Restoring an SM is a very difficult, time consuming and expensive procedure. These cars were built with exceptional skill and after a long design and testing program, where many modifications and refinements were introduced by highly qualified people to help attain the ‘right’ look, the ‘right’ feel, the ‘right’ sound and the ‘right’ response.

Expensive and different materials and quality components were used to ensure the SMs exclusivity. To recapture all this, experience, skill and a dedicated and planned approach are required to ensure time and money are used efficiently.

Although never a quick or cheap process, planning from previous experience and the use of pre-prepared sub-assemblies, greatly improves the efficiency of the restoration process, while not reducing the effectiveness. Each car we approach is extensively assessed to determine its suitability for restoration prior to any work being commenced and a plan for its future contrived. This may involve conversion to RHD, a change of body colour and/or interior trim colour, even changing engine/transmission combinations depending on the final package required as determined by the customer. Since all cars are reduced to a bare body shell and the components of many cars are always available, the transposition of components on reassembly is a practical option allowing for maximisation of available resources to satisfy requirements.

Once all the testing of components to determine their mechanical condition is complete, the vehicle is totally stripped and catalogued. All specialised sublet components are sent out to be overhauled (e.g. starter motor to auto electrician, body shell to painters, nuts, bolts and brackets to zinc platers, upholstery to the trimmers etc.) While that work proceeds, all our in-house reconditioning takes place (e.g. overhaul carburettors, distributor, hydraulics, brakes, fuel tank, suspension and steering etc.)

There are specific areas which receive special upgrading to help avoid known problems and to take advantage of recent technical developments. These include: Timing chain, A/C compressor and switching, Elec. Windows, Audio, some subtle electrical improvements, under bonnet layout is revised to improve servicing but generally all original designs and components are strictly adhered to.

When everything is returned or completed, the sub-assemblies are compiled and tested as separate complete units before being returned to the car (e.g. engine/transmission, front accessory cradle, instruments, radiator/fans/condenser, seating, boot components, tyres, wheels and hubcaps etc) and only when all these sub assemblies are present and complete does the rebuild of the car take place. Following the completion of the rebuild an extensive two day checklist and operational test procedure is carried out in the workshop before the vehicle is put on the road in its new guise. A progressive series of road tests culminate in a 200km test run.

Final inspection, adjustments and detailing occur before the car is presented to the Road & Traffic Authority Inspectors for compliance testing and registration. All restoration is thoroughly documented and the process records (thirty odd pages) are made available to the new owner on delivery to validate the extent of the procedure.

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