alan

Alan has been involved with modified cars since he was 9 years old; helping his dad out with any projects he was working on. At 11 he first tried panel beating and welding and at the age of 16 he purchased his first classic car from a scrap yard. A 1962 Zephyr Farnham Estate was pulled out of the mud that it had sunk into, and transported to a rented single car garage near to his parents home. Over the next few years, whilst studying for his City and Guilds qualification in Vehicle Body Craft Studies, the Zephyr was transformed into a low riding custom with a Rover V8 engine.

Alan’s studies covered all aspects of traditional coach building including panel forming, lead loading, ash frame making and chassis modification often working from a brief description and at other times from detailed plans. These formative experiences helped develop an appreciation of real ‘craftsmanship’ skills that had to be learned and continually developed.

Alan has restored, modified and repaired countless classic and specialist vehicles from the 1930’s – 50’s – 60’s and 70’s, and has an immense appreciation of all vehicles, from steam powered vehicles through to vehicles from the seventies.

Because of his ‘traditional’ training, nothing is beyond his ability – some projects just take a little longer than others!

As well as using traditional skills and tools, Alan is keen to embrace new technology and techniques.

Phil

I’ve grown up in an environment engulfed in Hot Rod, Salt flat and California style modified car influences. I have always been involved in and around cars, in various stages of repair or modification. I first picked up a spray gun at four years of age and tried welding when I was six.

I bought two beetles when I was sixteen, but one was so far gone, I took off anything that could be saved and then had to let the rest go. I chose to restore the one shown in the picture on the home page combining hot rod and Cal look influences from my childhood.

My most recent project was a ’63 single cab, fairly heavily lowered with modified suspension and chassis clearance modifications, and yet visually, sympathetically restored in order to retain its Texan sun bleached looks whilst incorporating a range of 60’s traditional hot rod inspired styling cues.

I appreciate all styles of modified cars from 1930’s hot rods through 1950’s customs right up to the current German look VW trend.

When restoring or modifying a vehicle I incorporate both modern and traditional techniques from MIG and TIG welding through to oxy-acetylene welding and lead loading. I am involved in every aspect of a restoration project from initial assessment and repair, into the straightening process and the final painting and fit and finish stage. I become heavily involved in the mechanical build up and modification side of a project from changing spark plugs right down to complete suspension and brake rebuilds and everything in between.

Simon

Simon also grew up in a family where modified cars were the norm; his Dad had many customised vehicles. Simon is a trained fabricator and welder and also gets involved with all aspects of bodywork from panel straightening and lead loading to primer and finish paint.

Simon takes inspiration for his own cars from Touring cars and the European OEM modified scenes.

Fred

Fred is our youngest member of staff. He welds and fabricates to a high standard and is developing his panel straightening skills. He also gets involved in the mechanical aspects of our restorations.

He has an appreciation of all modified vehicles, and competes in weekend Motocross.

Chris

Chris deals with the administration side of the business, including parts ordering, time sheets, invoicing, correspondence with customers and workshop management. She has spent most of her life around modified cars, starting with a Morris Minor at 17. She has helped Alan with various projects and got involved with engine/gearbox changing, flatting paintwork and fully upholstering vehicles.