RESTORATION
ADO Restoration have an impeccable reputation for thoughtful, sympathetic automotive restorations on British classic cars, particularly classic Minis, but also heritage, and vintage vehicles.
The name ‘ADO’ comes from the old term ‘Austin Design Office’ being the original numeric reference each model concept received before given its final marketing name. The Mini was ADO15 and ADO16 was the 1100/1300. We chose this name to reflect our love of the BMC and British Leyland classics.
Our team restore classic cars to the customer spec: whether you are seeking a concours restoration for your classic car or wanting to build the modified classic of your dreams.
There is no restoration we consider too ambitious to consider, so if you are looking at your project classic car wondering ‘what if,’ give us a call and let us show you what is possible.
SERVICES WE OFFER
We understand your classic car is not ‘just a car,’ which is why when you bring your classic vehicle in for restoration with ADO Restoration, we will ensure you are informed and consulted at every stage of the transformation.
We begin every classic car restoration with a full consultation with one of our trusted ADO classic specialists to ensure your vision is recognised and any initial concerns are highlighted by our team. We take a realistic and transparent approach to every project which comes into our classic car workshop; advising the most cost-effective ways to proceed at every stage and offering solutions and options for all aspects of the build.
In addition to this, we appreciate every restoration has a budget and we are very mindful of this. We will start by providing an estimate based on an initial inspection which will be firmed up as more detail becomes evident and a plan agreed before work commences. Each week whilst your vehicle is undergoing restoration with ADO Restoration, you will receive a vehicle report detailing the works carried out, any queries or concerns from our classic specialist.
We also include photographic updates; a terrific way to keep your friends and family updated on your restoration and a fantastic opportunity to build a visual historical record for your classic.
All work is billed monthly at ADO Restoration, excluding parts which are billed as required, allowing you to budget throughout the process.
Some customers prefer a partial restoration for their vehicle, and we are always happy to advise on the best course of action with the classic car you have in mind.
Whether it is bodywork repairs, a laid up classic needing mechanical overhaul to get back on the road or ensuring a treasured car receives all the love and care needed; ADO Restoration can provide the services to suit your needs.
We pride ourselves on being pragmatic and during consultation we will highlight any potential concerns which may impact the plans you have made for your partial classic restoration.
Restoring a classic car can be one of the biggest investments you will ever make, which is why it is so important to make sure you choose a trustworthy, knowledgeable classic car specialist.
Our team at ADO Restoration have experience in all levels of classic car restoration. Our team have a portfolio of successes including crusty classics without floors, family cars passed through the generations, cars being uplifted to concours level and varying other states of repair.
We understand that whilst you may wish to restore your classic, you may also have a keen desire to retain as much originality as possible. Our team will always work with this in mind and where possible, they will recommission and restore original parts where it is feasible to do so.
Cars restored at ADO Restoration have gone on to become show winners, family heirlooms and beloved daily drivers covering hundreds of miles with their new lease of life. Every vehicle restored at ADO Restoration leaves with hours of expertise at every level and we pride ourselves on the high-level finish on every restoration we complete.
Recommissioning a classic car which has been stood for years outside, dry stored inside a barn or garage or even uncovered from decades nestled away can be a daunting experience, which is why ADO Restoration are on hand to make the process as simple as possible.
Our team have experience of recommissioning British classic cars which have not turned a wheel for varying amounts of time stored in a range of different settings; meaning they have the insight to be able to thoughtfully approach whatever challenges may lie ahead and give advice on how to proceed in a cost-effective way.
We understand you may have concerns and desires to retain the originality of the parts in your classic car and our team will work to ensure, where feasible, parts original to the car are refurbished and recommissioned.
With an enviable book of industry contacts, we are also well placed to help find missing and damaged parts and panels.
Many a Mini owner has visited ADO Restoration, and our team are highly regarded amongst the classic Mini owner community and Mini owners’ clubs in the UK and beyond.
Our team have a lifetime love affair with classic Minis and have owned them, restored them, and cultivated many project classic Minis into vehicles which are used and enjoyed many years after leaving the workshop.
With such an extensive knowledge of the classic Mini, from MK1 Austin and Morris Mini Minors through to the later Rover Minis; our team have the wisdom to take your Mini into the workshop and transform it for a second (or third!) lease of life.
In addition to this, our team are equipped with the necessary skill and expertise to work on classic restorations for specialist Minis and Mini derived vehicles including Mini Moke, Mini Marcos, and other popular Mini kit cars.
The ADO Restoration team are always up for a challenge and particularly love working on cars which others have deemed ‘too far gone.’ If your project Mini needs some serious TLC to get it back out on the road, let ADO Restoration take a look and provide an estimate.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
"The ADO Restoration team are great, they have almost totally restored my Rover Mini Rio to a car that is in a better condition than it rolled off the production line! With the help of the ADO team, I am able to keep her on the road as my daily driver. They not only gives sound advice on what parts to acquire, but also do their research and go the extra mile. Lovely people who do a great job!"
"I have known Paul for many years, Ed for slightly less and have worked with both of them on joint projects. Each of them was highly skilled in the restoration of classic cars, Minis in particular! Since semi-retirement, I have been able to pass several of my customers onto them. I have done this in full confidence that work would be carried out to a high very standard."
"I’ve known Ed over 10 years and he’s worked on many of my classics! Ed has done all sorts for me including clutches, brakes, fuel systems and other jobs I have needed to keep my classics on the road. Whilst I am happy to do a lot of work on my cars myself, if I need a hand with something a bit more complex, there is nobody else I’d call other than ADO Restoration."