Templar Classics News

Focus on Ferrari

Sat, 02 May 2026 17:32:46 GMT

The emphasis has been firmly on Ferrari this week, with a 355 in for service and belt change and a Mondial having it’s ride height lowered by having some new adjustable shocks and springs fitted.

Our latest Ferrari restoration project, a gorgeous (well, it will be!) 250GTE is now in primer ready for final prep – thanks to Adam Redding for top class work.

Meanwhile we’ve had another of favourite Swedes in for a new servo – we’ll never tire of working on these stylish Volvo’s.

#ferrari, #classicferrari, #volvop1800, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Lots of variety at Templar Towers

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:59:33 GMT

Quite a few Ferrari’s in at Templar Towers this past week for servicing and odd jobs, such as the 308 in for a refresh of suspension and interior. The Marcos – not a marque we see often – is in for a general inspection and a few odd jobs, and the Volvo 544 for a rebore and new pistons – lots of variety to keep us on our toes!

#ferrari, #marcos, #volvo544, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Some beautiful visitors!

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 09:45:08 GMT

Some very fine cars have come into Templar Towers this past couple of weeks. Have to start with the fabulous and very rare in the UK French classic, a Facel Vega HK500 that has just been bought by a client who’s asked us to give it the once-over.

We’ve also had a delightful silver Ferrari Dino 246 in for a service and inspection, we have it’s big brother 308 in for a suspension refurb and meanwhile the interior is being fitted in the equally lovely Pagoda – we get to work on some beautiful cars!

#facelvega, #facelvegaHK500, #ferraridino246gt, dino246gt, #ferrari308, #italianclassics, #mercedespagoda, #classicsportscars, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics.

Busy run-up to Easter!

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:54:13 GMT

A very busy run-up to the Easter weekend here at Templar Towers. We’ve got a couple of our favourite Swedes – P1800’s – in for a series of minor jobs, several Ferrari 355’s for service, belt changes and electrical issues – one of them having a rebuilt dual mass flywheel after getting contaminated with oil from the gearbox, another having belts and cam covers replaced.

Meanwhile that ‘70s wedge icon, the Lotus Esprit S1, has been getting a water leak and some fuelling issues sorted out.

Wishing all our clients and friends a very Happy Easter from the team at Templar Classics!

#ferrari, #volvop1800, #lotusesprit, #classicsportscars, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Stunning 1948 Jaguar is our Car of the Week

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 12:33:46 GMT

A fistful of Ferrari’s at Templar Towers over the last few days, mostly in for belt changes and servicing, but our Car of the Week was this exquisite mint-condition 1948 Jaguar 3.5 litre drophead in for a light service and replacement horns - just lovely!

Speaking of Jaguar, the XJ-S you might be able to spot in the middle of the forecourt came in for an oil service – and had covered just 1400 miles from new!

Finally, we continue to make progress with the pretty Lancia Flavia, which now has it’s doors fitted.

#ferrari, #lanciaflavia, #lancia, #italianclassics, #jaguar, #classicjaguar, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Goodbye to the Mercedes 300se

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 14:33:03 GMT

We’ve finally delivered the very elegant Mercedes 300se to it’s new home after a full restoration – we like to think we’ve done this lovely car justice.

Meanwhile we continue to get a number of Ferrari’s in for various work, mainly servicing, while the 360 has had a new cooling fan and rear wheel bearing fitted in addition to a service. The E-type is having it’s rear brakes replaced among other things as well as having an easy bleed kit for future use.

More Ferrari's

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 09:44:20 GMT

Another mostly Ferrari week at Templar Towers, mainly for general servicing and repairs, while the black 308GTB is waiting for it’s newly re-trimmed seats to arrive, part of it’s general recommissioning ahead of sale.

#ferrari, #maranello, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Mostly Ferrari

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:02:46 GMT

Mostly Ferrari’s this week at Templar Towers – in for a variety of issues including belt changes and general servicing. Away from the Ferrari’s, the E-type has been in to have it’s carbs rebuilt, and the hood of the pagoda is now being fitted to it’s new frame.

#ferrari, #mercedessl, #pagoda, #jaguaretype. #etype, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration.

Into 2026!

Sat, 17 Jan 2026 08:49:32 GMT

Into the New Year with some new visitors while making progress on a couple of long-term projects. The two E-types came in for light recommissioning before being sold by their owners, and the Ferrari 360 was in for a belt change and routine service.

Meanwhile we’ve got the Pagoda’s soft-top frame back, all re-chromed and ready to have the new soft top fitted.

#jaguaretype, #etype, #britishclassics, #ferrari360, #ferrari, #mercedespagoda, #mercedessl, #germanclassics, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Ferrari week

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 11:52:36 GMT

Last week was a Ferrari week for us – the red 355 came in for a major service, which involves taking out the engine and transmission unit. We also changed the exhaust manifolds, which had collapsed under the heat shielding. The black 355 needed it’s electrics checking out to eliminate some gremlins causing warning lights to come on and the 550 came in for a belt change and new cam seals.

In between all the Ferrari activity we got the rebuilt Pagoda engine installed and it’s now running nicely.

It’s been a busy year here at Templar Towers, for which we’re grateful, and we’re looking forward to next year. Meanwhile we’d like to wish all our customers and friends the merriest of Christmases, and the very best for 2026.

#ferrari355, #ferrari550, #ferrari, #pagoda, #mercedessl, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Volvo, Ferrari...and Land Rover!

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 08:11:30 GMT

This week we finished rebuilding a Volvo B20 engine for installation in this superb blue P1800S – an unusual colour on one of these classic Swedish coupés but one that we think really suits it.

We also had a number of Ferrari’s come in recently, mostly for servicing and minor issues, and a series 3 Land Rover – not a car we see often - in for new seatbelts, clear windows at the back and power steering.

#volvop1800s, #classicvolvo, #swedishclassics, #ferrari, #landrover, #landy, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Brief Update

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 16:26:01 GMT

Just a brief update this week, with a pair of Ferrari’s dropping in – a 355 for a new alternator and heat sensor, and a 430 to have a window adjusted. Of the longer-term restorations, we’ve been making new door cards for the Pagoda before trimming.

#ferrari355, #ferrari430, #ferrari, #mercedessl, #mercedespagoda, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Progress speeds up

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 08:05:46 GMT

We’re continuing to make progress on our long-term restoration projects. Work on the Lancia Flavia is starting to speed up - getting the aluminium and stainless steel trim parts for it has been difficult to say the least, but they’re polishing up nicely.

Our two Mercedes are coming along well – the 300SE is now complete and ready for testing – weather permitting – and we’ve started fitting the carpets in the Pagoda. The Aston is now almost ready for its next coat of primer, and meantime we’ve been preparing our new additional workshop.

#lanciaflavia, #lancia, #flavia, #classiclancia, #mercedes300se, #mercedespagoda, #classicmercedes, #mercedesw108, #mercedesw113, #atonmartindb6, #db6, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Mostly Mercedes

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 20:46:43 GMT

A mostly Mercedes week this week – we’ve had this lovely, elegant 280SE in for new king pins and a wheel bearing replacement ahead of a European trip that the owner has planned for next year. Meanwhile we’ve rebuilt the hardtop for the Pagoda and been trial fitting it to set the window fit, and we’ve also been refitting the dash wood and leather – a difficult job but we’re happy with how it looks now.

Away from Mercedes, the DB6 has had a windscreen trial fit as the whole of the front of the car was removed during the restoration and now it’s back, we needed to make sure it all lined up properly.

#mercedessl, #mercedespagoda, #mercedesse, #mercedesw108, #mercedesw113, #classicmercedes, #astonmartin, #db6, #classiccarrestoration. #templarclassics.

Busy Busy Busy!

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 08:12:14 GMT

Very busy last couple of weeks, improving our workshops while working on several cars – checkout our forecourt!

Starting in Maranello, this lovely 308GTS has been in for a new alternator and to get an electrical problem sorted, and it's sibling Ferrari 512BB has been in for an exhaust change – the huge original system has been replaced with a Tubi sports system, and the car sounds great. Fabulous cars, both.

Recommissioning the Aston Martin V8 is now complete and this British classic is ready to go back to it’s happy owner, while work on rebuilding the Volvo Amazon’s new engine continues. Never a dull moment here at Templar Towers!

#ferrari512BB, #ferrari308gts, #classicferrari, #italianclassics, #astonmartinv8, #classicsastons, #volvoamazon, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

An interesting week

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 12:17:14 GMT

A nice variety this week, including an Austin Healey 3000 in for a check over and a few post-restoration improvements and a nice Ferrari 308GTS QV in for an electrical fault and a whining noise which we think we have located the source to the alternator.

Work continued on a couple of Swedish classics – we bought a red block b23 turbo engine for the Volvo Amazon that we featured last week which we are currently stripping for upgrades and rebuild – the engine is just part of that project, and finally, the P1800ES has had its front suspension and steering improved and a tune up and we’re pleased to say it’s now driving well.

#austinhealey, #healey3000, #britishsportscars, #volvoamazon, #volvop1800es, #swedishclassics, #ferrari308, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Back at work!

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 10:35:03 GMT

Back after a short break in the sun, we’ve had a couple of Volvo’s in – a P1800 for a few minor works and an Amazon for some mods to drive train, and potentially some more major changed such as a new engine, transmission and more to be discussed with the owner. We’ve also had a big Mercedes V8 cabrio come in for some mechanical attention.

Meanwhile we’ve been very pleased to hear that the Lotus Esprit we restored last year won the Club Trophy at the recent Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace – it’s always nice to have the quality of our work vindicated.

#volvop1800, #volvoamazon, #classicvolvo, #swedishclassics, #mercedessecabrio, #classicmercedes, #lotusesprit, #classiclotus, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics.

DB6, P1800E and 230SL

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 08:04:24 GMT

Continuing to work on the Aston DB6, getting the body fully clean after finishing gapping and panel filling. We’ve also removed all the old sealer and underseal before applying fresh layers.

We’ve had one of our favourite Swedes in, converting a Volvo P1800E back to “E” spec following an engine rebuild, as well as refitting the engine in the Pagoda – next step will be to fit the new exhaust, start the engine and get it tuned up.

#astondb6, #db6, #astonmartindb6, #classicaston, #volvop1800, #classicvolvo, #mercedesslpagoda, #pagoda, #classicmercedes, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Busy...

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 12:57:44 GMT

A busy week at Templar Towers…we’ve had a variety of Ferrari’s needing various jobs ranging from oil changes through having sticking switches changed. Meanwhile the Aston DB6 has now had final adjustments made to body gaps and panel fit, and we’ve also begun restoring many of the parts such as the fuel tank and cooler, which have been cleaned, stripped and painted, and the lovely steering wheel is also being restored. A long road ahead on this one!

#ferrari, #maranello, #italianclassics, #astonmartin, #astonmartindb6, #db6, #astondb6, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Porsche, Mercedes, Ferrari...

Sat, 02 Aug 2025 10:39:30 GMT

Our first post for a little while…starting with the Porsche 912 we recently finished restoring, we’ve now lowered it and fitted spacers to give it a more purposeful stance – we think it looks stunning.

Staying in Stuttgart with the Mercedes 300se convertible that is gradually nearing completion – it’s had it’s engine rebuilt – not without difficulty, not least due to some parts being very hard to source – and very carefully re-installed.

Finally, the Ferrari 512BB that we’ve been working on has had it’s wheels refurbished in gold by Bespoke Alloys of Denham – they look pretty cool, no?

#porsche912, #classicporsche, #mercedesbenz300se, #mercedes300se, #classicmercedes, #stuttgartclassics, #germanclassics, #ferrari512BB, #classicferrari, #italianclassics, #bespokealloys, #clasiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Flavours of Italy

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 07:54:53 GMT

Our second post this week has an Italian flavour…we had a very cool Ferrari 512BB come in to get it’s speedometer fixed and for a pre-MOT check-up, while the Lancia Flavia convertible that we’re restoring has now been repainted in a silver-grey metallic, and we’ve started re-fitting some of the contrasting tan trim as we begin the rebuilding process of this stylish Italian. And the Aston Martin DB6 (designed by Touring of Milan) is now back with us – more on that one in the coming weeks.

#ferrari512bb, #ferrariberlinettaboxer, #classicferrari, #lanciafulvia, #fulvia, #classiclancia, #italianclassics, #astonmartindb6, #db6, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration.

Two of Mercedes' finest

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 08:38:53 GMT

Two elegant classic Mercedes to focus on for this post – after re-fitting exterior and interior trim, the imposing dark blue 300SE just needs to be reunited with it’s newly-rebuilt engine before it can be returned to it’s owner – it looks amazing, even if we say it ourselves.

It’s smaller sibling, the moss green metallic Pagoda, is also coming together nicely, though it’s not yet as far along it’s restoration journey as it’s big brother. What a classic pair they make!

#mercedesbenz300se, ##mercedes300se, #mercedespagoda, #classicmercedes, #germanclassics, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration.

More Italian glamour

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:08:21 GMT

More Italian sportscars in the glamorous shapes of a Maserati 4200 and Ferrari Mondial. The Maser came in suffering gear selection problems – we fitted and calibrated new selection sensors.

The Mondial has been with us to have it’s dual mass flywheel repaired – we carried out a complete overhaul of both the flywheel and housing – both look almost like new now, and are back in the car, ready to go.

#maserati4200 , #maserati , #ferrarimondial , #mondial , #italianclassics , #classiccarrestoration , #templarclassics

What a difference!

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 08:19:11 GMT

Part of our “Ferrari Party” over the past few weeks has been this smart 550, which has had it's fabulous V12 engine cosmetically refurbed and new bonnet soundproofing installed – spot the difference before and after!

#ferrari550, #550maranello, #ferrariv12, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Mercedes Pagoda!

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 14:30:04 GMT

Focus on the Mercedes SL “Pagoda” for this post – we’ve finished rebuilding the engine, this week has been about reinstalling it, together with the gearbox, suspension and rear axle. This very elegant car – we love the colour – is going to look fabulous when it’s finished.

#mercedesbenzpagoda, #mercedespagoda, #mercedessl, #classicmercedes, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics,

A Ferrari Party!

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 10:35:17 GMT

Looks a little like we’re hosting a Ferrari party at Templar Towers at the moment – all in for a variety of jobs from inspections to services, ball joint changes and more. Love the 246 Dino, one of the prettiest cars ever made in our humble opinion. The E-type you can just about see among the various Ferrari’s is in for some work on it’s brakes, which are holding on.

#ferrari, #classicferrari, #ferraridino246, #italianclassics, #jaguaretype, #etype, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Classic variety

Sat, 31 May 2025 13:24:01 GMT

Quite a variety of classics at Templar Towers this past week. We said goodbye to the Volvo P1800 after completing a series of small jobs, including re-padding the front seats – which we also had to move back by 3.5 inches as the owner is very tall! We also fitted a new steering wheel with a very nice wood effect.

The Austin Healey 3000 came to us for new exhaust flexi pipes and some paintwork as well as having a new hood fitted, and staying with classic British sports cars, the E-type was in to fix a clutch hydraulic problem.

Meanwhile the long-term Lancia Aurelia convertible’s panels are now all ready and the car is awaiting final prep before going to the paint shop, and it’s gorgeous coupé sibling is now ready for it’s owner to pick up, having had lots of recommissioning work – it’s a beauty!

#volvop1800, #classicvolvo, #swedishclassics, #healey3000, #jaguaretype, #etype, #britishclassics, #lanciaaurelia, #classiclancia, #italianclassics, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Bits and pieces

Tue, 27 May 2025 15:59:30 GMT

A tidy early Ferrari 355 came in for inspection and a service, and one of our favourite Swedes dropped in for a set of smart new Minilite wheels, new fog lamps and some mods to the seat runners among other minor work.

Meanwhile the restoration of the imposing Mercedes 300SE is gradually nearing completion - here’s Paul from Link Trim expertly fitting the hood cover.

