Where do I go for bodywork repairs?

GoldenLane · Oct 17, 2017

Is it important that I go to one of the big guns? At the moment I'm looking at having the car done abroad (it's not in the UK at the moment) but wondering whether it's worth paying the (considerable) extra a 'recognised' UK restorer will charge.
I need new panels fitted front and rear, and wings, and a respray.
Car is matching numbers RHD 356b T6.
Much appreciate your thoughts and experience in this matter.
Ravi

Peter_Bull · Oct 18, 2017

With most things in life you get what you pay for. With a car such as this I would go to the best and would recommend either of the following.

Andy Prill at Prill Restorations in Essex: http://www.prillporscheclassics.com/ Andy did some excellent work on the Club own 356, rectifying much of the previous not too good repairs.
or
Roger Bray Restorations in Exeter: https://www.rogerbrayrestoration.com/ Paul Kelley, a past Chairman, has had much work done on his 356s here.

You will of course get exceptional quality work with either of these two restorers at a price. Be prepared to wait in a queue too as their services are excellent and much sought after. But if you value your car then the wait will be worth it and you may even have time to save up!

Best of luck.

paul08 · Oct 18, 2017

It isn't clear where you are based in the UK, but it might be worth contacting this company:
http://www.road-and-race.com/page/restorations

They are based in M'cr and have a good reputation. Their website says that they are currently restoring two 356's

GoldenLane · Oct 18, 2017

Thanks Peter,

That's useful. If the club car went to Prill's that's a good reference.

I spoke to RB a while ago and was shocked at the difference in price he was quoting when compared to other Porsche shops; he was coming in at three times as much. I just can't understand it, it seems a bit cartel-ish to me, and I guess my question is about whether there's a real, as opposed to perceived, increase in value to be had, and will that be reflected in increased returns when/if I have to sell...

Hi Paul, thanks,
I'm in London but the car can be worked on anywhere I'm not fussed, it'll have to be transported anyway.
I had a garage in mind but am having second thoughts because they're not one of the 'recognised' specialists - and I'm really asking whether I need to pay the premium for one of those shops rather than use a shop that 'can' do a restoration.

Thanks again...

Peter_Bull · Oct 19, 2017

It is a minefield out there and I have been bitten more than once choosing the wrong restorer.

If you want your car to be restored close to original as possible then there are very few restorers, including Porsche Approved body shops, who have the knowledge and expertise to get the car back to original specification. I know that Andy Prill and Roger Bray both do exceptional work. Why not go along to each of them and see the type of work they do.

I know of one 356 owner who took his car to a local body shop in the NW and paid £'000s for what really was in the end a botched job. He was succumb by the glitz and promises. Ok it looked fine from the outside but on closer inspection it was pretty poor and certainly not to Porsche standards. In the end he wasted his money and the car is pretty much worthless.

I guess really its down to the budget you have and what you expect from the work. If you want a long term keeper with some investment then its a no brainer.

Bite the bullet and re mortgage!! [

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kitchens · Oct 19, 2017

You could call this company Border Reivers as they have restored many a 356 and the owner Tom Fitzimmons once ran the only approved Porsche body shop in Scotland .Have a look at some of the cars they sell or have sold. Tom's own 356 which he recently sold was a concourse winning car .Worth a call and a chat as to what he can do for you and you will not pay London prices.
https://www.google.co.uk/...i131k1.168.sAW0cpPb-nM