Ancienne Bugatti restaurée par Mehdi Vidal

Restoration of Vintage Vehicles

Experience automotive restoration excellence with master craftsman Mehdi Vidal France. Mehdi and his team leverage their expertise to restore vintage vehicles, bringing treasures of automotive history back to life.

Restoration of a vintage automobile, step by step.

01

Diagnosis

After an initial phone discussion, we provide an initial estimate based on photos of your vehicle and schedule a meeting. We prioritize in-person meetings because, for us, human connection is at the core of each project.

Receiving, cutting and marbling your vehicle

We take delivery of your vehicle, which is sandblasted, along with any existing fittings, to clean up the bodywork and get the restoration process off to a good start. Your vehicle is then cut up and marbled to straighten the structure that has been deformed or damaged, using a variety of hammers, know-how and patience. This allows us to restore your vehicle to its original shape and provide a more accurate diagnosis.

Evaluation

After this initial restoration step, we assess additional work to be done and order or create spare parts when necessary.

Restoration in accordance with the original

Whenever possible, we keep as many of the original panels as possible, restoring the vehicle’s heritage like a museum piece. We also pay great attention to detail: the location, spacing and reproduction of the diameter of the original welding points and techniques of yesteryear for maximum authenticity. No compromises here, just meticulous work to restore each car to its original glory.

Parts protection

We apply an epoxy anti-corrosion protection to the hollow bodies. In some cases, if the budget allows, we can send the bodies for cataphoresis bath. This technique is applicable to monocoque bodies but cannot be applied to pre-war vehicles.

Differentiating options

  • Enhancing light lines (Highlights): Using neon lights, we refine and adjust the contours of the vehicle to achieve optimal aesthetics.
  • Metal Finishing: This technique pushes the project to perfection by detecting and eliminating each imperfection with the help of a blue powder.
  • Uniformity of gaps: We ensure uniform clearances among all removable elements, creating a cohesive appearance throughout the entire vehicle.
  • Tinning: We apply and shape tin for impeccable finishing and alignment.
  • Pre-paint Assembly: We fit chrome elements and accessories prior to painting to ensure a flawless fit. This final phase of the body restoration process is a moment where modifications are still possible to perfect the final adjustments.

“Bare Metal” delivery

We do not apply paint or primer to the body. The vehicle is delivered “bare metal” for total transparency. Clients will be able to fully appreciate the result of the many hours of work. This, however, means that the car must be handed over to the painter within a fairly short period of time to prevent any corrosion. Mehdi is able to advise clients on the next steps and recommend trusted partners.

Combining the skill of manual work and mechanical power, here everything comes together to give new life to exceptional vehicles.