#ferrari355, #volvop1800, #classicvolvo, #swedishclassics, #mercedesbenz300se, #mercedes300se,

#classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics, #linktrim

Back at work again!

Sun, 18 May 2025 08:29:20 GMT

Back from holiday refreshed and back in the workshop, we’ve got the body of the DB6 almost ready to go to the paint shop, and we’ve started putting the Pagoda back together. They’ll be two gorgeous cars when we’re finished.

Keeping in trim!

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 19:13:53 GMT

Not often we get a Porsche 356 in – we’ve just painted these race seats to co-ordinate with the body colour, and intend to get some thin clip-on cushions made for them as they’re surely too uncomfortable to sit on for long periods! And on the subject of trim, the trim for the Lancia Vignale convertible we’ve been working on for some time now is coming along nicely – more soon on this very pretty car.

#porsche356, #classicporsche, #lanciavignale, #lanciaflaviavignale, #classiclancia, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

An Aston Martin Week

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 13:41:39 GMT

An Aston Martin focus this week, with the DB6 and it’s newly restored front end reunited with it’s restored and painted frame, and we also had an Aston V8 come to us for inspection and recommissioning to get it back on the road after many years in storage.

And we’ll throw in a photo of our favourite Swede for luck��

#astonmartindb6, #db6, #astonmartinv8, #classicastonmartin, #volvop1800, #swedishclassics, #britishclassics , #templarclassics, #ClassicCarRestoration

Classic Mercs, Classic MGs

Sat, 05 Apr 2025 10:05:33 GMT

Wide variety of work this past week or so, starting with the long-term Mercedes 300SE project, it’s engine bay now ready to receive its rebuilt engine, and it’s new windscreen fitted courtesy of the fine chaps at Sterling Windscreens LTD. Meanwhile, it’s smaller sibling, the 230SL, has been having new carpets fitted, it’s interior looking good now.

We’ve had a couple of MGs in – a TF that’s had a Volvo b18 engine installed came in for some work on it’s electrics among other things, and a Sebring-bodied GT V8 needed attention to a couple of minor issues.

#mercedes, #classicmercedes, #mercedes300se, #mercedes230sl, #mercedespagoda, #germanclassics, #mgtf, #mgbgtv8, #classicmg, #sterlingwindscreens, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

A week of variety

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 16:21:56 GMT

We finally finished the long-term Porsche 912 with it’s new big bore engine this week – we think it looks great - and had a slightly younger sibling, a black 964 in for a few jobs.

Meanwhile the Aston DB6 is almost ready for prep and paint, though a colour hasn’t been chosen yet, the Mercedes R107 came in for a new hood and the gorgeous Lancia Aurelia was in for a variety of jobs – lovely car!

#porsche912, #porsche964, #classicporsche, #mercedesr107, #astonmartindb6, #astondb6, #lanciaaurelia, #classiclancia, #templarclasics, #classiccarrestoration

How unusual?

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 15:43:12 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

This very unusual WW2 VW Schwimmwagen is leaving us after having had new fuel tanks fitted, carb rebuild and a major service, and after 14 years in storage, the Ferrari Mondial engine is now ready to go back in after rebuilding the dual mass flywheel, replacing the clutch and release bearing, a major service and paint and clean up.

Meanwhile the Mercedes 230 SL Pagoda is getting an engine rebuild – here it’s upside down on a stand ready for the sump to be fitted.

#vwschwimmwagen, #ww2schwimmwagen, #ferrarimondial, #mondial, #mercedes230slpagoda, #mercedes230sl, #mercedespagoda, #temparclassics, #classicarrestoration

Variety is the spice...

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 18:44:46 GMT

Catching up with some projects while we reorganise the workshop at the same time, never easy! The Pagoda is now in final primer; we’re double-checking all gaps and panel fir before it goes in to paint. The Porsche 912 engine and gearbox are now back in situ after having both been rebuilt.

We’ve also had a Triumph TR4 in for a replacement fuel pump and ignition work, as well as a couple of Ferrari’s – a 360 and a 430 – in for various jobs. Never a dull day here at Templar Towers!

#mercedessl, #mercedespagoda, #classicmercedes, #porsche912, #germanclassics, #triumphtr4, #ferrari360, #ferrari430, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics.

Gradual progress...

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 08:51:38 GMT

Some Mercedes progress this past week - the inside and luggage areas of the Pagoda we’re restoring are now black, ahead of a final panel fit before final prep for colour, and we’ve been fitting a new belly pan to a spectacular 300SL Gullwing.

Elsewhere, the Aston DB6 now has new inner sills, we’ve had a Ferarri 360 in for a belt change and service, and one of our Swedish favourites, a Volvo P1800ES has been in to get some injection system problems sorted.

#mercedessl, #mercedespagoda, #mercedesgullwing, #classicmercedes, #germanclassics, #ferrari360, #volvop1800, #classicvolvo, #astonmartindb6, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics.

Busy, busy, busy!

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 08:59:14 GMT

The workshop and yard at Templar Towers is as busy as ever, especially on the Ferrari front. The 360 is in for a belt change and service, the 430 to have it’s Plenum crinkle paint redone, and we’re still grappling with the Testarossa’s tuning, but nearly there. Staying with #italianclassics, the very pretty Alfa 105 series in amongst all the Ferrari’s is in for a service and some mods to the driver’s seat to clear the roll-over bar – the owner uses it for regulation rallies.

We’ve also had a spectacular Mercedes 300SL roadster in for a service and check over, and the Esprit S1 that came in last week is now ready to go back to it’s owner.

#ferrari360, #ferrari430, #ferraritestarossa, #ferrari, #alfa105, #bertonealfa, #alfaromeo, #italianclassics, #mercedesbenz300sl, #classicmercedes, #lotusesprit, #esprits1, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration.

An Anglo-Italian Week

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 16:32:03 GMT

A combination of British and Italian classics this week – the Esprit is now ready to go back home after a full health check, having had a few minor issues solved, and the lovely Jag Mk2 has had some running issues and a carburettor tune-up.

On the Italian side of things, we’ve got a Mondial in that’s been in long-term storage and in need of a major service and complete refresh – this week we’ve removed the tired engine and gearbox.

Finally, the Testarossa that’s with us has now got a properly working injection system and brakes; next job is to fix the cold start system .

#lotusesprit, #lotus, #jagmk2, #jaguarmk2, #britishclassics, #ferrarimondial, #ferraritestarossa, #classicferrari, #italianclassics, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

New Year, packed workshop!

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 11:05:26 GMT

Belated Happy New Year to all! Our first full week back, just as well our workshop heater is efficient! Quite a lot of cars in at the moment…the Ferrari 430 is now ready for collection after a variety of jobs while the Aston V8 Volante is in to get a fuel pump wiring problem fixed, and this is what the front of a DB6 looks like after the body panels have been removed for repairs…

The Esprit is back having completed a few hundred miles after we’d restored it for a check-up and a few adjustments, while the gearbox for the long-term restoration Porsche 912 has now been rebuilt – we just need to finish the engine…

#ferrari430, #ferrari, #astonmartin, #volante, #lotusesprit, #porsche912, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Italian and German Challenges

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 18:47:58 GMT

Some interesting challenges this week, starting with a couple of Ferrari’s brought out of long-term storage that needed some work to be made roadworthy again. A Mondial That had been left in a garage for 14 years needed full recommissioning as well as a major service and a lot of cosmetic work, while the Testarossa wouldn’t start when it emerged from hibernation. Issues included corroded wiring at the starter motor, injectors that didn’t inject, brake calipers that had seized… the Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel distributor also needed a serious tune up and we used our new handheld emissions tester to help get it there; it’s now running properly on all 12 cylinders.

The gearbox for our long-term Porsche 912 restoration project is now stripped for inspection and rebuild, and we’ve also got new belly pans to fit to a Mercedes 300SL Gullwing that once we’ve checked the fit, will be painted the correct green before being re-fitted.

#ferrarimondial, #ferraritestarossa, #classicferrari, #italianclassics, #porsche912, #mercedesbenz300sl, #gullwing, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration,

Finally getting some work done on our own cars!

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 15:23:37 GMT

In between working on our customer cars, we’ve been able (slowly) to make some progress on two of our own. The Ferrari 308GTB has finally been painted – here it is, fresh from the paint shop – and on the Porsche 968, we’ve changed noisy cam followers on the variocam, so it’s nice and quiet now, and had the seats re-coloured – they look really good now!

#ferrari308gtb, #classicferrari, #italianclassics, #porsche968, #classicporsche, #germanclassics, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Pagoda Progress

Sat, 07 Dec 2024 19:20:38 GMT

A short post this week – gradual progress on our long-term project Pagoda, which is now prepped for epoxy primer to seal panels before it goes for 1st primer. There’ll be a lot of pre-fitting before it goes in for final paint. It’s a slow process but will absolutely be worth it in the end!

#mercedessl, #mercedespagoda, #mercedesbenzw113, #classicmercedesbenz, #classicmercedes, #germanclassics, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Busy Week Part 2

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 16:22:32 GMT

To the UK and Italy for our second post – the Aston DB6 engine bay and cabin are now bare-metalled before we carry out body repairs, the Lancia Fulvia convertible now has had it’s underside bare-metalled, epoxy prime seam sealed and raptor coated.

Meanwhile our 308GTB has had some panels polished and we’ve got a 550 in for trim repairs – currently with it’s dash out.

#astonmartindb6, #lanciaflavia, #ferrari308gtb, #ferrari550maranello, #ferrari, #italianclassics, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Busy Week Part 1

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 16:13:24 GMT

Lots of activity at Templar Classics this past week, enough for two posts this weekend. For this one, we'll start with a very unusual visitor in the shape of a VW Schwimmwagen amphibious WW2 military vehicle that came in for some recommissioning – pretty sure this is the first one we’ve ever had!

Moving on to the pair of elegant Mercedes coupés that we’ve been working on…having realigned the roof and window of the big 300se, we’ve started fitting the luxurious interior. The Pagoda is now back from the metal shop, the next steps will be prep and paint. These are such stylish cars!

#mercedes300se, #classicmercedesbenz, #classicmercedes, #mercedesw112, #mercedesw113, #pagodamercedes, #vwschwimmwagen, #germanclassics, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Bad weather doesn't stop us!

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 16:55:13 GMT

Despite the mixed – to put it mildly – weather over the past few days, we’ve been as busy as ever at Templar Towers.

One of our long-term projects, the Lancia Flavia convertible, is now ready for final prep before going into the paint booth. Another long-termer, the DB6 has now been stripped of all it’s paint, underseal etc and is about to go into the metal shop.

Also among our full restoration projects, we’ve started to fit the restored dash into the big Mercedes 300SE. We’ve also got a Pagoda in for a few jobs and detailing ahead of it being put on sale by the owner.

On the Ferrari front, we’ve got a Testarossa in for some attention to it’s brakes and to have new injectors fitted after having been off the road for a while, and we’ve fitted an ”E Diff delete kit” as well as fixed an internal leak on a 430.

#lanciaflavia, #classiclancia, #italianclassics, #mercedes300se, #mercedespagoda, #classicmercedes, #germanclassics, #ferraritestarossa, #ferrari340, #classicferrari, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Variety is the spice...

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 10:23:53 GMT

The variety of classics we get to work on is one of the joys of what we do. This 1930’s Mercedes 170H came in to us for a major service and to have some brake issues fixed. It’s similarity to the VW Beetle is not a coincidence – Ferdinand Porsche, designer of the Beetle, was involved in the development of Mercedes’ rear-engined cars in the late 1920’s. A motoring history sliding door moment?

The DB6 is now on a trolley – the next step will be to clean it properly underneath before it goes for metalwork repairs. The doors and some panels from our 308GTB are now black, the body will be next. Another Ferrari, the Testarossa, is in to have it’s injection system overhauled.

Finally, one of our favourite Swedes, a P1800 has come in for a new head gasket – we never get tired of working on these stylish coupés.

#mercedesbenz170h, #mercedes170h, #classicmercedesbenz, #1930smercedes, #rearenginedclassics, #germanclassics, #astonmartindb6, #db6, #classicastonmartin, #classicbritishsportscars, #britishclassics, #ferraritestarossa, #ferrari308gtb, #classicferrari, #italianclassics, #volvop1800, #classicvolvo, #classicswedes, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics.

Great classic sports cars

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 13:57:45 GMT

Back at the grindstone after a few days away, the Aston DB6 Vantage is well on the way to being prepared for its repaint – the old paint is almost gone, after which it’ll be mechanically stripped before it goes in to the metalwork shop for body restoration and then repaint.

Meanwhile another famous British sports coupé, this gorgeous Jaguar XK150 has been in to sort out a carburettor issue and get a tune up. Looks fabulous in red!

Finally for this week, our 308GTB is in final primer and panel fit before heading into the paint shop, where it will go back to its original black.

#astonmartindb6, #db6, #astondb6, #classicastonmartin, #jaguarxk, #jaguarxk150, #classicjaguar, #classicbritishsportscars, #ferrari308GTB, #classicferrari, #classicitaliansportscars, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration.

Magnificent marques

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 13:51:51 GMT

We’ve been working on some of the most prestigious marques in motoring lately. We’ve begun stripping down the Aston Martin DB6 as we begin a complete restoration on this iconic British sports

coupé, it’s going to be with us for some time.

The Ferrari 550 has been having interior panels refitted, while our own 308GTB is now in final primer, having had a new engine cover fitted and we’ve also trial fitted the doors. All being well it should be in paint by the end of this week.

Finally for now, we’ve also had an elegant Mercedes Benz 380SL R107 in to get some electrical issues and water leaks sorted out. Fabulous cars, all.

#classicgtcars, #classicsportscars, #ferrari, #ferrari550, #ferrari308, #italianclassics, #astonmartindb6, #astondb6, #db6, #britishclassics, #classicbritishgt, #mercedesbenzr107, #classicmercedesbenz, #germanclassics, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Ferrari progress

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 18:04:39 GMT

Short Ferrari post this weekend – our own 308GTB is getting closer to being repainted, and the 550 is in for some interior work.

#ferrari308, #classicferrari, #ferrari550, #classicferrari, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

A full yard and workshop

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 07:28:38 GMT

The Ferrari’s keep coming in, mostly for servicing; meanwhile our initial hopes of getting our own Ferrari 308GTB ready for Goodwood proved to be in vain, as it’s needed quite a lot more doing than we’d originally thought – it has been off the road for two years, though…as it is, it will be getting a replacement tailgate engine cover (currently in bare metal), and the deep front spoiler is also getting some attention, before a full respray.

Thanks to the almost incessant rain it’s been difficult to take decent photos, but among the classics currently filling our workshop there’s the Mercedes 280SE 3.5 which is now just waiting for new tyres before setting off on a European tour, our long-term Porsche 912 project that’s edging closer to completion, and one of our more unusual visitors – a 1942 Willys Jeep – in for new leaf springs and wiring.

#ferrari308gtb. #ferrari308, #ferrari, #classicferrari, #maranelloclassics, #mercedesbenz280se, #mercedesbenz111, #classicmercedes, #stuttgartclassics, #germanclassics, #porsche912, #willysjeep, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration.

Busy busy...

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 14:45:24 GMT

A full yard at Templar Towers at the moment, with lots of Ferrari’s in for services, belt changes and other minor work, and a very elegant Mercedes-Benz 250SE 3.5-litre in for check over ahead of European Tour - a perfect touring classic!

#ferrari, #modernclassicferraris, #modernitalianclassics, #italiansportscars, #mercedesbenz, #classicmercedes, #mercedesw111, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Comings and goings...

