Daily Slideshow: Reviving The Passion - Porsche Factory Restoration
More than 70 percent of all Porsche vehicles ever produced are still on the road today and the German automaker is keen on keeping it that way with their Porsche Classic factory repair and restoration services.
Caring for Classics
In the collector car market, there always seems to be some debate about the proper restoration of a vehicle. The ultimate goal of a restoration is to use original factory components and procedures to bring the car back to showroom condition just as it was when it left the factory. More often than not; however, the waters get muddied as vehicles are not painted their original color, aftermarket or upgraded parts are used in lieu of factory components, and cars are sometimes over-restored, thus losing some of their authenticity. Porsche and their Porsche Classic restoration and repair services seek to remedy such instances by using original technical data, tools, parts, procedures, and even craftsmen to properly restore desirable classic Porsche models.
Aircooled Authority
Located in Freiberg am Neckar, Germany, the Porsche Classic Workshop is equipped to perform both full and partial vehicle restorations as well as regular service work and accident repairs on classic Porsches ranging from the earliest 356 all the way up to the 993 models. Simply put, every type of repair work imaginable is completed in-house to bring out the best in each Porsche that is brought in.
The Pursuit of Perfection
At the most basic level (if we can call it 'basic'), the Classic Workshop performs regular vehicle maintenance and repairs to the exacting tolerances that Porsche has long been known for. They have direct access to all original technical data for each model as well as specialty factory tools to do the job right. Perhaps, more importantly, is the team using those tools as they are journeymen mechanics, technicians, fabricators, and painters with extensive experience working on classic Porsches. In fact, it is said that a number them were responsible for assembly when the cars were produced at the factory years ago.
No Job Too Big (or small)
The Classic team prides themselves on their ability to bring cars back to pristine working order. A portion of their work involves mending cars that have regular wear and tear all the way up to those with extensive accident damage. Minor dents and dings can often be completed with paint-less dent repair, but for those with excessive damage, cutting-edge frame straightening technology and access to original body panels mean that no job is too much for this crew to take on. Entire vehicle painting and interior overhauls are also completed with great attention to detail. Porsche Classic Workshop will even go as far as issuing estimates and processing insurance claims.
Reconstruction From The Ground Up
The real magic takes place when Porsche Classic brings a car back to life with their restoration services. They begin by giving estimates to the customer that are broken down by area (engine, transmission, body, interior, etc.) and then arrange for the vehicle to be transported to Germany. Once there, the vehicle is completely disassembled for a true assessment. The engine and transmission are taken apart and rebuilt with factory components before being test run on a stationary engine stand (engine and transmission restoration are available separate of a full vehicle restoration as well). Meanwhile, the chassis and body panels are perfected before being treated to a cathodic dip painting bath to inhibit corrosion.
Attention To Detail
The next step of restoration involves painting the car in its original color. Following paint, the body assembly process begins with all of the gap dimensions at the doors, trunk, and decklid set perfectly. On the interior, owners have a choice to restore the vehicle with high-quality materials as were originally used when the car was first built, or revamp it with a touch of modern style. As with ordering any new Porsche, the options here are almost endless. Once the car has been completely assembled, it undergoes various roads tests to ensure all systems are in top working order. After the vehicle has received its seal of approval, it is handed over to the owner along with a book documenting the entire restoration process and a certificate of the work completed.
There Is No Substitute
Since they first opened several years ago, the Porsche Classic Workshop has seen huge demands for their services. They are the tip of the spear in Porsche restoration as they work to bring vehicles back to a new and original condition. Essentially, these services allow individuals to step back in time and own a vehicle from a bygone era as if they were just purchased new off of the showroom floor. If you yearn for a new, classic Porsche, there is no substitute for the work performed by Porsche Classic Workshop.
For help keeping your Porsche running right, please see our how-to section in the forum.