Business Details
13 Years
experience
Trusted Classic Car Repair & Restoration Services
Wight Classics is a dedicated garage specialising in the maintenance, repair, and restoration of classic and vintage cars on the Isle of Wight. Founded in 2013, our team combines decades of experience with a shared passion for historic vehicles, offering tailored services from routine servicing to full nut-and-bolt restorations. We prioritise transparency, keeping clients informed of costs for parts and labour while maintaining competitive rates. Our facilities include a fully equipped workshop with inspection ramps, an engineering shop for engine rebuilds, and a bodywork preparation area with a full-sized spray booth. We specialise in pre-electronic classic cars, avoiding modern vehicles reliant on computer systems.With a focus on value for money and customer collaboration, we serve a diverse range of marques, from Jaguars and Rolls-Royces to MGs and Triumphs. Our team, led by proprietor Tim Addison, brings extensive expertise in both mechanical and bodywork aspects, supported by trusted local specialists for upholstery and engine tuning. We recommend annual safety inspections for vehicles over 40 years old, ensuring roadworthiness while preserving their heritage. Most of our business comes from personal recommendations, reflecting our commitment to quality and client satisfaction. As of 2024, our hourly rate is 57 + VAT, with negotiated rates available for larger projects.
Services
Restoration
Repairs
Servicing
Bodywork
Parts Sourcing
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years combined experience in classic car restoration.
- Our in-house facilities handle full mechanical and bodywork projects.
- Transparent cost updates ensure no hidden surprises for clients.
- Specialists in pre-electronic classic cars from the 1930s to 1980s.
- Competitive hourly rates with negotiated pricing for major restorations.
Services
Full Restorations
We undertake comprehensive nut-and-bolt restorations from bare metal shells to fully roadworthy vehicles. Our team collaborates with local specialists for interior trimming and engine tuning. Each project maintains original specifications while addressing modern usability needs. Clients receive regular progress updates and cost breakdowns throughout the restoration process.
Mechanical Repairs
Specialist repairs for classic car engines, gearboxes, and transmission systems form a core part of our work. Our workshop features dedicated inspection ramps and engineering equipment for precision rebuilds. We focus on pre-electronic vehicles, ensuring traditional mechanical expertise is applied to every repair project.
Bodywork Services
Our body shop handles rust removal, panel fabrication, and full resprays using professional equipment. The facility includes a large preparation area and full-sized spray booth. We restore both structural integrity and aesthetic elements while preserving original vehicle character.
Annual Safety Inspections
For vehicles over 40 years old, we provide comprehensive safety inspections to maintain roadworthiness. These assessments cover critical mechanical and structural components. Our service ensures compliance with legal requirements while preserving vehicle authenticity through specialist knowledge of historic automotive standards.
Parts Sourcing
We leverage extensive industry contacts to source both new and used parts for classic vehicles. When original components are unavailable, we offer fabrication solutions or suitable alternatives. Our network ensures access to rare parts while maintaining strict quality control standards for all replacements.
People
Tim Addison
Proprietor
Long-standing classic car owner with motorsport heritage. Organised Silverstone Classic's precursor event and promotes Isle of Wight's closed-road racing. Brings 30+ years of automotive expertise to Wight Classics.
Charlie
Mechanical Technician
Specialises in classic car mechanics with 25 years' experience. Focuses on engine rebuilds and transmission systems. Works closely with clients to explain technical aspects in accessible terms.
Nigel
Workshop Engineer
Experienced in pre-electronic vehicle systems. Handles routine servicing and complex mechanical repairs. Committed to preserving original vehicle specifications while ensuring modern reliability standards.
Darren
Bodywork Specialist
Leads bodywork operations with expertise in rust remediation and panel fabrication. Operates the spray booth for precision resprays. Ensures structural integrity while maintaining aesthetic authenticity for classic vehicles.
Questions
What classic car services do you offer?
We provide restoration, mechanical repairs, bodywork, annual safety inspections, and parts sourcing for pre-electronic classic cars from the 1930s to 1980s.
Do you work on modern classic cars?
We specialise in vehicles predating electronic systems. If your car 'thinks for itself', we recommend modern specialists. Our focus remains on traditional mechanical and bodywork expertise.
Are your prices competitive?
Our hourly rate is £57 + VAT with negotiated rates for major projects. We provide transparent cost breakdowns and work to agreed budgets while maintaining quality standards.
Do you offer MOT services for classic cars?
Vehicles over 40 years old don't require MOTs, but we recommend annual safety inspections. We check critical components to ensure roadworthiness while preserving historic vehicle integrity.
Can you source rare replacement parts?
We use extensive industry contacts to locate original components. When unavailable, we offer fabrication solutions or suitable alternatives while maintaining strict quality control standards.
What areas do you serve?
Based on the Isle of Wight, we primarily serve local clients. We can accommodate off-site viewings by appointment for special projects or appraisal purposes.
Reviews (4)
Paul Ratcliffe Rats
Sep 19, 2021
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Not used these guys but visited them several times when visiting the Island, very knowledgeable guys and do nice work
Tim Jeffreys
Mar 21, 2021
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Wight Classics work on all of my cars. I dont even bother looking for another company as I know that these guys will do a first class job and the invoice will be fair for the work that goes in. As I write this Wight Classics are doing a nut and bolt restoration on my latest acquisition. Its a historically important car and has to be perfect so there is only company that I trust to do it. Highly recommended.
Roy Edwards
Nov 16, 2020
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I have just collected my MGBGT from Tim and his team, I am absolutely delighted with the work they have done, They managed to trace and fix an intermittent ignition fault, set up and balanced newly rebuilt SU carburetors. Plus they retracked the steering after I fitted new track rod ends, using the old count the turns method failed me. If you are looking for old school honest mechanics that understand their craft, these are the guys for you ! Thoroughly recommended. Many Thanks Roy
Renfrey Ascott
Dec 14, 2019
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Have used Wight Classics for mechanical problems, bodywork on my 1936 Rolls for several years and would never go anywhere else.