Sat, 31 Aug 2024 10:02:06 GMT

We’ve had a yard full of cars coming and going over the past few days at Templar Towers, most of them for minor work such as servicing or small repair while we carry on with our longer-term restoration projects. We’ve had two very different Volvo’s – a sturdy, upright 1965 P544 and it’s sleeker and smoother cousin, a '71 P1800. The Elan was our own car and has now gone to a new home, the lovely 1975 Bertone Alfa GTV 2000 has gone back to it’s happy owner and the Ferrari’s keep coming…

#volvop544, #volvop1800, #clssicvolvo, #swedishclassics, #alfagtv, #bertonealfaromeo, #ferrari, #italianclassics, #lotuselan, #classiclotus, #britishclassics, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics.

Old English and Elegant German

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 10:04:58 GMT

We recently worked on one of the oldest cars we’ve ever had at Templar Towers, an Austin Seven. It came in with a leaking fuel tank – we found the leak, re-sealed it and refitted the tank, and also fitted a pair of new brake cables and gave this charming little car a service.

And this elegant Mercedes 190SL is ready to go home after having had a service, work done to the steering, been fitted with replacement engine mounts and a new radiator and had the brakes sorted out. It's now ready to enjoy for the rest of the summer.

#austinseven, #britishclassiccars, #mercedesbenz190sl, #mercedes190sl, #germanclassiccars, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

White wedding!

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 17:20:40 GMT

After the Ferrari focus of the past couple of weeks, our first post this week features possibly the fastest - and lowest - wedding car ever!

After giving it a run – it sounded really sweet! - we were delighted to return this fabulous Lotus Esprit to it’s owner in time for his daughter’s wedding – and very proud he looks, too, of both the car and his daughter!

#lotusesprit, #classiclotus, #weddingcar, #classicenglishsportscar, #70swedge, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

More Ferrari Fun

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 11:26:33 GMT

More Ferrari fun at Templar Towers over the past few days.

We’ve had a Testarossa in that was suffering from poor starting and running; turned out the ignition module had failed and the starter motor was getting a poor start up trigger, which will need the wiring loom modifying.

A 1998 Ferrari 355 F1- already a modern classic – came in for a cambelt change, with the engine being dropped out to enable belt replacement, and what an engine it is!

#ferrari, #ferrari355, #ferraritestarossa, #classicferrari, #classicmaranello, #italianclassics, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Focus on Ferrari

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 13:11:19 GMT

Focus on Ferrari for this weekend’s post, as we’ve welcomed a number of Maranello’s finest into the Templar Towers workshops, starting with a couple of 355s – one for an oil service and the other for a new cambelt.

We’ve also had a 550 in for a cambelt change and to fix oil leaks from the cam cover seals and cam seals, which necessitated removing all the camshafts.

Finally, our own 308, which has had new cam belts and brake calipers fitted and undergone general recommissioning ahead of taking it to the Goodwood Revival next month.

#ferrari, #ferrari355, #ferrari550, #ferrari308, #classicferrari, #maranelloclassics, #italianclassics, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Busy Days at Templar Towers Part 2

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 15:32:36 GMT

Busy days at Templar Towers Part 2. The majestic Mercedes 300se is now starting to come together nicely – really looking forward to seeing this when it’s complete. The Alfa is having some paintwork done, the Lancia Flavia is being prepped for paint and the Elan is in for some detailing. We’re also in the process of building a new engine for a Volvo P1800. Quite the variety of classics with us at the moment!

#mercedesbenz300se, #mercedes300se, #classicmercedes, #germanclassics, #lanciaflavia, #classiclancia, #italianclassics, #volvop1800, #classicswedes, #alfaromeo, #classicalfaromeo, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Busy days at Templar Towers Part 1

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 15:25:20 GMT

Busy days at Templar Towers part 1. Stage one of the restoration process of the Aston DB6 has begun with taking it apart. Meanwhile the Porsche 912 gets ever closer to completion, and the Lotus Esprit is now running, having had all the electrics tested – next step is to refit the interior.

#astonmartindb6, #astondb6, #db6, #britishclassics, #porsche912, #germanclassics, #lotusesprit, #lotus, #classiclotus, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Stuttgart classics

Sat, 06 Jul 2024 07:32:58 GMT

The long-term Porsche 912 restoration project we’ve been working on has come back from Southbound trimmers, who have done a fantastic job. We’re now aiming to finish the car before the summer is over (although it feels like it already is…). We modestly think this will be the best 912 in the country when it’s complete.

Meanwhile we’ve had the Porsche’s fellow Stuttgarter, a gorgeous Mercedes 190SL – one of the most elegant cars built - in for a check over and service. Just look at those lines!

#porsche912, #classicporsche, #aircooledclassics, #germanclassics, #mercedesbenz190sl, #classicmercedesbenz, #classicmercedes, #stuttgartclassics, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Busy, busy, busy!

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 14:16:05 GMT

Busy times continuing here at Templar Towers, not just with the number of cars we’re working on, but also rearranging our workshops to create space for a new compressor.

The MG has been in to have power steering installed, and we have fitted fixings to stop the core plugs popping out, a problem previously experienced on this car. The Volvo was in for fuel injection problems and is now running very well.

We have an Alfa in for rollover bar fitting plus brake discs and some trim parts – such a pretty car! Having a workshop move around to make room for new compressor.

A bit more modern, but a sure-fire classic, we’ve had a 1999 Lotus Elise in for a new cambelt and major service, as well as gear linkage upgrade and other minor maintenance issues.

#mgb,#lotuselise, #classicbritishcars, #classicbritishsportscars, #alfaromeo, #classicalfa, #volvop1800, #classicvovlo, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration,

Ferrari!

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 09:25:59 GMT

We’ve renewed the intake plenum chamber on the Ferrari F430 that's currently with us – here are some before-and after photos; looks brand new again – and dealt with a very bad case of ball-joint failure. We’re also in the process of replacing the car’s cam cover gaskets – currently stripped down.

#ferrarif430, #ferrari, #modernclassics, #modernferrariclassics, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

London Concours 2024

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 09:19:19 GMT

Very pleased to have not one, but two of "our" cars at the London Concours this week, with the 1958 Mercedes 220S that we completed the restoration of a few weeks ago being awarded a Highly Commended Rosette. Unbeknown to us, another car that we had worked on, the grey 1968 Volvo P1800S, had also been entered, making it a great event for us!

#mercedes220s, #mercedesbenz220s, #classicmercedesbenz, #classicmercedes, #germanclassics, #volvop1800s, #classicvolvo, #swedishclassics, #londonconcours, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Starting a new project

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 09:19:12 GMT

A couple of posts from us this weekend; we’ve a busy workshop at the moment. We’re now starting on another full restoration project, this time an Aston Martin DB6 Vantage – we’ve checked all the electrics, and are currently giving the car a full inspection before we begin taking it apart – it’s already clear that the engine is going to require a complete rebuild – it’s a smoker!

#astonmartindb6, #astonmartin, #britishclassics, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

More Mercedes Malarkey!

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 19:39:23 GMT

More Mercedes activity this week, as we got back to work on another long-term Mercedes restoration, this time the imposing 300SE convertible, in it’s smart coat of dark blue. We’ve now got this very big yet elegant car back on it’s wheels, but there’s still a long way to go…

#mercedesbenz300se, #classicmercedesbenz, #mercedesw112

#templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Italian and German glamour comes to Templar Towers!

Wed, 29 May 2024 15:52:45 GMT

We’ve welcomed some genuine glamour to the Templar Towers workshops this past few days, including another Ferrari, this time a 2006 F430 in for some cosmetic engine work - the plenum chambers are getting a repaint in their original crinkle red – and we’re also changing the ball joints, a common problem on these fabulous cars.

And what about this gorgeous pair of 'fifties Mercedes 220S convertibles? The cream example has come to us for a service as well as a few minor jobs, while the two-tone car, which we very recently finished completely restoring, has returned to us to be prepared for its appearance next week at the London Concours at the Honourable Artillery Company in the City. The event runs from Tuesday 4th to Wednesday 6th – we’ll be there, come and say hi if you’re attending!

#ferrari, #ferrarif430, #modernclassicferrari, #fabulousferrari, #mercedesbenz220s, #mercedes220s, #classicmercedesbenz, #germanclassics, #londonconcours, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics,

Ready for the summer!

Fri, 17 May 2024 09:12:00 GMT

After a much-needed couple of weeks off, we got back to business here at Templar Towers and one of the first things we were able to do was return this very pretty 1966 Alfa Romeo GTC to it’s delighted owner, safely delivered by @revs_¬¬transportation. As with every restoration, it was the little things that seemed to take the most time; rehanging the doors in this case gave us some headaches. Still, all’s well etc, and this lovely Italian soft-top is ready to hit the road for the summer!

#alfaromeo, #alfaromeogtc, #alfagtc, #classicalfaromeo, #classicalfa, #italianclassics, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration..

Nearly there!

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 09:05:46 GMT

This very pretty Alfa GTC is now in the final stages of being rebuilt – the doors have given us some headaches but they’re on and the car looks great, almost ready to hand back to it’s owner, hopefully this week.

Meanwhile we’ve had an example of the Volvo P1800’s rare shooting brake sibling - an 1800ES – in for some minor work. These were only built for two years, with just over 8,000 produced. Love the big glass tailgate!

#alfaromeo, #alfaromeogtc, #alfagtc, #classicalfaromeo, #classicalfa, #italianclassics, #volvo1800ES, #classicshootingbrake, #classicvolvo, #swedishclassics, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration.

Completed and returned to its happy owner!

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 13:54:28 GMT

Just the one car featured today in what has been a big week here at Templar Towers – we’ve finally returned the stunning 1958 Mercedes 220S convertible to its owner, who we’re pleased to say is delighted with it, as are we. And check out the bespoke fitted luggage!

#mercedesbenz220s, #mercedes220s, #classicmercedes, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics, #germanclassics

Variety is the spice!

Sat, 23 Mar 2024 16:02:40 GMT

We’ve been busy working on the stylish Italian Flavia Convertible, getting it back to bare metal, and repairing the doors, for which we’ve had some new door skins made.

We had a lovely P1800S in for service, which the proud owner delightedly drove way – looks fab in blue!

The Mercedes 220S Convertible was taken out for its first test drive this week, attracting lots of admiring glances, and it drove beautifully – almost ready to go!

Finally this week, we welcomed back to Templar Towers a Porsche 968 that I owned 20 years ago – the chance to buy it back came up, and I couldn’t resist it, so now it’s back home ��

#lanciaflavia, #classiclancia, #italianclassics, #volvop1800, #classicvolvo, #swedishclassics, #mercedesbenz220s, #mercedes220s, #classicmercedesbenz, #classicmercedes, #porsche968, #classicporsche, #germanclassics, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Busy week!

Sat, 09 Mar 2024 13:05:16 GMT

This week we had a couple of brief visits from cars familiar to us, one in the svelte form of a gorgeous P1800E that we had restored, in for its first service since then, the other from one of the last 50 commemorative E-types, which just needed the doors re-aligning as they were not closing properly. Both lovely cars!

Meanwhile as the Mercedes 220S that we’ve been working on for over 18 months nears completion, we’ve been making good progress on another Merc, this Pagoda restoration – it’s painstaking but high quality work; still some way to go, though!

#mercedesbenzsl, #mercedespagoda, #mercedessl, #classicmercedesbenz, #classicmercedes, #germanclassics, #volvop1800, #classicvolvo, #swedishclassics, #jaguaretype, #etype, #v12etype, #etypeseries3, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Classic Germans

Sat, 24 Feb 2024 15:45:22 GMT

We’ve also been busy with the German pair of the Porsche 912 and Mercedes 300se. The windows have gone in on the Porsche as well as the gear lever, handbrake, headlining and interior lights before we start refitting the rest of the interior, while from the other side of Stuttgart we’ve now got the very imposing Mercedes 300se ready for refitting – there’s a lot to put back!

#porsche912, #classicporsche, #mercedesbenz300se, #mercedes300se, #germanclassics, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Bellissima!

Sat, 24 Feb 2024 15:41:24 GMT

A couple of posts this time around as we’ve been making progress across various fronts this past week or two. Starting with our duo of bellissima convertibles from Italy, we’re continuing to put the Touring-modified Alfa GTC back together while starting paint stripping its Italian contemporary, this 1964 Lancia Flavia Vignale convertible. Only 100 RHD versions of the Alfa and just 40 RHD versions of the Lancia were produced.

We’ve also had a very smart Volvo P1800S in for axle bearings and door card refit, and waiting in the wings for us is our next major project – a 1966 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage for full restoration.

#alfaromeogtc, #alfagtc, #alfaromeogiuliagtc, #bertone, #classicalfaromeo, #italianclassics, #lanciaflaviaconvertible, #vignale, #classiclancia, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Mercedes and Alfa progress

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 17:39:00 GMT

We’ve been getting ever closer to completing the gorgeous Mercedes 220S, although it hasn’t been particularly co-operative at times! After a (very satisfied) client inspection over the weekend, just the finishing touches remain before we can hand the car over.

Meanwhile the very pretty Alfa Romeo GTC has come back from the paint shop and had it’s gearbox rebuilt so we are now putting this stylish Italian back together, and in between times done a little work on our GT40 replica, running the wiring loom in.

#mercedes220s, #mercedesbenz220s, #classicmercedes, #alfaromeogiuliagtc, #alfaromeogtc,#classicalfaromeo, #classicalfa, #fordgt40, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

More Mercedes and Porsche updates

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 09:54:00 GMT

Each week brings us that bit closer to completion of both the Mercedes 220S and the Porsche 912.

The Mercedes’ complicated roof has now been finished and looks great – we’re now working on fitting out the beautifully appointed interior.

Meanwhile the 912 has had it’s engine re-fitted; next step, the interior.

#mercedesbenz220s, #mercedes220s, #classicmercedes, #porsche912, #classicporsche, #germanclassics, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Porsche Progress Part 4

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 22:18:25 GMT

A separate post focusing on the lovely Porche 912 we’ve been working on. It’s engine is almost ready to be installed and meanwhile we’ve been pressing on with assembling the car – bumpers and rubber seals being fitted and aligned, this super entry-level Porsche is really starting to look the part. We think the owner is going to be delighted!

#porsche912, #classicporsche, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics,

Pagoda project update

Sat, 13 Jan 2024 11:19:48 GMT

More Mercedes activity over the past week - we’ve now got the Pagoda back from its acid bath – you can see just how much work there’s going to be on this very elegant car; lots of panels and structure to replace!

#classicmercedesbenz, #classicmercedes, #pagoda, #pagodasl, #mercedesbenzsl, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Mercedes 220S roof!

Sat, 13 Jan 2024 11:17:04 GMT

We’ve started the year with an expanded team and more space, which is allowing us to move more projects along simultaneously. Let’s start with the complicated multi-layer roof on the Mercedes 220S, now being fitted by Paul from Link Trim. It’s very similar to the roof on a Rolls Royce Corniche, and now the final covering is going on – edging closer and closer to this wonderful car being finished!

#mercedesbenz220s, #mercedes220s, #classicmercedesbenz, #classicmercedes, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics, #linktrim

And we're back...

183:823544077 (Anthony Wawryk) — Sat, 06 Jan 2024 16:39:21 GMT

First, Happy New Year everyone – here’s to a successful 2024 for all of us!

Hoods and screens featured heavily in our first week back after the Christmas and New Year festivities.

As the Mercedes 220S gets ever closer to completion, we fitted the headlining this week, a tricky job as the hood frame is complicated and the tension has to be correct throughout.

Among two of our other long-term projects, the Porsche 912 has had a new rear screen fitted, while the Lotus Esprit S1 has had it's front as well as rear screen replaced – with thanks to the chaps at Sterling Windscreens for their usual superb standard of work. Amazing how much difference having glass in makes!

#mercedesbenz220s, #mercedes220s, #classicmercedes, #porsche912, #classicporsche, #lotusesprit, #classiclotus, #70swedge, #sterlingwindscreens, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Merry Christmas! And a look back.

