World-Class Vintage & Classic Car Restoration in the UK
At David Ayre Cars, we specialise in professional vintage car restoration services that bring historic automobiles back to life with breathtaking precision and authenticity. As Pre-War Bentley restoration specialists we conduct all work from our restoration workshop based on the Berkshire-Hampshire border in the UK. We are internationally recognised for our mastery in restoring Pre-War Bentleys, Lagondas, S-Type Invictas and other rare vintage marques to concours-ready condition.
With over 30 years of hands-on experience in classic and antique car restoration, our workshop is equipped to handle every aspect of a project — from mechanical overhaul and bodywork to interior trimming, electrics and sourcing hard-to-find original parts.
Why Choose Our Vintage Car Restoration Services?
Elite Technical Expertise
Our team brings decades of specialised knowledge in vintage automobile engineering, with deep experience on:
- Pre-War Bentley models (especially W.O. Bentley, Speed Six and 6½ Litre)
- Vintage Lagonda and high/low chassis tourers
- S-Type Invicta and other pre-war sports cars
We can also advise on and work with other pre-war classics — including rare marques like the 1907 Itala.
Proven Rally & Concours Success
Many of our restorations have gone on to win awards and excel in historic rallies and prestigious concours events around the world — from Monte Carlo Rally classes to Pebble Beach showings and long-distance road trials.
Our restorations have gone on to achieve numerous Rally successes including many Monte Carlo Rally wins with Invicta’s. In addition we’ve seen long distance rally success with Lagonda’s and Speed Six Vintage Bentleys e.g. London to Cape Town, Peking to Paris and more recently The Bentley Alaskan Tour with a Speed Six and a 6½ Litre Vintage Bentley.
Other achievements with the Vintage Bentley, Lagonda and Itala Marques include class wins at Pebble Beach with a Speed Six Vintage Bentley and many wins at International Concours d’Elegance events.
Full-Service Restoration Workflow
We manage every stage of restoration with meticulous detail:
- Complete engine rebuilds & precision machining
- Original-spec body restoration & paint finishing
- Electrical systems & period-correct wiring
- Interior trim, coachwork, upholstery
- Parts sourcing or bespoke manufacturing
- Pre-delivery inspections & road-test preparation
All work is undertaken to the highest standards to ensure reliability, performance and authenticity.
Recent Vintage Car Restoration Projects
Featured Projects — Explore Our Restorations
We document each of our significant restoration projects, complete with before/after galleries and detailed descriptions so you can see exactly what level of craftsmanship we deliver. Past projects include the following:
1907 Itala Restoration
8 Litre Bentley Restoration YG337
Low Chassis Lagonda T1 Tourer Restoration
RD100 Bentley 6 1/2 Restoration
Bentley 6.5 Litre Harrison body Coupe Restoration
Lagonda M45R Rapide Restoration
1928 Lagonda 2 Litre High Chassis Restoration
8 Litre Bentley Restoration
Vintage Car Restoration Project - Bentley Barnato Hassan
Below are some of the stages of a vintage car restoration project of the Lagonda pictured at the top of the page.
Our Restoration Process
Every restoration begins with a comprehensive evaluation and a bespoke restoration plan that includes:
Initial assessment & historic analysis
Mechanical strip-down & condition report
Body repair, alignment & structural conservation
Engine, gearbox & drivetrain restoration
Authentic interior and coachwork finishing
Final test, tuning & concours preparation
We use both traditional craftsmanship techniques and modern precision tools, ensuring your classic car is restored to original specification — and made ready to drive.
Expert service and advice
As a veteran Vintage Bentley owner/restorer as well as Rally Support and competitor, we pride ourselves in having the knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise to be able to offer the most detailed and comprehensive service to our worldwide customer base.
30 plus years in the trade and a real passion for Vintage Pre-War Bentley cars has given us an extensive knowledge and experience of vintage car restoration. Our complete service means no matter whether it’s a full restoration or a service, you’ll be in expert hands. From a complete engine rebuild to an interim service, we’ll take care of your vintage car to the highest of standards.
Contemplating buying a Vintage Bentley, an S-Type Invicta or a Lagonda? Or do you already own a Pre-War Bentley, High or Low Chassis Lagonda or an S-Type Invicta? If you need some guidance then please do contact us for some expert advice, we’ll be only too happy to help.
Although we do consider ourselves specialist in the W.O. Bentley Marque, in particular the Speed Six Vintage Bentley, 6½ Litre Vintage Bentley, Lagonda and S-Type Invicta, we can also provide expert advice and guidance on all Pre-War Cars.
Contact Us for Classic Car Restoration Services
Start your restoration journey with a team that understands the soul of classic cars.
Call us on 07785 365890
Email: david@davidayre.com
Let’s preserve history together — one remarkable restoration at a time.