How much does it cost to restore a classic car?

When you're about to embark on a restoration, you need to consider not only the cost of the parts needed but also the fact that in many cases, you really won't get your money back on the car. There's no point beating around the bush here, the majority of the time a classic is the second car, basically just a grown up's toy for the summer and not a money maker.

Each car is different so we like to see the car with all its defects in either person or in photos, to give a true estimate of the cost. But I suppose you're here to learn if restoring your car is expensive. It is. It's very, very, extremely expensive so don't be shocked when we break it all down for you

What are the steps in restoring a classic car?

Just so you know, there really is no such thing as a 'typical restoration', as every car has its own unique personal history. From the initial construction at the factory through the years of maintenance and repairs, each car has its own particular strengths and weaknesses. A lot of these cars were hand-built, so things like door gaps on similar models are more than likely different!

Initial Meeting / Consultation This is pretty self-explanatory, we need to know what we're expected to do! Taking something and making it look good is the essence of our workshop, we know design and what will look good. But, this is where you need to tell us what work you would like carried out, how you want the car to look at the end, and most importantly what your budget is. We can give our opinion and advise you along the way. Actually, before we go any further, you should read this piece on pricing and values. Inspection We'll check out the car and see what the condition is like. Is it original, what parts are missing, what needs replacing... 'The List' is made here. Dismantling Every major assembly component is carefully stripped, with individual parts documented and photographed. Sub-assembly parts are grouped and bagged ready for refurbishment or replacement. This is a fancy way of saying your car is completely stripped out, and every part that is removed is safely stored. Media Cleaning Careful media blasting to return any corroded areas on the vehicle back to bare metal. Careful is the keyword here. This is followed by an inspection of the structural condition ahead of any metal rectification. Once the bare metal is exposed, these sections are given an initial coat of primer to protect against corrosion. Bodyshell Rectification Next up is the cutting out of any corroded metal. Rusty bits be-gone! New genuine panels or our fabricated panels are used in replacement and all types of welding are utilised throughout to ensure an authentic appearance. Component Refurbishment We've already checked the condition of every part we've taken off, so it's just a case of unboxing all the new pieces we've ordered (it's honestly like Christmas). Anything salvageable is then refurbished. However, seals, bushings, rubbers, nuts, bolts, brakes, pipes and hoses are always replaced. Then it's down to the overall finish you want on the car. It could be anything from how shiny do you want it, to fancying an uprated suspension or brake set-up... the list is endless, but thankfully you have us to advise you on what to replace and what will look best. Paint We use a unique 11-stage painting process, developed solely for the restoration of classic cars. The cabin, boot, underbody and under-bonnet areas are all sealed and protected, while our clear coat is brought to a mirror shine. Final Reassembly Fun time! A shiny shell with brand-new parts bolted on - what could be better! Protective covers are fitted over the body with any trim parts covered, and then any safety-critical fixings are replaced, fluids filled, and suspension and lights aligned before the final torque checks are applied to finish the reassembly. Then it's the setting up of the fuelling system and ignition timing, followed by the electrical system testing and.... vrooom! Sign Off Mileage testing is then carried out. Look, we built it so we deserve to drive it... maybe to the shops... the cinema even. This is probably the most important part. We will drive the car to bed everything in and double-check everything is good to go. Following this shakedown, the vehicle is re-inspected, it gets one last clean and wax and then we say our emotional goodbyes the night before the handover.

Lyons Garages Announced as Clare Business Excellence Awards Finalist 2026 - Lyons Garages Classic Car Restoration and Servicing Specialists

Details: 19.Oct

We are delighted to announce that we are a Finalist for the 2026 Clare Business Excellence Awards, sponsored by the Clare Local Enterprise Office and Clare County Council. This is our 3rd nomination for the Excellence Awards, with a previous win coming in 2024! We’re thrilled and looking forward to the Awards Gala on Thursday, November 19 at The Rine Hotel. Best of luck to the other nominees in our category.

Full press release below:

The Clare Business Excellence Awards hosted by Ennis Chamber in partnership with Clare County Council, once again attracted a high-calibre entries from every corner of County Clare.

Ennis Chamber President Frank Holly said, “It’s no mean feat to make it through as a finalist this year because the competition was red hot. We were delighted to receive our adjudicators' results yesterday, to see that this year’s line-up features a range of businesses from small and medium to large, representing a host of sectors”.

The Awards Gala promises to be a lively event. It will take place on Thursday, November 19th at The Rine Hotel. The MC is stand-up comedian and author Colm O’Regan.

The Categories and Finalists for 2026 are:

Best Green & Sustainable Practices (Sponsored by Rengen Power)
Burren Beef & Farm Experience
Cahir Environmental Services (CES)
Dromoland Castle Holdings
Shannon Estuary Way Retreat and Academy

Best Micro Business (Sponsored by Clare Local Enterprise Office)
Berka Solutions
Borrow a Geek
Lyons Garages
Wix & Wax Ireland

Professional Services (Sponsored by Bank of Ireland)
AMQ Accountants & Auditors
Honan Financial Services
Little Rock Digital Marketing
TFI Local Link

Best Family Business (Sponsored by MHP Sellors)
Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations
Cassidy’s Pub & Restaurant
Route 85
Western Herd Brewery

Best New Business (Sponsored by Tierney’s)
Afterschool Adventures
BEO – The Well
Green Impact Sustainability Consulting
IPERA

Best SME (Sponsored by CupPrint)
Advanced Technical Concepts (ATC)
Cahir Environmental Services (CES)
Fitzgerald Energy Solutions

Best use of Digital Marketing/Social Media (Sponsored by The Clare Echo)
Cruises Bar
Doolin Ferry Company
My First Steps
Peaceful Paws

Business for Social Impact (Sponsored by Essilor Luxottica)
Employability Clare
St Francis Credit Union
Zimmer Biomet

Innovation in Business (Sponsored by PTSB)
Aviation Digital Partners
Torpey
Zuhause Gesund

Best Hospitality (Sponsored by The Shannon Airport Group)
The Rine
TIGL Hotel (Doonbeg)
Shannon Springs

Best Tourism Experience (Sponsored by TUS)
Doolin Ferry Company
Aillwee Burren Experience
Shannon Aviation Museum
Doolin Cave

Best Place to Eat (restaurant) – (Sponsored by AIB)
Gate 96 (Ennis)
The Harbour Restaurant (Kilrush)
Town Hall (Ennis)

Best Place to Eat (Café) – (Sponsored by AIB)
Beag (Kilrush)
Dodi (Lahinch)
Le Chéile (Barefield)

Best Retailer – (Sponsored by Clean Ireland Recycling)
Aillwee – The Farm Shop
County Boutique
My First Steps
Torpey

Customer Service Excellence – (Sponsored by Xeinadin)
O’Connor’s (O’Connell Street)
Peaceful Paws
St. Francis Credit Union
TFI Local Link

Lyons Garages Announced as Clare Business Excellence Awards Finalist 2026

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