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 07:26:24 GMT

Hard to believe it’s Christmas already as we come to the end of another busy (thankfully!) year. For our last post of 2023 we thought we’d take a look back at just a few of the fabulous classic cars we’ve had the privilege to work on over the past twelve months.

Meanwhile we wish all our customers and friends a very Merry Christmas and the very best for 2024! We’ll be back in the New Year!

#templarclassics,#classiccarrestoration, #volvop1800, #classicmercedesbenz, #porsche912, #astonmartindb6, #sunbeamalpine, #alfaromeogtc, #jaguaretype, #lotusesprit. #ferrari250gte

Getting there...

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 14:32:08 GMT

Another week of gradual progress across a number of projects this past week at Templar Towers. The Lotus Esprit is getting its very funky original colour trim re-fitted, and speaking of funky colours, the Porsche 912 is now back on it’s wheels – love those Fuchs alloys!

We’re also getting ever closer to completion of the fabulous Mercedes 220S Convertible – the wiring loom has gone in and we have lights! We’ve been delayed a bit waiting for the exhaust to be finished and the roof is now being fitted - just a few more weeks to go!

#lotusesprit, #esprit, #classiclotus, #70swedge, #70scolours, #giugiaro, #italdesign, #porsche912, #classicporsche, #fuchs, #mercedesbenz220S, #classicmercedes, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Return of the Suave Swedes

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 13:49:47 GMT

After a few weeks of focusing on mostly German cars, we’ve had a week of working on our old favourites, the suave Swede, Volvo’s P1800 series. We know these cars really well, it’s always a pleasure to work on them. The white one has been in for a plethora of jobs including attention to it’s brakes, gearchange, overdrive, door locks and a whole lot more – it now looks and drives really well.

The dark blue one behind it (it’s been difficult to take photos lately – the Templar Towers workshops are – as you can see! – full of these and some of our longer-running projects, and the frequent bad weather has meant the cars have stayed inside) has also had work done to it’s gearchange. Finally, the green P1800ES, that’s with us for a long list of jobs to improve the driving experience.

#classicvolvo, #classicswedishcars, #the saint, #volvop1800, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Project updates

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 14:54:16 GMT

Updates on three of our ongoing projects this week – the Porsche 912 is starting to come together nicely; we really like the colour – what do you think?

The Lotus Esprit is now in the process of being re-trimmed, and the Mercedes 220S is almost complete – we’ve fitted the exhaust, which had to be part-fabricated – and this gorgeous car is nearly ready to be started for the first time in a while…

#porsche912, #classicporsche, #germanclassiccars, #germanclassics, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration, #classicmercedes, #classicmercedesbenz, #lotusesprit,

Stuttgart Shenanigans

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 14:54:11 GMT

We seem to be spending a lot of time on German cars in recent months here at Templar Towers…we’ll have more news on the 220S and 912 soon, but meanwhile we have also been working on a couple of other major restoration projects on products from Stuttgart.

The SL “Pagoda” is one of the most elegant cars to come from Mercedes, and we’ve been making good progress on this 230SL – it’s been stripped, had an acid bath and been electro-coated; it’s now ready for body restoration.

Meanwhile it’s big brother 300SE has been painted and we’ll start the rebuilding process soon.

Away from Stuttgart, we’ve managed to drop the engine into our CAV-built GT40 replica, one more step to getting it on the road!

#mercedespagoda, #mercedessl, #pagodasl, #mercedes300se, #classicmercedes, #classicmercedesbenz, #germanclassics, #gt40replica, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Porsche Progress Part 3

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 14:15:49 GMT

Porsche Progress Part 3

The next stage was to reassemble the body after restoration, have all enclosed panels epoxy primed with sections under the wings coated with raptor, before heading off to the paint shop for a fresh coat of Porsche "goldgrün" (Golden Green), a proper classic Porsche colour which really suits the car. Over the next few weeks we’ll be rebuilding this lovely Porsche 912 piece by piece...

#porsche912, #classicporsche, #germanclassiccars, #germanclassics, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Porsche Progress Part 2

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 15:43:27 GMT

Porsche Progress Part 2

Having got the 912 back from its acid bath, we started work on making the body complete again. We epoxy primed the good sections – of which there weren’t many – and set about painstakingly restoring the bodywork.

#porsche912, #classicporsche, #germanclassiccars, #germanclassics, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Porsche Progress Part 1

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 15:12:37 GMT

Porsche Progress – Part 1.

Besides the Mercedes 220S we’ve been working on for the past many months , it’s one of a number of full restoration projects we’ve got on the go. One of those is a 1967 Porsche 912, which when it came to us, didn’t look too bad…until we looked closer…

After getting the car stripped down ready for it’s acid bath, it already looked like we might have more to do than we originally thought; the shell that came back to us was even worse – the car was full of holes.

These photos show just the first stages of the project; Part 2 to follow.

#porsche912, #classicporsche, #germanclassics, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

An Anglo-Italian-German trio!

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 08:46:01 GMT

Another new visitor to Templar Towers this week in the powerful shape of an Aston Martin DBS Vantage, which came to us for a replacement fuel pump and general tune up. We’ve also made some progress on the very pretty Alfa GTC, which has been stripped for repainting, and work has started on a gearbox rebuild as well as getting some engine leaks fixed

Finally, back with the Mercedes 220S, the hood frame has been refurbished and we’ve trial fitted it – this has been a complicated process!

New visitors and 220S update

Sat, 21 Oct 2023 08:17:35 GMT

A couple of new visitors to Templar Towers since our last post – the very pretty 1966 Alfa Romeo GTC, one of just 99 UK-supplied RHD examples, is about to have some cosmetic restoration work done to it for its new owner, while we have a brace of Lotus Esprits with us, one of which is almost complete while the other will be for sale soon – watch this space!

Meanwhile the exquisite Mercedes 220S inches ever closer to completion – we’ve had the new front windscreen fitted expertly by #SterlingWindscreens and the seats and wood trim have also been going in.

#alfaromeogtc, #alfaromeo, #alfa, #alfisti, #classicalfaromeo, #italianclassics, #lotusesprits1, #lotusesprit, #classiclotus, #classicbritishsportscars, #mercedesbenz220s, #classicmercedes, #germanclassics, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Mercedes progress

Sat, 07 Oct 2023 19:30:56 GMT

A Mercedes-focused week here at Templar Towers. We’re spending a lot of time and effort to bring the 1958 220S to completion – over the past few days we’ve trial-fitted the rear bumper and final-fitted the over-riders. All the interior wood has now been restored with really beautiful walnut veneer – all the pieces look fabulous – and the re-trimmed rear seat, after first fitting, is now ready for final fit. It’s painstaking and labour-intensive work, but this very elegant Mercedes is going to look stunning when it’s finished, even if we say so ourselves!

We’ve also been making progress with the imposing 300SE, which is now in first primer; we’ll fit the wings and doors before blocking to check alignment and for any gaps. More on this big ‘60s convertible in the coming weeks and months.

#mercedes, #mercedesbenz, #classicmercedesbenz, #classicmercedes, #mercedes220s, #mercedes300se, #germanclassics, #templartowers, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Two updates in One

Sat, 30 Sep 2023 17:43:13 GMT

Another busy period at Templar Towers mixing work on long-term projects and solving some short-term issues for customers.

Our Mercedes 220S is now looking more and more like a complete car as we work our way around it, and here’s the re-foamed rear seat being trial fitted to make sure it’s exactly the right size. Meanwhile we’ve also been wiring and fitting the lights – gradually recreating this fabulous car.

Once it’s done, we’ll be starting work on another beauty, a 1966 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage, with us for a full restoration.

The Series II Jaguar E-type, lovely in pale blue metallic, was brought in for a service, tune up and a new clutch slave cylinder ahead of a road trip, and we’ve had a pair of old friends come in, too. The Cobra has been in for attention to a fuelling problem, and the Porsche 356 Rod Emory outlaw has been in for a service and check over – it's loud and fast, and we love it!

#mercedesbenz220s, #mercedes220s, #classicmercedes, #classicgermans, #jaguaretype, #etypejaguar, #etype, #classicjaguar, , #astonmartindb6, #classicastons, #db6, #classicbrits, #classicsportscar, #cobra, #porsche356outlaw, #porsche356, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics, #templartowers,

More Mercedes news

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 18:20:52 GMT

Much of the past couple of weeks at Templar Towers has been focused on progressing our long-term 1957 Mercedes Benz 220S, which is moving forward nicely. The engine is now in, as is the gearbox. We’ve also started fitting the wiring loom and chromework, of which there’s a lot!

In the meantime, we’ve finished tuning up the elegant red 230SL that was suffering running problems and has now gone back to its lucky owner, and one of our favourite Swedes, a 1963 Volvo P1800S has come in for work on it’s suspension, interior and tuning.

Behind it you can see a new arrival – a very pretty 1966 Alfa Giulia GTC, that is about to undergo a client inspection before starting work on what should be a light restoration, though you never know! More on that one soon.

#mercedesbenz220s, #mercedes220s, #classicmercedesbenz, #classicmercedes, #classicgermans, #mercedes230sl, #mercedespagoda, #volvop1800s, #classicvolvo, #classicswedes, #thesaint, #alfaromeogiuliagtc, #classicalfaromeo, #classicitalians, #classiccabrios, #classiccarrestoration, #templartowers, #templarclassics.

Getting there..

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 13:34:23 GMT

Ater several weeks of preparation, our long-term Mercedes 220S restoration project has now been painted and polished – we think it looks superb! Next step will be fitting suspension, engine, gearbox, plus wiring, hydraulic lines and exterior trim before we complete the car by re-installing it’s interior – still some way to go!

Staying with the three-pointed star, we’ve nearly finished stripping the white 230SL ahead of it having its paint removed, and we’ve had another 230SL in with some running problems that need fixing.

From Stuttgart to Solihull and a very different kind of car – a classic early Range Rover that needed new brakes and springs. So much simpler – and smaller – than today’s bloated versions!

#mercedesbenz, #classicmercedesbenz, #mercedespagoda, #mercedesbenz230sl, #germanclassics, #mercedesbenz220s, #mercedes220s, #rangerover, #classic70srangerover, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics, #templartowers

Yet more Mercedes shenanigans

Sat, 12 Aug 2023 14:12:27 GMT

Back on our Mercedes Benz focus this week. The elegant 220Seb coupé has been returned to its rock-star owner having had it’s brakes rebuilt and fuel injection system properly set up.

Meanwhile progress continues to made on the 1957 220S, it’s engine now fully rebuilt, while its Pagoda stablemate is being stripped for body restoration, which is going to be a big job – check out the rot in it’s underside.

Finally, and away from Stuttgart to Hethel, progress on the Esprit continues..

#mercedesbenz, #classicmercedesbenz, #mercedes220seb, #mercedesbenz220sebcoupe, #germanclassics, #mercedesbenz220s, #mercedes220s, #mercedespagoda, #rust, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics, #templartowers

More Mercedes 220S progress

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 15:03:10 GMT

Progressing the Mercedes 220S convertible again this past few days. The hood frame needs restoration before we can fit the hood itself to it. The underside of the bonnet is now blacked as is the inside and underside of the body before the car goes into paint, hopefully in the next week – colours will be two-tone, tobacco brown (already on the sills, lower half of the doors and the fuel flap) and silver above the chrome; it’ll look fabulous!

Away from the 220S, sterling_windscreens_ltd did a splendid job fitting a new rear screen to our CAV-built GT40 replica – next major tasks will be to reinstall the engine and gearbox.

#mercedesbenz220s, #classicmercedesbenz, #classicmercedes, #germanclassics, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics, #templartowers

220S Update

Sat, 15 Jul 2023 14:04:17 GMT

Focusing on our long-term Mercedes 220S project this week, as we gradually bring this glorious classic back to life. Over the past few days we have masked her up for final primer, and added a rubberised coating on the inner wheelarches to protect against stone damage. On top of that we have added additional stone chip protection over that and on the underside. Inside, the cabin area is now all in satin black, so is the boot.

Next will be the same treatment to the engine bay, and we’re hoping that the car will go in for colour paint between now and next weekend. While all that’s been going on, engine reassembly has also been started. Step by step!

#mercedesbenz220s, #mercedes220s, #classicmercedesbenz, #classicmercedes, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics, #templartowers

This week at Templar Towers

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 09:22:16 GMT

We’ve had a nice variety of classics in at Templar Towers this past week.

The Series 1 E-type came to us with ignition issues and for some recommissioning work after restoration to get it back on the road, and the rock-star owned Mercedes 220SEb needs attention to it’s brakes as well as it’s gear selector and some general running issues.

While working on our long-term Mercedes 220S project we’ve had another example of these gorgeous cars in for a service. Meanwhile, progress is being made with another of our long-term restorations, the Lotus Esprit S1, with work on the window frames and doors.

The Europa? That’s ours, and we just thought we’d take it out for a drive on a sunny day!

#jaguaretype, #etypeseries1, #classicjaguar, #jaguaretypeseries1, #mercedes220s, #mercedesbenz220s, #mercedes220seb, #mercedesbenz220seb, #classicmercedesbenz, #classicmercedes, #mercedesbenzw111, #lotusesprits1, #classiclotus, #esprits1, #lotuseuropajps, #lotuseuropa, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration, #templartowers

Stuttgart vibes

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 10:14:32 GMT

A Stuttgart vibe to our post this weekend, with updates on some of our long-term restoration projects.

Bodywork on the 1967 Porsche 912 is now complete and the car is ready for the next stage of prep ahead of paint. We’re very happy with the panel fit we’ve achieved on the Porsche.

The (will be) gorgeous Mercedes 220S is shown with the old roof fitted before it goes for refurb – you can see just how bad it is which is a reflection of how the rest of the car was when it came to us; it’s been, and remains, a challenging project.

Staying with the three-pointed star, we’ve also got a Pagoda with us – the very tired interior has now been stripped out ready for the next stage of what will be a full body restoration of this supremely stylish classic.

#porsche, #porsche912, #classicporsche, #stuttgartclassics, #germanclassiccars, #mercedesbenz220s, #mercedesbenz, #classicmercedes, #pagoda, #mercedesbenzsl, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics,

Second post of a busy week!

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 15:13:28 GMT

For our second post this weekend, we move away from the German classics we’ve been working on to the 38th of the final 50 Jaguar E-Types built, a black 1974 V12, for clutch flow cylinder work, and a couple of Swedes – the first is a late 1967 Volvo Amazon, in for a tune-up and doors alignment, while the yellow ’71 P1800E has been receiving attention to it’s brakes, fuel injection as well as getting a new radiator. Yellow is an unusual colour on one of these but we really like it!

#jaguaretype, #etypev12, #series3etype, #classicjaguar, #britishclassics, #volvoamazon, #volvop1800, #swedishclassics, #thesaint, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Classic Germans

Sat, 03 Jun 2023 13:44:10 GMT

A strong German theme to this post! The elegant Mercedes 280CE has been picked up by its happy owner, who has left his 1975 BMW 2002tiiLux with us for some remedial paintwork. We also have a R107 500SL in for a tune-up and to have it’s doors and windows re-aligned.

Meanwhile, one of our long-term projects, the Mercedes 220S, is in 2nd primer having external trim fitted before chrome and paint. Lots more to fit – there’s a lot of chrome on this gorgeous car!

#mercedesbenz280ce, #mercedesbenzc123, #classicmercedesbenz, #mercedesbenz220s, #mercedesbenz500sl, #mercedesbenzr107, #germanclassics, #bmw2002, #classicbmw, #classiccarrestoration, #attentiontodetail, #templarclassics

Back from holidays...

Fri, 26 May 2023 15:05:57 GMT

After a short break for a well-earned holiday, we’ve been busy working on a variety of classics over the last couple of weeks here at Templar Classics.

We’re now trial fitting panels and chrome trim on the fabulous Mercedes 220S convertible before it goes into paint, and staying with the Stuttgart marque, we’ve reached the end stages of work on the red Mercedes 280CE before it goes back to its owner, again involving trim.

