Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Classic Car Restoration Experts in West Sussex
Established in the early 1970s, Robin Lackford has built a reputation as a trusted specialist in classic car restoration and repair. Our expertise spans decades of hands-on experience in both road and race vehicle preservation, with a particular focus on British marques such as MG, Austin Healey, and Jaguar. We operate a fully equipped facility featuring mechanical workshops, body fabrication shops, and a dedicated race preparation division. Our team combines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to deliver durable paint finishes, comprehensive mechanical servicing, and meticulous restoration projects. Recognised by the MG Owners Club as a 5-star repairer, we maintain partnerships with industry leaders like Safety Devices Roll Cages.Serving clients globally from our West Sussex base, we offer collection and delivery services across the UK and Europe. Our commitment to quality is demonstrated through countless completed projects ranging from minor repairs to full bare-metal restorations. Transparency and customer collaboration remain central to our approach, with staged payments available for larger restoration works. This enduring dedication to automotive heritage has made us a preferred choice for classic car enthusiasts worldwide.
Services
Classic Car Restoration
Mechanical Repairs
Bodywork Repairs
Race Preparation
Vehicle Transportation
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- 50+ years of specialist experience in classic car restoration
- Fully equipped in-house workshops for complete vehicle rebuilds
- Recognised MG Owners Club 5-star repair facility in Sussex
- Global client base with UK-wide and European transportation
- Specialist knowledge of British sports cars and historic race vehicles
Associations and certifications
- MG Owners Club 5-star, 5 Spanner Recommendation
Services
Classic Car Restoration
We specialise in comprehensive restoration of vintage vehicles from minor repairs to full bare-metal rebuilds. Our process includes panel replacement, chrome restoration, interior refurbishment, and mechanical overhauls. With expertise dating back to the 1970s, we preserve automotive heritage while ensuring modern reliability standards.
Race Preparation
Our dedicated race prep workshop prepares historic vehicles for competitive motorsport. Services include suspension tuning, engine optimisation, and safety compliance modifications. With decades of racing experience, we ensure vehicles meet championship specifications while maintaining performance integrity.
Mechanical Repairs
From routine servicing to complex mechanical diagnostics, our fully equipped workshop handles all aspects of classic car maintenance. We work on electrical systems, engine components, and transmission systems, using both traditional techniques and modern diagnostic tools for vintage vehicles.
Vehicle Transportation
We offer secure transportation services across the UK and Europe for classic vehicles. With 30+ years of experience, our team ensures safe collection and delivery of valuable cars, including provision of temporary passenger transport to nearby train stations for visiting clients.
Bodywork Repairs
Our fabrication shop handles all body repair needs using MIG, TIG, and gas welding techniques. Services include dent removal, rust repair, and structural reconstruction. We maintain original vehicle specifications while implementing modern preservation methods for long-lasting results.
Questions
What classic car brands do you specialise in?
We specialise in British marques including MG, Jaguar, Austin Healey, Aston Martin, and Ford, as well as historic racing cars like Elva and GRD models.
Are you an officially accredited repair centre?
Yes, we hold the MG Owners Club's highest 5-star and 5 Spanner accreditation, and are approved fitters for Safety Devices Roll Cages.
Do you offer vehicle collection and delivery?
Yes, we provide secure transportation services across the UK and Europe for classic vehicles requiring restoration or repair.
Can you help with unfinished car projects?
Yes, we specialise in completing abandoned restoration projects, bringing partial builds to full operational condition with expert craftsmanship.
What are your opening hours?
Our garage is open Monday to Friday 8:00am to 5:30pm. We are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Do you work on modern cars?
Our specialism is classic and vintage vehicles, though we do service Mazda MX5 models alongside our traditional restoration work.
Reviews (4)
Graeme Hawkins
Jul 18, 2021
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I have been using Lackford engineering for years to develop my car for the track and I have always found their work, service and advice second to none
Ged Brookes
Apr 22, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Punctuality,Quality
Super restoration on my battered old Ford Mustang. Price quoted was what I paid. Would recommend.
Super restoration on my battered old Ford Mustang. Price quoted was what I paid. Would recommend.
Si Mullane
Aug 19, 2016
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Quality of work:
I have had the car back for 8 month and so far have found the timing out, the wrong spec cap on the radiator, the bolts on the exhaust and manifold loos. So am going through full list of the work they did to check how it was finished. An electric window water bag was fitted, as the old bad had gone. The original was pump type. I was not asked if I wanted to go electric and the wiring was very pore. The switched drilled into the dash (again not asked about drilling hold in it) the crimps kept falling off. The cables under the bonnet looked so out of place where not neat and one
I have had the car back for 8 month and so far have found the timing out, the wrong spec cap on the radiator, the bolts on the exhaust and manifold loos. So am going through full list of the work they did to check how it was finished. An electric window water bag was fitted, as the old bad had gone. The original was pump type. I was not asked if I wanted to go electric and the wiring was very pore. The switched drilled into the dash (again not asked about drilling hold in it) the crimps kept falling off. The cables under the bonnet looked so out of place where not neat and one
Alex Prosser-Snelling
Jul 28, 2016
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Robin and his team have forgotten more about the MG than other garages will ever know. Expert, thorough and completes work on time. Not the cheapest but work is of a high standard and lasts. Friendly, personal and flexible. Discount may be available for club membership. Thoroughly recommended.
