Frequently asked questions

We restore, repair and service classic cars at our workshop in Bishop Auckland, County Durham. Our work includes full and partial restorations, mechanical repairs and rebuilds, bodywork, coachbuilding, paintwork, rewiring and interior trim.

We work on vintage cars, established classics and later enthusiast cars. Our workshop has worked on marques including Jaguar, Aston Martin, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, MG, Triumph, Porsche, Ferrari and Ford. If you have an unusual model, tell us its make, model and year and what you’d like help with.

Yes. You can come to us for a service, a mechanical fault, localised corrosion repairs or a paintwork refresh. We also take on partial restorations and full rebuilds. We’ll discuss which work matters most to you and how you intend to use the car.

We discuss the car’s condition, your priorities and budget, and how you plan to use it. The assessment helps us define the work and prepare an estimate and proposed schedule. A larger restoration can involve documenting and dismantling the car, repairing the body and chassis, rebuilding mechanical components, and completing paint, trim, reassembly and testing.

The cost depends on the car, its condition and the work you’d like carried out. A localised repair, a mechanical recommission and a full body-off restoration involve different amounts of work. Once we’ve assessed the car and discussed the scope, we can prepare an itemised estimate.

Timescales depend on the car’s condition and the work involved. We’ll discuss a realistic schedule once we’ve assessed the car and agreed the scope. If you have an event or date in mind, mention it when you enquire.

Yes. We can discuss which parts can be repaired and retained, and how closely you’d like to follow the original specification. Where an original part can’t be reused or sourced, we can discuss suitable replacements or whether it can be made in-house.

We use photographs and progress updates to show what’s happening at different stages of a restoration. Ask us how updates will be shared for your project when we agree the work.

Yes. We offer classic car servicing and mechanical recommissioning. Tell us how long the car has been standing and what you know about its condition. We can assess it and discuss the work needed to bring it back into use.

Yes. Our team can assess corrosion, repair original metalwork where possible and fabricate replacement panels or sections where needed. We also carry out coachbuilding and can discuss how to retain the car’s original shape and details.

We can help with paintwork repairs, refinishing and larger respray projects. Tell us whether you want to retain the existing colour, return to the factory finish or discuss a different finish. The condition of the bodywork and existing paint will help determine what preparation is needed.

Yes. We can investigate faults with items such as switches and gauges, repair existing wiring and carry out a full rewire when needed. Tell us what’s happening and whether any electrical work has already been done.

Yes. We repair and rebuild classic car ash frames using seasoned ash and traditional methods. The work depends on the condition of the existing frame and how much of the original timber can be retained.

Yes. Our trim work includes details such as leather seats and walnut panelling. We also undertake specialist work on hood frame pantographs, the folding mechanisms that support a convertible hood.

We carry out classic car insurance repairs. Contact us with details of the car, the damage and the stage your claim has reached so we can discuss the repair.

We’re at St Helen Way, St Helen Industrial Estate, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 9AZ. The workshop is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.30pm. Contact us to arrange a workshop visit or vehicle assessment by appointment. Bring any relevant paperwork and a list of the work you’d like to discuss.

If your car doesn’t run, is coming from further afield or needs storage during a restoration, let us know when you enquire. We can discuss transport and storage arrangements for your project.

Call the workshop on 01833 630 011, call our mobile on 07973 616 478, email info@carrosserie.co.uk, or use the callback form on the Contact page. Include the car’s make, model and year, its condition and what you’d like done. Photos and any known history are helpful if available.

Browse the Projects and Manufacturers sections for examples. The 1973 Jaguar E-Type V12 restoration shows how bodywork, a mechanical rebuild, paint and interior trim can come together in one project.