Meanwhile the MGB is being reunited with its rebuilt engine, and we’ve had a couple more of our favourite Swedes in for various jobs – variety is the spice at Templar Towers!

#mercedesbenz220s, #classicmercedes, #classicmercedesbenz, #germanclassics, #mercedesc123, #mercedes280ce, #mgb, #mgbroadster, #volvop1800, #the saint, #classicswedes,

Another Volvo? Surely not...

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 16:01:30 GMT

Volvo P1800’s keep coming in to Templar Towers, and we’re delighted that they do! This very nice example is in for a service, a bit of a tune-up and to get a couple of paint issues looked at.

Meanwhile the Marcos has also come to us for a service and to get some electrical issues sorted – we like these dramatic-looking British sportscars.

And the Mercedes SL you see next to the Volvo…more on that another time ��

#volvop1800, #classicswedes, #classicvolvo, #thesaint, #P1800, #marcos, #marcosgt, classicbrits, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics, #templartowers

More Volvo!

Sun, 02 Apr 2023 08:02:49 GMT

Continuing to focus on the P1800E rebuild, which is coming together nicely and should be completed in the next couple of weeks. Meanwhile we had a 1965 MGB roadster in for an engine rebuild so that the owner can enjoy it again in the summer.

#volvop1800, #classicvolvo, #thesaint, #classicswedes, #mgb, #classicroadster, #classicbrits, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics, #templartowers.

A Lotus and Volvo week

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 09:23:35 GMT

More works in progress at Templar Towers this past week or so – the dramatic Esprit S1 has now been painted and fitted back onto it’s chassis and the rebuild process starts in earnest now for this classic ‘70s British wedge (OK, Italian design, but still…).

Meanwhile, one of our old friends, a Volvo P1800 that is a regular visitor, has come in for some servicing and window adjustments to reduce wind noise ahead of its owner embarking on another touring holiday.

Staying with these svelte Swedes, the red P1800 has had it’s engine rebuilt and we’re getting ready to run it – the next stage in bringing this lovely car back to life.

#volvop1800, #thesaint, #classicvolvo, #classicswedes, #lotusesprits1, #lotusesprit, #classiclotus, #classicwedge, #70swedge, #classicbrits, #templarclassics, #templartowers, #classiccarrestoration

A Busy Week

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 09:38:29 GMT

Lots of activity at Templar Towers this past week. The 1984 Mercedes 280CE that came to us to fix some seemingly minor corrosion and a leak turned out on further inspection to be hiding a host of rust problems and will be with us for somewhat longer than originally anticipated.

The Lotus Esprit is now in primer, has had its underside painted and wheel arches coated and is now nearly ready to receive its top coat. We’re very excited to see what this ‘70s wedge will look like when finished.

Meanwhile reassembly of the Volvo P1800 continues and we received the finishing touches to the fabulous Mercedes 200SL roadster – some beautiful, hand-made fitted luggage in preparation for the owner’s planned continental road trip; the finishing touch!

#mercedesbenz280ce, #mercedesbenzc123, #mercedesbenz300sl, #mercedes300sl, #mercedes280cecoupe, #classicmercedes, #classicmercedesbenz, #germanclassics, #volvop1800, #thesaint, #classicvolvo, #classicswedes, #lotusesprits1, #classiclotus, #britishclassics, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics, #templartowers,

Volvo week!

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 08:33:27 GMT

Concentrating on our favourite Swedes this past week, as we worked on a trio of Volvo P1800’s. The early P1800 that we’ve featured before is now ready to be returned to the customer having had lots of new chrome fitted and a Bluetooth stereo hidden under the dash to entertain on long trips. The ‘67 white Volvo is in to fix an axle oil leak and a couple of other small issues, and work continues on the dark red Volvo P1800E, now being rebuilt after body restoration and looks fabulous in its new coat of paint - we're very excited to see this when it's finished!

Besides the elegant Swedes we welcomed an exciting new arrival to the workshop in the dramatic and colourful shape of a CAV-built GT40 replica, which will be gradually finished over time.

#volvop1800, #classicvolvo, #classicswedes, #thesaint, #classicvolvocoupes, #gt40replica, #cavgt40, #capeadvancedvehicles, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Classic Brits

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 09:47:45 GMT

A slightly quieter week at Templar Towers this week with a focus on British classics. We welcomed a new visitor in the timeless shape of a Morgan Plus 8, in for engine removal to enable a rebuild. Besides the Morgan, the Alpine has now gone back to it’s lucky owner after having oil leaks fixed and new wires and tyres fitted – looks very cool, and the Esprit continues to have various cracks repaired while being prepped for primer.

#morganplus8, #morgan, #lotusesprits1, #classiclotus, #sunbeamalpine, #alpine, #classicwheels, #britishclassics, #classicsunbeam, #classicbritishsportscars, #classiccarrestoratioin, #templarclassics

Stripping!

Sat, 18 Feb 2023 09:25:31 GMT

There's been lots of stripping here at Templar Towers this past week, although you will all be pleased to know that even though we are fine figures of men (obviously��), we have kept our clothes on.

We’ve been stripping and cleaning the Lotus Esprit S1, with any cracks or crazing in the fibreglass body being repaired before prep and paint. Likewise the Ferrari 250GTE has been fully stripped down before stripping of the old paint ahead of preparing it for its new coat. The imposing Mercedes 300se is also being prepared for paint stripping, with the panels already done and ready for prep ahead of repaint.

It’s not all been stripping - besides the red P1800E we posted about recently, we’ve been finishing up on another of these fine-looking Swedish coupés, having replaced the external chromework – it looks really smart now.

#classiclotus, #esprit, #lotusesprit, #esprits1, #britishclassics, #classicwedge, #ferrari250gte, #classicferrari, #classicitaliancars, #italianclassics, #classicmercedesbenz, #mercedes300se, #germanclassics, #mercedesw112, #volvop1800, #thesaint, #swedishclassics, #p1800, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Classic Volvo P1800E hits the paint shop

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 11:30:53 GMT

This Volvo P1800E that we have been restoring over the past months has now made it into paint – a strong, lustrous red, which we think really suits these stylish and elegant cars. Next step will be reassembly – we love working on these classic Swedish coupés!

#volvo, #volvop1800, #classicvolvo, #classicswedes, #thesaint, #classiccoupes, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics,

DB6 awakes!

Sat, 28 Jan 2023 11:19:24 GMT

Two additions this week to our already full workshop here at Templar Towers. This superb 1966 Aston Martin DB6 has been woken up from a long and deep sleep, requiring carburettor rebuild and tune-up to help bring it back to life, while the elegant – and in need of a wash! – 1984 Mercedes 280CE is with us for some remedial body-and-paintwork and to fix a troublesome leak.

#mercedesbenz280ce, #mercedesbenzc123, #classicmercedesbenz, #c123, #astonmartin, #db6, #astonmartindb6, #classicaston, #classicastonmartin, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Two iconic new arrivals!

Sat, 21 Jan 2023 14:55:22 GMT

Two spectacular new arrivals came to Templar Towers this past week, both projects having come part-restored but now with us to take to completion. The first is a Lotus Esprit S1, one of only 718 examples of Giorgetto Giugiaro’s dramatic wedge design built, and the second, one of Pinin Farina’s most successful designs for Ferrari, with 949 built – a 250GT/E. We can’t wait to get started on these two iconic classics!

#lotusesprits1, #lotusesprit, #classiclotus, #giugiaro, #wedge, #seventieswedge, #jamesbondlotus, #ferrari, #classicferrari, #ferrari250gte, #pininfarina, #250gte, #v12ferrari, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics,

Back to work!

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 06:44:34 GMT

We have an exciting new project coming in the next week - more on that in a few days - but meanwhile we continue to make progress on the classics currently with us. The Mercedes 220S has been having it’s underside cleaned down to bare metal in readiness for epoxy and then raptor coating, while the P1800 is now in first primer before final blocking. We never get tired of working on these stylish Swedish classics!

#mercedesbenz, #classicmercedes, #mercedes220s, #germanclassics, #volvop1800, #classicvolvo, #swedishclassics, #thesaint, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

A full workshop for Christmas!

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 14:57:17 GMT

We have a very full workshop at Templar Towers as we come to the end of the year. We seem to be having a bit of a Mercedes theme running through our projects lately; having waved farewell to the superb Mercedes 300SL roadster, we’ve picked up again on the (what will be) gorgeous 1958 220S cabriolet as well as the imposing 300SE convertible.

The 220S has had cast aluminium A-posts and dash fitted, as well as it’s chassis. Next it’s the long process of paint preparation, panel fit and re-fit, before final paint. It’ll be finished in two-tone tobacco brown and silver grey and will look stunning when finished.

Meanwhile the imposing 300SE convertible will be travelling along a similar path in the New Year – more on that over the coming weeks.

Alongside these German classics we’ve made progress on one of our favourite Swedes, a Volvo P1800, which has been through epoxy prime and first prime stages and a second P1800 has been in for a few minor jobs.

Finally, the Alpine has had the oil leaks from it’s auto box and engine fixed.

Wishing all our customers and friends the merriest of Christmases and the very best for 2023!

#mercedesbenz, #classicmercedes, #mercedes220s, #mercedes300se, #germanclassics, #volvop1800, #classicvolvo, #swedishclassics, #thesaint, #sunbeamalpine, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Returning the magnificent Mercedes 300SL roadster

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 20:02:38 GMT

Dedicating our weekly post to just one car this week - we handed the magnificent 1960 Mercedes 300SL roadster back to it’s delighted owner today. It came to us a few months ago in red with black leather interior and black hood – it goes back home in a glorious ice-green metallic, stunning cream interior and smart new dark green hood. We think it looks absolutely stunning! We’ve also ordered some bespoke fitted luggage which will arrive next month and will add the finishing touch. What a car!

#mercedesbenz300slroadster, #300sl, #mercedesbenz300sl, #mercedes300sl, #classicmercedesbenz, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics, #templartowers,

The Beetle goes back home!

Sat, 10 Dec 2022 16:06:16 GMT

We returned another classic to it’s owner just in time for Christmas this week – the charming pale blue Beetle has gone back home, though it still needs it’s hubcaps, which are with the chrome plater; other than that it’s completely ready for the road again.

We have a pair of handsome ‘60’s British sports cars with us at the moment – a 1965 Sunbeam Alpine that needs some oil leaks tracing and fixing, and a '63 TR4 for a new water pump.

The bodyshell of our long-term restoration project Mercedes 220S is now complete and ready for epoxy primer, and here’s a sneak preview of the 300SL in it’s gorgeous new coat of ice green metallic – more on that one shortly!

#vwbeetle, #beetle, #classicvw, #tr4, #triumphtr4, #classictriumph, #classicbritishsportscars, #sunbeamalpine, #classicsunbeam, #mercedesbenz220s, #mercedes220s, #mercedesbenz300sl, #mercedes300sl, #classicmercedes, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics.

Porsche progress

Sun, 04 Dec 2022 08:41:10 GMT

We’ve had a lovely Series 1 E-type come into Templar Towers this week for some work on the tracking, brakes and some other minor jobs.

Meanwhile we continue to make progress on the Porsche 912 restoration – the sill areas have been repaired to take the heater tubes before closing everything epoxy coated, the car has a new floorpan, and as we’ve replaced the lower part of the rear screen frame, we’ve temporarily put the screen in place to check the fit. Still a long way to go!

#jaguaretype, #etypeseries1, #classicjaguar. #jaguaretypeseries1, #porsche912, #classicporsche, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics, #templartowers, #classiccarrestoration,

A fond farewell to two of our projects

Sun, 27 Nov 2022 08:27:07 GMT

Lots of activity at Templar Towers over the last week. One of the most satisfying aspects of our business is when we get to return classics to their owners, and we said goodbye to two of our projects this week - the gorgeous Lancia Aurelia and the grand Bentley Continental. The main work on the Bentley was the very complicated hood, while the Lancia has been a long-term, ground-up restoration. They’re both fabulous cars and are now ready to be driven and enjoyed again after being collected by Revs Transportation.

Meanwhile, work on the full restoration of a 1967 Porsche 912 is well under way – here’s a glimpse at just how much work is going to be needed to bring this 912 back to it’s former glory, as we see just how much corrosion has affected the car after it’s been for it’s acid bath. There’re hundreds of hours of work here as we cut away affected areas and replace them to create a solid shell – more to come!

Never a dull moment at Templar Towers!

#lancia, #lanciaaurelia, #classiclancia, #bentley, #classicbentley, #bentleycontinental, #porsche912, #classicporsche, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics, #revstrasnportation

Iconic German classics week!

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 08:55:52 GMT

Work continued on two very different classics this past week - refitting the carpets and chrome trim on the magnificent Mercedes 300SL and making excellent progress on the more modest VW Beetle. While these two iconic German classics are hundreds of thousands of pounds apart in value, we work on them both - and all our customers' cars - with the same high levels of care and attention.

#mercedesbenz300sl, #mercedes300sl, #classicmercedesbenz, #vwbeetle, #volkswagenbeetle, #beetle, #classicvw, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Lancia Aurelia!

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 11:29:04 GMT

Our focus at Templar Towers this week has been mainly on the gorgeous 1953 Lancia Aurelia that we’ve been working on for many months – we’re now just putting the finishing touches to it. We took it out for a road test and it drives very nicely, just needs the front wheels balancing a little and it should be ready to go back to it’s lucky owner. The 300SL is also progressing nicely as we have started putting it’s new carpets in – more on that and other projects over the next few weeks.

#lanciaaurelia, #classiclancia, #mercedes300slroadster, #mercedesbenz300sl, #mercedes300sl, #classicmercedesbenz, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Back from holiday!

Sat, 05 Nov 2022 14:25:32 GMT

Back after a short holiday and moving a number of our long-term projects further forward. The fabulous Mercedes 300SL roadster has been given it’s coat of ice-green metallic paint – we think it looks superb – and the next steps are to fit the carpets and trim. The lovely Lancia Aurelia edges ever closer to completion, as we manage to get hold of some very hard to get parts to finish the job. The VW Beetle has also had it’s new coat applied (the 220SE we’ve featured before will be next into the paint shop) and the process of getting the 300SE cabriolet down to bare metal for its turn in the oven continues. Busy times at Templar Towers!

#mercedes300slroadster, #mercedesbenz300sl ,#mercedes300sl, #mercedes300se, #mercedesbenz300secabriolet, #classicmercedesbenz, #lanciaaurelia, #classiclancia, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Project updates

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 16:03:21 GMT

We’ve been moving some of our existing projects along another step or two this past week or so, and we’ve received one very glamorous new visitor.

The Mercedes 300SE continues to be prepared for paint, as we carefully dismantle it, and the 300SL is now in final primer, the inner wheel arches are being painted and the panels blacked underneath – it’s now almost ready to receive its new coat of Ice Green metallic paint; we’re sure it will look fabulous.

The Lotus Elan S4 has had it’s engine rebuilt to sprint specification and is almost ready to go.

Finally, this superb Bentley S2 Continental is in for the first time, on this occasion for some minor work on the hood – what a fantastic car!

#mercedesbenz300sl, #mercedes300se, #classicmercedes, #mercedes300slroadster, #lotuselans4, #classiclotus, #bentleycontinentals2, #bentleycontinental, #classicbentley, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Prep, prep and more prep!

Sat, 24 Sep 2022 09:26:04 GMT

More works in progress over the last week here at Templar Towers – body restoration work on one of our favourite Swedes is now complete, and the Volvo P1800E is now ready for prep and paint. The lovely Bertone Alfa Romeo 2000GTV has had it's engine rebuilt and is now almost ready for the road, and the fabulous Mercedes 300SL is getting ever closer to it’s new coat, currently being prepared for first prime. We’re itching to see this amazing car in it’s new ice green finish!

