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Pre War Cars Specialist

Specialist in European Pre-War Cars

Pre-war cars have a character of their own and require specialist knowledge. Their engineering, construction and materials are very different from those of later classic cars. At the same time, many pre-war automobiles are now rare, making originality an important part of both their value and identity.

Heritage Cars Delft specialises in European pre-war cars, with a particular focus on British, French and Italian pre-war automobiles. We assist owners and collectors with maintenance, mechanical work, restoration and recommissioning. We also provide advice when purchasing a pre-war car and offer technical preparation for rallies, concours events and other historic motoring events.

Knowledge of Historic Engineering

Working on a pre-war car requires more than general classic car knowledge. Many cars from the 1920s and 1930s were engineered very differently from post-war automobiles. Brakes, steering systems, carburettors, ignition, cooling and electrical systems all require an understanding of the technology and construction methods of the period.

At Heritage Cars, we look at the car as a whole. Not only at the immediate problem, but also at its overall mechanical condition, history and intended use. Our aim is to make the car reliable, enjoyable to drive and as true to its original character as possible.

pre war cars specialist
This is the car of one of the original 007 characters, Merlin Minshall.

Pre-War Car Maintenance and Repairs

Proper maintenance is essential for a pre-war car. Many of these cars are used less frequently than modern vehicles, which means that problems can develop during periods of storage. Wear in older mechanical components also requires regular inspection.

Heritage Cars can assist with:

Pre-War Car Restoration

Restoring a pre-war car starts with understanding the car and its history. With rare historic automobiles, replacing everything or rebuilding every component is not always the right approach.

An original body, historic repair, period modification or even certain signs of use can all be part of the story of the car.

We therefore assess each car individually and determine what should be preserved and what genuinely needs to be restored. In some cases, a mechanical restoration is enough to return the car to reliable use. In others, a comprehensive restoration may be appropriate.

Heritage Cars can manage and coordinate restoration projects and works with trusted specialists in coachbuilding, woodwork, metalwork, paint, upholstery and specialist mechanical components.

Buying a Pre-War Car?

Buying a pre-war car requires a different approach from assessing a later classic. Mechanical condition is important, but originality, history, specification and the quality of previous restoration work can be equally significant.

Heritage Cars can advise you when purchasing a pre-war car, whether in the Netherlands or abroad.

We can assess:

For collectors, we can also look at the bigger picture. Does the car fit within the collection? Is the specification particularly interesting? And how does the car relate to its historical and technical background?

Pre-War Cars for Rallies, Concours and Historic Use

Pre-war cars are not simply meant to be looked at. Many were originally built to be driven, and using them is an important part of their character.

Heritage Cars has experience preparing classic cars for historic rallies and events, including the Mille Miglia, Tour Auto and Le Mans Classic.

Good preparation starts with checking the mechanical foundations of the car. Components can then be rebuilt where necessary, known weaknesses addressed and practical improvements made to increase reliability and driveability.

We believe that any modifications should be appropriate to the car and its history.

British, French and Italian Pre-War Cars

Our particular interest within the pre-war world is in European cars, especially British, French and Italian marques.

Each has its own engineering characteristics and historical background. From lightweight British sports cars and French cyclecars to Italian sports and touring cars of the 1930s, these automobiles require a combination of technical knowledge, historical understanding and practical experience.

Over the years, Heritage Cars has worked on a range of exceptional pre-war automobiles, including cars from Singer, Amilcar, Lancia, BMW and AC.

Originality, Reliability and Driveability

With every pre-war car, we look for the right balance between originality, reliability and driveability.

A fully restored car is not necessarily a better car. In some cases, preserving as much of the existing vehicle as possible and carrying out only the work that is genuinely required is the better approach.

Our approach therefore depends on the car, its history and the owner’s objectives. A concours restoration requires a different approach from a car intended for regular use on long-distance rallies.

Pre War Car Specialist in the Netherlands

Heritage Cars is based in Delft, the Netherlands, and works with owners, collectors and enthusiasts from the Netherlands and internationally.

Do you own a pre-war car and are looking for a specialist for maintenance, restoration or technical preparation? Or are you considering buying a pre-war car and would like expert advice before making a decision?

Contact Geert, of Heritage Cars Delft to discuss your car or your plans.

Geert Kistemaker
+31 6 24276296
geert@heritagecars.nl

Heritage Cars Delft
Bellweg 1
2627 AW Delft
The Netherlands

Contactform – EN
06 24 276 296