About Us Blog Contact Us
Historic & specialist vehicles

Classic Car Detailing

Older and restored vehicles deserve a different approach to detailing. Thin original paint, single-stage finishes, chrome brightwork and delicate interior materials all require specific knowledge, careful product selection and a steady hand. We work with classic cars sympathetically and without shortcuts.

Sensitive techniques for cars that matter

Classic car detailing is not the same as detailing a modern car. The paint systems are different, the tolerances are tighter and the margin for error is much smaller. What works on a daily driver can cause irreversible damage on a correctly-painted restoration or an original concours vehicle.

We begin every classic car visit with a careful assessment: paint type, film thickness where measurable, the condition of chrome, rubber and glass, and the state of the interior. From there we plan the safest and most appropriate method — which may mean machine polishing with a very light single-stage compound, hand polishing with a quality carnauba wax, or simply decontaminating and protecting the existing finish without adding any correction.

We are not in the business of selling the most expensive package. If your vehicle needs a light clean, a proper decontamination and a hand-applied wax, that is what we will recommend. If the paintwork would benefit from careful machine correction to bring back clarity and depth before protection, we will explain exactly how we would approach that and why.

How we approach classic work

Paint assessment

Know before you cut

We assess the paint type and condition before recommending any correction. Original finishes and single-stage paints require very different products and techniques to modern clear-coat systems.

Product selection

Appropriate chemistry

Chrome, rubber seals, anodised trim and aged plastics all require specific products. We do not use a one-size-fits-all approach that risks staining or damaging materials.

Protection

Reversible where possible

For most historic vehicles, a quality wax or light sealant offers appropriate protection without locking in long-term coatings. We discuss the right option for your vehicle and how you use it.

Interior

Aged materials handled carefully

Original upholstery, vinyl, leather and carpets are cleaned gently and treated with appropriate conditioners. We do not apply modern fabric protectants to materials that may react.

Have a classic, restored or concours vehicle? Get in touch and tell us about the car — we are happy to discuss the best approach before you commit.

Get in touch

What our clients say

★★★★★

"My E-Type had not been properly detailed in years. The level of care and knowledge shown was impressive — they understood how to treat the older paint and the chrome came up beautifully."

Geoffrey A. — Jaguar E-Type Series 2
★★★★★

"Trusted them with my late husband's Triumph TR6. They were respectful of the car's history and the results were exceptional. A joy to see it looking so well again."

Patricia N. — Triumph TR6
★★★★★

"Exactly the kind of careful, knowledgeable approach you want for a concours-prepared car. No shortcuts, no heavy cutting, just proper work done right."

Michael D. — Austin-Healey 3000

Google Business Profile & reviews →

PORSCHE 911 - PAINT CORRECTION - STAMFORD
BMW M3 - CERAMIC COATING - STAMFORD
RANGE ROVER SPORT - ENGINE BAY DETAIL - STAMFORD
MERCEDES C63 - MACHINE POLISH - STAMFORD
AUDI RS6 - WAXING - STAMFORD

Book your classic car detail

Tell us about the vehicle, its condition and what you are hoping to achieve — we will discuss the right approach and confirm availability.

Common questions

Is machine polishing safe on classic car paintwork?

That depends entirely on the paint system. Single-stage and cellulose-based paints common on older vehicles need a very different approach to modern two-stage clear-coat finishes. We assess the paint type, measure film thickness where possible, and choose tools, pads and compounds accordingly. In many cases hand polishing is the appropriate method, and we are comfortable recommending that over machine correction when the situation calls for it.

What protection do you recommend for a classic car?

For classic vehicles with original or restored paintwork, a traditional carnauba wax or a light synthetic sealant is usually more appropriate than a hard ceramic coating. These options are reversible, easier to maintain by hand, and do not create long-term lock-in. For fully restored cars with modern base-clear paint systems, ceramic is a viable option — we discuss the best fit for your specific vehicle.

Can you work on a car that is only used seasonally?

Absolutely. Many of our classic vehicle clients book before the season starts and after it ends — a pre-season detail to freshen the paint and interior, and a post-season clean before winter storage. We tailor the work to how and where the car is kept.

Do you detail vehicles with chrome trim and brightwork?

Yes. Chrome, stainless and anodised trim requires careful product selection to avoid streaking, staining or dulling the metal. We use appropriate chrome polishes and protectants rather than applying the same products used on painted surfaces.

Will you come to my home or a storage facility?

We are a mobile service and are happy to work at your home, a private garage or a storage unit. For classic vehicles, working in a sheltered environment is often preferable — we will advise if the space needs any specific preparation to get the best results.

Get a quote Call