#volvop1800, #volvo, #classicvolvo, #thesaint, #alfaromeo2000GTV, #bertonealfa, #classicalfaromeo, #alfagtv, #classicalfa, #300slroadster, #mercedesbenz300sl, #classicmercedesbenz, #300sl, #classicmercedes, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Classic engineering at work

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 12:52:39 GMT

A combination of ongoing projects and a new visitor this week.

The Volvo P1800S is now ready for collection after having had some modern upgrades done, including power steering, central locking and an electronic distributor. It’s seats have been recoloured and new carpets fitted as well, ready for it’s owner to enjoy again.

We also had one of it’s rarer siblings in – a 164, which came in for a variety of small jobs; there are just over 60 of these left on the road in the UK, nice to see one.

Regular readers will know we’re working on a full restoration of a fabulous 1958 Mercedes 220S We’ve previously shown a few pictures of the progress we’ve been making on the bodywork; our attention is now on the engine, which has been stripped in preparation for rebuilding. Still a long way to go on this project!

#volvop1800, #thesaint, #classicvolvo, #classicswede, #volvo164, #mercedesbenz220S, #classicmercedes, #classicmercedesbenz, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassi cs

A classic trio

Sun, 07 Aug 2022 14:42:33 GMT

Classics from Sweden, Germany and Italy keeping us busy recently – first up, a very nice Volvo P1800S with upgrades including power steering, central locking and wire wheels is in for a tune up before being put on sale; if you or someone you know might be interested in this very cool Swedish classic, ping us a message.

We finished getting the spectacular 300SL roadster ready for epoxy prime – we can’t wait to see what it looks like in its new coat, coming soon!

The 1975 Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV – one of the best-looking cars of the ’70s in our unbiased opinion – is back with us; unfortunately it’s been burning oil and needs an engine rebuild, but we’ll get it back on the road and as good as ever.

#volvop1800, #classicvolvo, #thesaint, #classicswede, #300sl, #mercedesbenz300sl, #300slroadster, #classicmercedesbenz, #germanclassics, #alfaromeogtv, #classicalfa, #italianclassics, #classicbertone, #bertonedesign, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics,

Works in Progress

Sun, 31 Jul 2022 12:59:05 GMT

More works in progress this week at Templar Towers – the tiny Lotus Elan S2 that’s been with us for a few weeks is nearing completion – the electrics have been sorted and it’s driving nicely; just a few more bits and pieces to do before we return it to its owner. Over to a couple of our Mercedes projects, we’ve started stripping down the big 300SE Cabrio as we prepare it for complete restoration, the 300SL is now ready for final prep before we apply epoxy prime to seal it, and finally, we’ve been refurbishing the Lancia Aurelia’s transmission and inboard brakes as well as fitting a new clutch. This gorgeous car is almost complete and we’ll start testing everything shortly. More details soon…

#300sl, #mercedesbenz300sl, #classicmercedesbenz, #mercedesbenz300se, #300slroadster, #lanciaaurelia, #classiclancia, #lotuselan, #classiclotus, #elans2, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

No pressure...

Sun, 24 Jul 2022 06:55:20 GMT

More focus on the spectacular 300SL as we continue to prepare it for its new coat – this week it’s had both front and rear panels replaced – there’s a special pressure when you’re doing this to a seven-figure car! The Lancia Aurelia is nearing completion, having had it’s rebuilt lights connected, and we had another of our favourite Swedes in for a small sill panel correction. All in a week’s work at Templar Towers!

#300sl, #mercedesbenz300sl, #classicmercedesbenz, #300slroadster, #lanciaaurelia, #classiclancia, #volvop1800, #classicvolvo, #thesaint, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

From an MG to a Ferrari

Sun, 17 Jul 2022 13:07:57 GMT

Another week that demonstrates the variety of classics we get to work on here at Templar Towers. This lovely MG Midget came to us for a head gasket change, we’ve been fitting new carpets, power steering, central locking and some other updates to the white P1800S we mentioned recently and after two years in storage, got our own 308GTB out for an event – and it’s driving so nicely, we think we’re going to have prepare it for a lot more use this summer! Stay safe in the heatwave!

#classicmg, #mgmidget, #volvop1800s, #classicvolvo, #p1800, #classicferrari, #308gtb, #ferrari308gtb, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Lots of progress

Sun, 03 Jul 2022 06:16:50 GMT

Started work on another of our long-term restoration projects, a magnificent Mercedes 300SE – more on that later. Our other Mercedes project – the 300SL – is now down to bare metal and we can see that a few repairs are going to be needed before we can epoxy prime. We’ve almost finished the tiny (especially compared to the 300SE) Lotus Elan – we think it looks great now, and everything fits as it should, and the white Volvo Amazon Estate you might have seen in the background of a few photos in recent posts has now been returned to its owner after work that included an engine and gearbox rebuild, as has the red E-type that has had its cylinder head put back on. The big news though is our workshop is being refitted and we’ve actually got space again!

#mercedesbenz300se, #mercedesbenz300sl, #classicmercedesbenz, #lotuselans4, #elans4, #classiclotus, #volvoamazon, #jaguaretype, #etype, #classicjaguar, #classicvolvo, #classiccarrestoration

Red is (almost) the colour

Sun, 26 Jun 2022 08:21:57 GMT

Red was the colour – well, mostly - at Templar Towers this past week. The 300SL is being prepared for paint stripping and will no longer be red when it leaves us, the Elan S4 is getting closer to completion and meanwhile we’ve had an E-type roadster in for a head gasket change and valve clearance adjustment.

While all that’s been going on, the lovely Lancia Aurelia is also coming together nicely – more on that beauty soon. Working on such fabulous classics in the sun – can’t beat it!

#lanciaaurelia, #classiclancia, #300sl, #mercedesbenz300sl, #mercedesbenz300slroadster, #classicmercedes, #jaguaretype, #etype, #lotuselan, #elans4, #classiclotus, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Mercedes-Benz 220S Update

Sun, 19 Jun 2022 08:33:43 GMT

An update on our 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220S restoration project – having been completely disassembled and cleaned up where possible, and replacement parts acquired where necessary, the body restoration is now almost complete; what an elegant shape! There’s still a looong way to go, of course – chromework next, and lots of it, to repair, trial fit and shape before rechroming, and that’s before mechanicals, electrics, hood, and of course paint…so many more hours of work, but it will be stunning when it's finished!

#classicmercedesbenz, #mercedesbenz220s, #mercedes220s, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Back to business

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 12:25:17 GMT

After a couple of weeks of work being done to our premises and our Chief Correspondent being away on holiday (in a classic, of course – a Mercedes 280CE , since you ask), the past week has seen things get busy again. The Elan has had it’s fresh coat of paint, a bright shade called Carnival Red, and it’s been joined by a dramatic British sports coupé, a 1970 Marcos 3-litre, in for a service and new screen seals. The star arrival though has to be this glorious Mercedes 300SL roadster, which is in for a complete respray and interior change; it’ll be getting a new tan leather interior and a metallic ice-green exterior – while we are lucky enough to work on these fairly often, we never get blasé about working on such magnificent machines.

#300slroadster, #300sl, #mercedesbenz300slroadster, #mercedesbenz300sl, #classicmercedes, #lotuselan, #classiclotus, #marcos, #marcos3litre, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Works in progress

Sun, 29 May 2022 09:36:23 GMT

More works in progress at Templar Towers this past week – we’ve begun putting the stunning (well, it will be when we’ve finished!) Lancia Aurelia back together now it has its fresh coat of paint, and the Lotus Elan has had it’s bumper tweaked for best fit while being prepped for primer. We’ve also been working on the gearbox for the blue 911 that came in a few weeks ago – the last photo is what it looks like in pieces…

#lancia, #lanciaaurelia, #classiclancia, #lotuselan, #elan, #classiclotus, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics,

Paint Prep!

Sun, 22 May 2022 06:07:20 GMT

Another week with a focus on preparing cars for repaint – the Volvo P1800 has needed a whole lot of metalwork repairs to prepare it but is now almost ready for paint, while the Lotus Elan has been stripped, masked and primed and is ready for blocking down. Meanwhile we said farewell to one of our own cars, the fabulous Alfa Romeo Montreal, which we’ve worked on on days off over the past couple of years – we hope the new owner enjoys driving it as much as we did working on it!

#volvop1800, #classicvolvo, #thesaint, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration, #lotuselan, #elanrestoration, #classiclotus, #alfaromeomontreal, #alfaromeo

Volvo week at Templar Towers

Sun, 15 May 2022 14:04:26 GMT

Volvo week this week at Templar Towers - while work on other projects goes on in the background, we've had a Swedish focus. The Amazon Estate has been with us to fit soundproofing and a tow bar and the P1800 pictured is being prepared for a lovely new coat – showing up previous repairs, not done by us!

#volvoamazon, #p1800, #classicvolvo, #thesaint, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

New arrivals

Sat, 07 May 2022 17:05:04 GMT

New in our workshops this week, a lovely example of the Bertone-designed 1975 Alfa Romeo 2000GTV, which is with us for a variety of minor jobs including softer springs and a sump guard, and this super 1972 Porsche 911T, which is in primarily for a gearbox rebuild plus a few smaller jobs ahead of it going on a road trip to the south of Germany.

Speaking of road trips, some of you might remember we recently prepared a Volvo P1800 for a London to Lisbon rally – we’re delighted to say it finished 2nd in it’s class!

#Alfaromeo, #alfaromeo2000GTV, #bertone, #tipo105115, #porsche911, #classicporsche911, #porsche, #volvop1800, #classicvolvo, #classiccarrestoration, #templerclassics

A Saintly Pair

Sat, 30 Apr 2022 08:42:27 GMT

You can almost see the halos above these fabulous Volvo P1800’s… we started out specialising in these cool Swedes and we still love working on them now! Of this saintly pair, one is a 1963 Jensen-built car (so not 100% Swedish!) in for some engine work, the other is a ‘67 P1800E that came in for a suspension rebuild, new exhaust and a bunch of other jobs. Great cars.

#thesaint, #volvo, #volvop1800, #classicswedes, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics,

Progress report!

Sat, 23 Apr 2022 11:02:59 GMT

Progress is being made on some of our bigger projects – the Lancia Aurelia has been having its seats and headlining (very fiddly!) refitted, panels for the Porsche 912 have been epoxy primed ahead of what will be a lot of repair work, and the red P1800 is being stripped back to bare metal for a repaint. The cream P1800 is a lovely Jensen-built example and an old friend that we restored a while back – it’s come in for an engine modification to give it a bit more oomph.

#lanciaaurelia, #aurelia, #classiclancia, #volvop1800, #thesaint, #classicvolvo, #porsche912, #porsche, #classicporsche, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Happy Easter!

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 07:32:58 GMT

We have a really busy workshop at the moment, with a great mix of long and short term projects. Of the trio of classic British sports cars, the red TR4 is in to get its overdrive fixed, the green TR4 for new carburettors, while the MGB is in for engine work. The 230SL Pagoda is having its rebuilt engine tuned, and the 300SL continues to get its amazing engine (among other things) worked on. Finally, the Volvo Amazon in the background has had its engine and gearbox rebuilt, just some minor jobs left. Happy Easter to all our friends, customers and followers, from all at Templar Towers!

#mercedesbenz300sl, #pagodasl, #300sl, #classicmercedesbenz, #tr4, #triumphtr4, #mgbroadster, #mgb, #classicbritishsportscars, #classiccarrestoration, #volvoamazon, #templarclassics

Progress all round!

Sun, 10 Apr 2022 08:51:32 GMT

Lots of activity at Templar Towers this past week – the Volvo P1800 is ready to go back to its owner after a service and some paintwork, and its sibling Amazon has had its engine and gearbox reinstalled. Progress on the gorgeous Lancia Aurelia continues as it’s had its final coat of paint – can’t wait to see it finished! - and meanwhile work on the 300SL’s engine continues…

#volvop1800, #lanciaaurelia, #mercedesbenz300sl, #thesaint, #volvoamazon, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration,

Variety is the spice of life!

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 16:42:56 GMT

Having safely returned the Fintail to its owner last week, work is moving along on the Lancia Aprilia, now in final primer, the silver 300SL has been getting it’s dash reinstalled and had a new windscreen fitted (with thanks to Sterling Windscreens!). We have a Volvo Amazon Estate with us for engine and gearbox rebuild, and coming soon is this fabulous Maserati Sebring for re-chroming and a screen. Variety is the spice of life here at Templar Towers!

#lanciaaprilia, #volvoamazon, #mercedesbenz300sl, #classicmercedesbenz, #mercedes300slroadster, #maserati, #maseratisebring, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics, #sterlingwindscreens.

Finished!

Sat, 19 Mar 2022 21:01:45 GMT

It’s always satisfying when a big project is finished and ready to hand back to a – hopefully satisfied! – customer. The Mercedes-Benz 190 Fintail that we’ve been working on for several months is now finished – we think it looks wonderful and hope our client will think the same when he picks it up next week. Meanwhile we continue to work on smaller jobs, such as this Volvo Amazon estate that has come in to us for work on its gearbox and engine.

#mercedesbenz190fintail, #classicmercedesbenz, #fintail, #volvoamazon, #volvo, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

300SL and P1800S Week!

Sat, 12 Mar 2022 20:43:29 GMT

Finally able to start work on the superb silver 300SL, which is having it’s dash rebuilt as well as some wiring work. Last week’s Volvos are still with us, both getting their engines and front suspension rebuilt, with the red one already complete and ready to install.

#mercedesbenzclassic, #MercedesBenz300SL, #300slroadster, #mercedesbenz300slroadster, #volvop1800s, #thesaint, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Making good progress!

Sun, 06 Mar 2022 15:30:19 GMT

Our workshop is full to bursting, but at least one of our Mercedes projects is moving forward nicely to completion - the Fintail 190 has been repainted and looks very smart, as does the restored interior and it should be ready to hand back within the next two weeks. Meanwhile we've had another Volvo P1800S in for some minor work and the Lancia Aurelia has had it's primer applied. ready for it's new coat. And we thought we'd show you another photo of our little friends ��

#fintail, #mercedesbenzclassic, #mercedesbenzfintail, #mercedesbenz190, #lanciaaurelia, #volvop1800s, #thesaint, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics

Dino!

Sat, 26 Feb 2022 10:34:29 GMT

Just the one star car for this week – the silver 300SL is still under covers as we try to move some other projects along. We did get a return visit from a beautiful Ferrari Dino 206GT due to it having a faulty alternator. White isn’t a colour you see often on Ferrari’s but we think this little Dino looks fab!

#ferrari, #ferraridino, #ferraridino206gt, #classicferrari, #classiccarrestoration

More 300SL loveliness!

Sat, 19 Feb 2022 13:38:57 GMT

The 300SL Roadster that was in for repaint and power steering is now complete and was returned to its happy - and lucky! – owner this week; it’s a stunning car! We now have a silver one with us – more on that next week. Meanwhile one of our regular customers has brought his BMW 2002 in for some detailing before it goes to auction, and we have a couple of other big projects that are waiting for us…plenty to keep us busy!

#300sl, #MercedesBenz300SL, #300slroadster, #classicmercedesbenz, #bmw2002tii, #bmw2002, #mercedesbenz300se, #lanciaflavia, #classiclancia, #classiccarrestoration

Classic Variety

Sat, 05 Feb 2022 11:40:41 GMT

Another busy week at Templar Towers, with several projects on the go – these are just some of the fabulous classics currently in our workshop! A 1972 Porsche 911T is back with us for some suspension work, and the 912 has come back from its acid bath and revealed just how much work lies ahead to bring it to its former glory. The Lancia Aurelia is gradually getting it’s dark green coat back - it’s going to look stunning when it’s finished! - and then there's a couple of Pagoda SL's...

#mercedesbenzclassics, #porsche911, #porsche912, #classicporsche911, #lanciaaurelia, #classiclancia, #pagodasl, #classiccarrestoration, #classicmercedesbenz

More Mercedes Mutterings

Sun, 30 Jan 2022 09:09:03 GMT

Mercedes Benz classics dominated this week again as we continued work on that glorious 300SL roadster and its more humble – but still very lovely – Fintail stablemate. Power steering is now being fitted to the SL, hence no steering wheel in the pic, and the Fintail is really coming together now. You might spot a Pagoda SL in one of the photos – that’s with us for an engine rebuild, more on that one next week!

#mercedesbenzfintail, #mercedesbenz190, #MercedesBenz300SL, #classicmercedesbenz, #300sl, #classiccarrestoration,

What a car!

Sat, 22 Jan 2022 18:23:39 GMT

Classic Mercedes taking up most of our time this week, not least one of our absolute favourites, a fabulous Mercedes 300SL Roadster, in for some paint work and to fit power steering - what a motor car! It's always special when one of these incredible cars comes in. Meanwhile, work on a very different kind of Merc, the Fintail 190, is coming together very nicely!

#mercedesbenzfintail, #mercedesbenz190, #MercedesBenz300SL, #classicmercedes, #classicmercedesbenz, #fintail, #classiccarrestoration

Mercedes and Volvo Week!

Sat, 15 Jan 2022 13:11:46 GMT

Another week working on German and Swedish cars – the red Volvo P1800 is in for a complete bare metal repaint, the Mercedes 190 Fintail is being put back together and we’ve started work on the restoration of the Mercedes 300SE, which will be a major project. Updates as we go! #fintail, #mercedesbenz190, #mercedesbenzfintail, #mercedesbenz300se, #mercedesbenzclassics, #volvop1800,

Back at Work!

Sat, 08 Jan 2022 13:43:27 GMT

Back at work after the Christmas and New Year break, starting off what promises to be a busy year with a couple of our favourite Swedes (no, not ABBA) in for suspension upgrades and a rebuilt engine, now back with their owners. The E-Type has been fitted with new brake calipers and master cylinder, and the Fintail has now been re-painted, ready to be put back together again. #volvop1800, #jaguaretype, #etype, #mercedesbenzfintail, #mercedesbenz190, #fintail.

Project completed!

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 20:02:53 GMT

While we love restoring classic cars, we love giving them back to our customers when the work is complete even more, and this week we have had the pleasure of returning this stunning 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia SS to its happy owner. It's been a long and at times frustrating project, but we hope you will agree that the car looks fabulous now!

#alfaromeogiuliass, #alfaromeo, #Alfa, #classicalfaromeo, #classiccarrestoration

The Art of Restoration

Sun, 12 Dec 2021 09:01:50 GMT

The art of restoration – one of our long-term projects is a rare and very beautiful 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220S cabrio. We’ve recently started to put the body back together after it had been for its acid bath a while ago. Although the car is fairly solid, there are still panels that need replacing, and with a car this rare, some are not available, so sometimes we have to fabricate them ourselves, such as the rear inner arch (shown after repair), and then the outer and inner arch being fitted, and one of the two doors after re-skinning and epoxy priming. It’s going to look fabulous when it’s finished!

#mercedesbenz220s, #mercedesbenz, #classicmercedes, #classiccarrestoration, #templarclassics,

Two stylish new visitors

Sun, 05 Dec 2021 17:53:51 GMT

Just a couple of new visitors this week in for work between our longer -term restoration projects – a black (unusual colour for an E-type) E-type in for a variety of minor jobs including a new water pump and alternator, and one of our old favourites, a Volvo P1800S for a suspension upgrade. #jaguaretype, #etype. volvop1800s, #thesaint, #classiccarrestoration

The Nitty Gritty

Sat, 27 Nov 2021 13:24:00 GMT

Focusing more on the mechanical aspects of a couple of our longer-term projects this week. The first four photos show parts on the table ready for reassembly for the Fintail 190 we’re working on, as well as the engine, gearbox, axle and front cross-member, and the last two are the engine and tinware for the Porsche 912 resto project, ready to be refurbished. Not glamorous or even visible most of the time but still an essential part of what we do!

German and Swedish Week!

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 20:07:20 GMT

Our worksheets are filling up with Mercedes…besides the long term 220S, 300SE and Fintail that we’re currently working on, we now have this elegant 230SL in for a full restoration. We’ve also had a couple of our Swedish favourites – Volvo P1800S’s – come in this week. The red one has been with the same owner for 30 years and needs a fair amount of work including body restoration while the white one is with us for an engine rebuild plus some bits and pieces. Busy, busy, busy! #pagodasl, #mercedesbenz, #mercedesbenz230sl, #germanclassiccars, #volvop1800s, #thesaint, #templarclassics, #classiccarrestoration

Interiors week at Templar Classics

Sat, 06 Nov 2021 17:57:11 GMT

A bit of a focus on interior jobs this week. One of our old favourites, a Volvo P1800S came in to have its smart new interior fitted as well as a new heated rear window courtesy of @sterlingwindscreens (cheers Phil!) and we had an Amazon in for a new front screen as well as some service jobs. We also had to renew and refit the headlining to the Lancia Integrale that’s been with us since last week.

#lancia, #lanciadeltaintegraleevo, #volvop1800s, #volvoamazon, #classiccarrestoration

A quieter week

Sun, 31 Oct 2021 14:30:31 GMT

A bit quieter with regard to new visitors this week, allowing us to make some progress on our longer-term projects, but we did get this lovely pale blue Volvo P1800S in for a service and a fire-breathing Lancia Delta Integrale Evo II for a checkover and detailing before going to its lucky new owner!

Work in Progress

Sat, 23 Oct 2021 11:02:15 GMT

Work at Templar Classics this week continued on some of our longer term projects – the stunning Lancia Aurelia is progressing nicely, and we’re making headway on this very elegant 230SL Pagoda. We’ve also had a superb Aston Martin DB4GT in for some pre-sale preparation, and finally, we thought you might like another photo of a couple of our little friends we share our space with ��

#lancia, #lanciaaurelia, #mercedesbenz230sl, #mercedespagoda, #pagodasl, #astonmartin, #db4, #DB4GT, #astonmartindb4gt, #ponies

German and Italian Classics ahoy!

Sat, 16 Oct 2021 08:38:38 GMT

It’s been (mostly) German and Italian classics at Templar Towers lately, and what classics they are! The 300SL roadster has now had it’s hard-top fitted and is ready for its new owner to collect it on Tuesday, the Porsche 912 has been disassembled and sent for paint stripping and de-rusting, and we’ve had a new car from one of our regular customers in for a service and general check-over – a very tidy 1972 911T. Meanwhile we’ve started work on this lovely duo from Lancia – a Flavia convertible and a stunning Aurelia B20, and we’re putting the finishing touches to the Alfa SS. We get to work on some really fabulous cars!

What a car!

Sun, 03 Oct 2021 16:14:39 GMT

While we continued working on the various longer-term projects we currently have in our workshop, we were graced with a very special visitor to Templar Towers last week – a fabulous Mercedes 300SL roadster in grey with tan interior. We’ve worked on this beautiful car before – this time it came in for a check over before being handed over to it’s lucky new owner; what a car! #mercedesbenz300slroadster, #300slroadster, #classiccarrestoration

It's all go!

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 19:18:09 GMT

Only a couple of new visitors to Templar Towers this past week, enabling us to make progress on some of our longer-term projects. We had a classic Mini in for a service (it made an interesting comparison with a modern “Mini”), and one of our regulars has his Mercedes 280CE in to cure an oil leak. Meanwhile the Fintail is ready for the paint booth, and we’ve made good progress on stripping down the Porsche 912 for its acid bath. Finally, we have an E-type “fast road” spec in which will be for sale when completed. It’s all go!

#mini, #mercedesfintail, #porsche912, #mercedesbenz280CE, #mercedesbenz190, #mercedesbenzc123, #jaguaretype, #classiccarrestoration

Exciting new arrivals at Templar Towers!

Sat, 18 Sep 2021 07:43:48 GMT

Two very exciting new arrivals at Templar Towers this week! The first is an imposing navy blue 1966 Mercedes Benz 300SE cabriolet, one of just 78 RHD examples built, and is with us for restoration – the collapsed air suspension is going to be a challenge!

The second is a beautiful dark green RHD 1955 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT and is one of only 25 officially imported by Lancia England. It needs a lot less work than the Mercedes, fettling rather than restoration.

We’re very excited to be able to work on such fabulous classics – watch this space for progress reports!

Italian Week!

Sat, 11 Sep 2021 10:25:41 GMT

After our Swedish Week, this week has been Italian Week, with the arrival of a gorgeous 1964 Lancia Flavia convertible for some restoration work, and a Ferrari 308GTS for some minor work including some trim detailing and the owner wants a less obtrusive exhaust. Just how cool are these two fabulous cars?

Volvo P1800 Week!

Sun, 05 Sep 2021 14:04:29 GMT

How’s this for a line-up? We’ve been working on Volvo P1800’s for many years, but it’s not often we have four in at once, but that’s what we had last week! All in for a variety of work. Besides the Volvo’s, we had another new visitor in the shape of a lovely dark blue Aston Martin V8, in for attention to a water leak. We’ve also got the Fintail 190 Mercedes down to bare metal ready for its respray – watch this space! #volvop1800, #volvo, #astonmartin, #astonmartinv8, #mercedesbenzfintail, #classiccarrestoration

Classics galore!

Sat, 21 Aug 2021 09:31:10 GMT

A number of new arrivals at Templar Classics in the last couple of weeks as we catch up after a few days off. A pair of very nice examples of our favourite Swede, the Volvo P1800S, have each come in for a service and general inspection, and a family favourite from the 1960’s, a Morris Oxford, came in for exhaust hanger repair. We’ve also just got the job of restoring a Porsche 912, which should be fun! And the Lotus Europa? That’s ours ��.

Cooler weather, still busy!

Sat, 07 Aug 2021 14:06:50 GMT

The elves in the Templar Towers workshops have been beavering away as usual on a variety of classics. The stunning Alfa Romeo Giulia SS is nearing completion; seats are in, most of the chrome is back on; it should be back with its owner by the end of this month – and the repainted and recommissioned Triumph 2000 will leave us this week, and between the longer-term projects we’ve also had a Porsche 911 (964) in for a brake upgrade. Expecting a 912 and Pagoda next week!

Cool classics in the heat at Templar Towers

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 07:48:06 GMT

A number of comings and goings at Templar Towers over the last few days – the BMW 2002tii has been reunited with a very pleased owner, who has left his Mercedes 280CE with us for a service, MOT and a few minor jobs; a brute of a black Corvette C2 is in for work to it’s brakes, and a pair of Volvo P1800’s, one for power steering and central locking retro-fit, the other to set up it’s steering geometry. And the TR4A for a service and MOT – it’s all go! And look out for a big update on the Alfa Giulia SS!

Hard at work in the heat!

Sun, 18 Jul 2021 17:32:18 GMT

Hard at work in the heat at Templar Towers over the last week or so - the seats are in and doors now on the fabulous Alfa Giulia SS which is almost finished, the Fintail has been stripped ready for paint, and the BMW 2002tiiLux has had some work including paint done over the weekend ahead of some new seals being fitted.. We also had a Hawk Cobra replica in for some ignition issues - variety is the spice of our lives ��.

Starting on the Fintail!

Sat, 03 Jul 2021 15:23:23 GMT

We’ve started work on the 1965 190 Fintail Mercedes that came in with the 220S Ponton – both owned by the same customer. It has a mere 7000 miles under its wheels, so is basically very sound. We also had a very smart TR4 in for a service an MOT. Almost as exciting, the base for some additional garage and workshop space has been laid this week!

Some of our super recent visitors!

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 12:28:50 GMT

Moving house has got in the way a little of posting updates over the last couple of weeks, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t been busy at the workshop, and we’ve had a number of super cool classics in for various work while we continue on our longer-term projects – take a look!

How cool are these classics?

Sat, 05 Jun 2021 11:06:05 GMT

Some really cool cars came in to Templar Towers this week! After the European Rally Championship Porsche 911 a couple of weeks ago, we’ve currently got an actual RAC and Scottish Rally winning Mini, driven to victory by Rauno Aaltonen and Tony Fall in 1965 and 1966 respectively, requiring attention to various mechanical issues. We’ve also got DB4 in for work on an oil leak, and a 1975 BMW 2002tiiLux in for some detailing work ahead of going on sale. That Mini, though…what a history!

The Spice of Life

Sun, 30 May 2021 16:35:09 GMT

They say variety is the spice of life and it's definitely been true lately at Templar Classics. The superb ex-Henri Toivonen Porsche 911 is still with us, the smart Audi 100 is almost ready to go back to its owner, as is the lovely metallic blue Mercedes 280SL, complete with replacement engine. Meanwhile the Mayhem Mini is nearing completion, and we've got the first of a number of our favourite Swedes, the Volvo P1800, in for some upgrades

A Very Special Visitor

Sun, 23 May 2021 11:23:14 GMT

We get to work on lots of super classics here at Templar Towers, but every now and then we get an extraordinary car come in, and last week we had a very special Porsche in for some minor work – principally to get it through its MOT! This 1984 911 SC RS is not a replica – it’s the actual factory rally 911 driven by Henri Toivonen in the 1984 European Rally Championship, with his co-driver Ian Grindrod, and later by Jimmy McRae and Roger Clark.

Only 20 were made, and this is one of just six Rothmans Porsche factory cars. How cool is that?

Excitement at Templar Classics Towers!

Sun, 16 May 2021 07:50:18 GMT

Much excitement at Templar Classics Towers!

Lots of excitement at Templar Classics this week as a van load of carefully wrapped panels arrived from Germany for our 1958 Mercedes 220S rebuild, meaning we can start soon on what is going to be a major project. Meanwhile we installed the long-awaited replacement engine into the 280SL Pagoda, which we hope to be able to reunite with its patient owner soon, and had a couple of our favourite Swedes come in for servicing and upgrades, as well as continuing work on a handful of other cars - busy times!

A big week

Sat, 08 May 2021 07:56:03 GMT

A big week at Templar Classics – we finished the LHD-to-RHD E-Type conversion, the Triumph 2000 is out of the paint shop and the Audi 100 is almost done, trim and seats going back on and in. We also had a smart metallic green Jensen Interceptor come in for an estimate, but the big news was the arrival at 5pm on Friday of a replacement engine for a Mercedes 280SL Pagoda from Germany, for which – thanks to Covid – we have had to wait over 6 months. A lovely way to end the week; finally we can finish our customer’s car!

Busy busy busy!

Sat, 01 May 2021 15:24:03 GMT

We’ve been as busy as ever at Templar Classics over the last week – the Alfa Giulia SS is gradually being reassembled and the Mercedes 190SL was reunited with its happy owner, while we still have the Mk2 Jag and the paint shop has a gorgeous Aston DB6 Volante prepped and ready for a new coat. The LHD to RHD E-Type conversion should be finished for the start of next week, and a Series 1 4.2 E-Type came in for a tune up. Not a bad week!

Another interesting week!

Sat, 24 Apr 2021 19:56:45 GMT

An interesting new project in this week – we’ve started converting an E-Type roadster from left to right-hand-drive; you can see from the photos it’s not so straightforward! The Audi 100 has come back from the paint shop and we’re getting it ready to reunite it with its seats, dash, windows and external chrome. And we thought you’d like to meet one of the trio of furry friends who occasionally wander round to see what we’re up to!

The classics keep on coming!

Sun, 11 Apr 2021 10:50:42 GMT

Ever wondered what an E-Type missing its bonnet and engine look like? Probably not, but now you can see. Still quite a lot to do on the red E-Type that came to us last week, but we’re getting there. Also getting there is the “Mayhem Mini”, and we will eventually finish the Alfa Romeo Montreal between working on customers’ cars. The 1975 BMW 2002tiiLux came in for a once-over ahead of some detailing work and while here, another fine German car also dropped by for an estimate. The Audi 100S Coupé is a fabulous looking car – this one needs a bit more than detailing, but imagine what it'll look like when it's finished!

A red and black week

Sat, 03 Apr 2021 20:09:47 GMT

It's been a bit of a red and black week here at Templar Classics this week - the black Jaguar Mk II is still with us while we go over its brakes (no, those are not the original wheels :)), the gorgeous red E-Type needed its engine taking out and resealing as it was suffering from a few oil leaks, while the lovely red Mercedes 280CE needed some attention to its heating controls and tracking.

Wishing all our customers and friends a very Happy Easter!

Last week at Templar Classics

Sat, 27 Mar 2021 16:48:22 GMT

New visitors and progress on long-term projects this week. The rebuilt engine is now in the stunning Alfa Romeo Giulia SS, and we've also started putting the chromework back on. We also had a handsome black Jaguar Mk2 and a lovely British Racing Green Triumph TR4 in for servicing. Loving the variety of classics we get to work on!

Just another week at Templar Classics!

Sat, 20 Mar 2021 12:05:52 GMT

While continuing to work on our longer-term projects, we had some very special visitors this week! A lovely 1956 Mercedes-Benz 190SL from one of our regular customers, in for a service and some minor mechanical work, a Lotus Europa Series 2 for recommissioning ahead of a possible full restoration, and not one, but two of Newport Pagnell’s finest – a DB6 and a DB4, the DB6 for a health check, the DB4 to fix a fuel leak and carb check. Just another week here at Templar Classics!

Step by step...

Sun, 07 Mar 2021 13:10:38 GMT

While we wait for panels for the Mercedes 220S to arrive from Germany, we've been busy making progress on some of our other projects this week. The body of the Alfa Giulia SS has had its final coat of paint - that deep red is just lovely - with the doors, bootlid and bonnet to do later this coming week, then we can really motor on with fitting the engine, electrics and interior. The “Mayhem Mini” we hope to have running next week – looks fab! – and the Triumph 2000 is almost sorted mechanically, but still needs some paintwork. Step by step…

A 6-litre E-type!

Sun, 28 Feb 2021 13:58:58 GMT

Not many new visitors this week, but this restored and tastefully modified 1974 E-Type - 6-litre (!) fuel injected engine, upgraded interior and other mod-cons - came in for handbrake adjustment; it looked and sounded fabulous. We also had a brief visit from an Aston Martin DB6 for an inspection ahead of coming back for more work – looking forward to seeing it come back to us!

Who doesn't love a red E-Type?

Sun, 21 Feb 2021 14:06:50 GMT

We’re still beavering away at various projects – should have an update on the Alfa Giulia SS next week – but our star visitor last week was this gorgeous Series 2 E-Type which came in for a carburettor tune and to fix a misfire, now back with its happy owner ��. Who doesn’t love a red E-Type? (rhetorical question!).

Return of the 220S!

Sun, 14 Feb 2021 10:32:59 GMT

The big news this week – besides the lovely white Dino coming in, which is still with us – was the return of the Mercedes 220S from its acid dip. As you can see, much of it is pretty solid, although the rear boot panels need replacing and there is still quite a bit of welding that will need to be done. The front suspension has gone for powder coating, and after that it’ll be engine and gearbox rebuild…there’s still a looong way to go!

A Special Visitor

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 11:30:08 GMT

A lovely start to this (very cold!) week – one of our favourite cars, a Dino Ferrari, has come in for a service. This aluminium-bodied beauty is a 206, looking fabulous in gleaming white. We have restored Dino’s in the past so if you’re lucky enough to have one in your garage that needs some work, bring it round to us ��.

Mercs and more

Sat, 06 Feb 2021 16:57:13 GMT

We seem to be popular with Mercedes owners at the moment, which is fine by us, of course! Besides the Pagoda for which we’re awaiting a replacement engine from Germany, and the 220S which has gone for its acid bath, the Fintail that we’ve started recommissioning work on and the 450SL that came to us last week, we also had a 300SL in this week for some minor engine work. Meanwhile the Mini is getting ever closer to being back on the road, and prepping the Trans Am for sale continues – contact us if you’re interested!

New visitors this week!

Sat, 30 Jan 2021 12:44:22 GMT

Work continues on our longer-term projects such as the Audi 100 – now with the interior stripped out and waiting for some paint plus retrimmed seats. Meanwhile, new visitors arrived this week in the elegant shape of a 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SL and a 1981 Pontiac Trans-Am – the SL has got some ignition and fuel pressure issues, the Pontiac we are preparing for sale, so if Smokey and the Bandit is your thing, give Simon a call on 07703 355869!

A very busy week!

Sat, 16 Jan 2021 14:57:45 GMT

A very busy week at Templar Classics, and a great one for showing the wide variety of classics we get to work on! We’ve had a local Morris Minor van - a familiar sight around here - in for some suspension work, and a very smart white 1965 Triumph 2000 that is having its manual box swapped out for the automatic in the somewhat less smart green donor car. It’s also been a week for engine installs – the blue Mini and red Alfa SS were both reunited with their power plants this week; one more step to them being back on the road!

Back to work!

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 11:08:31 GMT

So 2021 has started where 2020 has left off...fortunately, we are still able to work under the new restrictions. Our two long-term projects have moved forward a stage since we came back after the break - the Mercedes 220S has been stripped right down and gone for its acid bath; we hope it doesn't expose too many problems! - and the Alfa SS is ready for its final coat of paint. Meanwhile we also finished making and fitting a new dash in black satin leather covered alloy for the Cobra replica - we think it looks pretty good!

Bits and pieces (literally)

Sun, 20 Dec 2020 10:57:48 GMT

As we head towards the kind of Christmas none of us had planned, we're fortunately able to carry on working. The Mercedes 220S is now virtually completely in pieces and the body is almost ready to prepare for paint, probably early in the New Year. We also had a smart Volvo P1800S in for various works and we're in the middle of putting a new dash into the Cobra replica.

Meanwhile we wish everyone the best possible Christmas and look forward to next year when hopefully at some point we'll all be able to meet up and enjoy our classics at shows and events again!

Mercedes projects update!

Sun, 13 Dec 2020 15:32:08 GMT

Work on taking apart the 1957 Mercedes 220S convertible is now well under way - the engine is out, front wings are off, the interior is out...so far, nothing untoward but we're still in the early stages on this one. We've also begun working on the 190 Fintail, which also looks very solid so far. Watch this space for future updates!

Starting another major project!

Sat, 05 Dec 2020 11:52:14 GMT

Having waved farewell to one long-term Mercedes project (see our Projects page), we’re now able to start on another, the 1957 220S Convertible that is with us for a complete nut-and-bolt restoration, so we’ve begun the process of taking this beautiful car apart, very carefully! So far we haven’t found any unpleasant surprises but it’s still early days. Meanwhile the first pieces of the Alfa Giulia SS jigsaw are being put back together and continuing to work on the Audi 100 which is in for recommissioning. Oh, and we’ve sold the Volvo P1800S which will go to its new owner next week!

More new visitors

Sat, 21 Nov 2020 19:04:25 GMT

A couple of new visitors to our workshops this week – a ‘70’s Grand Tourer in the stylish shape of West Bromwich’s finest, a Jensen Interceptor that needed a few small issues attending to in preparation for its MOT, and a Jaguar XK8 convertible for some tidying up underneath and attention to the suspension. One of the Volvo P1800S’s is waiting for a power steering upgrade, the other – 4444 GD - is still for sale, drop us a line or call Simon on 07703 355869 if you’re interested. Meanwhile work on our longer-term projects continues, but we expect to be waving goodbye to one of them next week!

Another busy week!

Sat, 14 Nov 2020 13:58:39 GMT

Our workshops have been as busy as ever this week, putting the finishing touches to a couple of cars – the Pagoda 250SL in particular, more on that one in a later post – while continuing work on others, but we also had another Volvo P1800S come to us for a central-locking and power steering upgrade, which is proving very popular, as well as an AK built Cobra replica with a 5.7-litre Chevy V8 - which makes a wonderful noise! – that needed its brakes adjusting. Expecting a Jensen Interceptor next week – excited about that!

New visitors to Templar Classics

Sat, 07 Nov 2020 14:17:02 GMT

Fortunately we're still able to work normally under the current restrictions, and this week we've seen three super new visitors come into the workshops, while we continue working on our longer-term projects.

A stunning 1958 Jaguar XK150 Drophead is in to have a fuel leak repaired as well as a top end overhaul, a very rare (in this country) 1972 Audi 100GL for some paintwork and recommissioning, and we have a very original 1970 Volvo P1800E in that we are selling on behalf of a client, so if you're interested, contact us via either the contact form here, Facebook or call Simon on 07703 355869.

Templar Classics News

Sat, 24 Oct 2020 13:07:13 GMT

Work continues on our long-term projects - we‘ve started re-fitting some of the re-chromed exterior trim on the Alfa Giulia SS and we’ve been able to fit a new rear axle to the Mercedes Benz 250SL, although the other Pagoda with us is still waiting on an engine. Two less exotic but still interesting visitors included the return of the Volvo Amazon and a local Triumph 2000. And we now have a fourth ramp, increasing the number of cars we can work on at one time. It’s all go!

A Quieter Week (not really!)

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 17:21:50 GMT

Although we haven't had any new cars come in to us for a couple of weeks, we've still been very busy working on and in some cases, finishing, the cars currently filling our workshop. In the next few days the MGB V8 and the two Volvo P1800S's that we've shown you recently should be back with their owners. Meantime, we thought we'd show you pictures of what we expect our two major projects - the fabulous Alfa Romeo Giulia SS and Mercedes-Benz 220S Convertible - will look like when we've finished restoring them - enjoy, and have a classic weekend!

Return of the Alfa!

Sun, 27 Sep 2020 07:42:29 GMT

Return of the Alfa!

This week saw the return from the paint shop of the Alfa Romeo Giulia SS that we are rebuilding as a nut-and-bolt project. It’s now in a beautifully lustrous red, and ready for us to start putting the engine, interior, and everything else back in and on this fabulous car. If things go well, we hope to return it to its lucky owner by the end of the year, ready to enjoy for what we all hope will be a simpler year!

We also had a new visitor in the stylish shape of a Jaguar XJS convertible, in for some minor electrical issues, and we’ve been continuing work on upgrading the blue Volvo P1800S – now with its engine out - but this week has really been about the return of the Alfa – can’t wait to see it completed!

An exciting week!

Sun, 20 Sep 2020 07:10:05 GMT

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A really busy week for us last week, with some great cars being dropped off for various work. Most excitingly, a lovely 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220S, has come in for a complete nut and bolt restoration - we'll be featuting this project more once the work starts.; it'll take a while but will be stunning when it's completed, hopefully for next summer! We also took in two more Mercs - a 190 Fintail with just over 7,000 miles on the clock (!), and another Pagoda 280SL for a full engine rebuild. We had a TR6 come in with some fuel injection issues, and a very tasty pale blue Volvo P1800S for power steering conversion, rear crankshaft upgrade and some minor cosmetic work. The MGB GT V8 from last week is now in for an engine bottom end rebuild, and the ivory P1800 is just about to leave us...what a week!

This week at Templar Classics

Sun, 13 Sep 2020 07:59:10 GMT

This week at Templar Classics

More interesting ins and outs at Templar Classics in the last few days - an MGB GT V8 came in for new engine mounts, the Volvo Amazon went back to it's owner after an engine rebuild, as did the Aston Martin V8, a lovely red E-Type came to us for some cosmetic attention, and a gorgeous Aston Martin DB5 for some engine work. We're looking forward to some more exciting arrivals next week - watch this space!

New visitors this week!

Sun, 30 Aug 2020 09:28:46 GMT

New visitors this week

We've had a hectic few days here at Templar Classics as some of our customers have had their cars returned to them, new ones have come in, and our longer term projects continue to move nearer to completion. Visitors this week included a Jaguar Mk II, a Mini that we've been asked to complete the rebuild of, another Volvo P1800S restoration project that we've been asked to complete, as well as the Mercedes 280CE that came in for its service. Not forgetting the Mercedes 230SL in for a some detailing and to finish, an entirely gratuitous picture of our Alfa Romeo Montreal, since you can't have too many photos of such a beautiful car

Another busy week!

Sun, 16 Aug 2020 13:26:50 GMT

Another busy week!

While building work on our new workshops continues around us, we’re as busy as ever with customers’ classics coming in. The red Volvo P1800S, Jaguar XK120 and Aston Martin DB2/4 are now back with their owners, and we were eventually able to finish work on the BMW 2002tiiLux, after finally managing to fit a new master brake cylinder and bleed the (stubborn) brakes. The fabulous Aston Martin Vantage V8 will be with us for a while as we work on replacing it’s clutch among other things and our Alfa Romeo Montreal is very nearly ready to go. Meanwhile another stunning Alfa Romeo that we were working on at our old premises has been in the paint-shop before it comes over to us for rebuilding – a very rare Giulia SS. We’ve also taken in a Volvo Amazon for a complete engine rebuild – we’re loving the variety of classics we get to work on!

Templar Classics news this week

Sat, 08 Aug 2020 09:41:24 GMT

Classic British sports car and German elegance at Templar Classics

A quieter week in terms of new visitors while we continue work on the Isetta, XK120, Aston DB2/4 and P1800s – we’re hoping to reunite all four with their owners in the next week to make space for incoming classics – watch this space for those! Meanwhile we had a totally original 1963 Triumph TR4 come in to have its noisy rear suspension sorted – and its front bumper removed; the car’s owner for the last 40 years felt it needed a facelift! We also had an elegant 1982 Mercedes-Benz 280CE drop by to arrange an MOT and service in a couple of weeks, we’re looking forward to taking a closer look at that!

This Week at Templar Classics

Sat, 01 Aug 2020 15:12:03 GMT

This Week at Templar Classics

Work has continued this week on the BMW Isetta, Volvo P1800S and Mercedes-Benz 250SL as well starting up the Jaguar XK120 after a long period out of use. We also had a new visitor in the bright yellow shape of a 1975 BMW 2002tiiLux, in for a service, plus some attention to the rear brake adjusters and master cylinder.

Swedish Style and British Racing Pedigree

Sat, 25 Jul 2020 13:30:24 GMT

July 25th 2020

Two more fabulous visitors to our workshops this week - a lovely Aston Martin DB2/4 in for some attention to its brakes, and a gorgeous Volvo P1800S having an electronic replacement for its capillary temperature gauge fitted. We know these stylish Swedes like the backs of our hands, so if you have one in need of some TLC, bring it to us - we'll make sure it's well looked after! #astonmartin; #volvop1800s

New visitors last week

Sun, 19 Jul 2020 17:51:03 GMT

July 19th 2020

Another busy week at our new workshops. A cute little BMW Isetta has come in for some new brakes and rewiring and the Mercedes-Benz 250SL that we've been converting from a California (no soft top and had a rear seat) to a full SL convertible with soft top has come in for the next set of work - rebuilding the steering box and rear axle, as well as resolving some fuel issues. Meanwhile work on the gorgeous XK120 Jaguar continues - it's brakes are being upgraded to discs, with new seats and other upgrades being carried out as part of completing it's restoration for the road. Finally for this week, the red Volvo P1800 is also getting upgraded brakes, central locking and a new retro-look digital stereo!

Templar Classics is OPEN for business!

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 16:01:55 GMT

July 8th 2020

Templar Classics' new workshops are now up and running, and we've already taken in some customers' classics as well as continuing work on some of our previous projects. Our fabulous Alfa Romeo Montreal is nearing completion and will be ready for a new owner in just a few weeks - contact us if you're interested. New arrivals this week include an exquisite Jaguar XK120 Coupé that's in for some extensive recommissioning, a smart Mk1 VW Golf, the original hot hatch, and a lovely Volvo P1800S whose owner has asked us to source and fit a set of wire wheels - we think it looks pretty cool! We're expecting a series of new arrivals in the coming weeks - keep an eye on our Blog page!