Classic Car Restoration & Bodywork in Banbury, Oxfordshire

Full body-off classic car restorations, bare-metal resprays, rust and rot repair, period-correct paint finishes and concours preparation — delivered by experienced craftsmen at our workshop near Banbury.

Wardington, Banbury, Oxfordshire · Just off the A361 · 4 mins from M40 (J11)

Classic car restoration in progress at Ant Fabrications workshop, Wardington near Banbury, Oxfordshire

Classic Car Restoration Specialists Near Banbury

Classic car restoration is some of the most satisfying work we do at Ant Fabrications. Our workshop in Wardington, near Banbury, has been the starting point for dozens of restoration projects — vehicles brought to us in varying states of disrepair and leaving looking better than the day they were built. Whether you're working towards a full concours restoration or simply want to arrest years of deterioration and return your car to roadworthy condition, we approach every project with the same attention to detail.

The foundation of any proper classic car restoration is honest structural assessment. Rust and rot in sills, floor pans, inner wings, chassis legs and door frames needs to be dealt with completely — not cosmetically covered over. We carry out all the necessary welding and panel fabrication work in-house before any primer or paint touches the car, which means the finished result isn't hiding problems underneath.

Where original replacement panels are unavailable or prohibitively expensive, we fabricate them. Our welding and metalworking capability means we can make panels from scratch to match the original profile, which is often the only practical option for older or rarer vehicles. This fabrication work is what separates a genuine restoration from a refurbishment.

For paint, we offer bare-metal resprays in the original factory colour (matched to the manufacturer's paint code where possible), period-correct colours researched for the car's year of manufacture, or a new colour of your choosing. Our professional spray booth delivers a finish that holds up to the scrutiny of the show field or the concours judge's clipboard. Contact us to discuss your project.

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What's Included

A full breakdown of everything covered under this service — if you have a specific requirement not listed here, just ask.

Full Body-Off Restoration
Complete strip-down to allow full access to structural areas for repair and preparation
Bare-Metal Resprays
All paint stripped to bare metal, surface prepared and repainted from scratch
Rust & Rot Repair
Complete removal of corroded metalwork with properly welded or fabricated replacements
Panel Fabrication
Custom fabrication of replacement panels where originals are unavailable
Structural Welding
Sills, floor pans, chassis, inner wings and all structural welding carried out in-house
Period-Correct Paint Finishes
Factory colour matching and period-correct finishes researched for your vehicle
Concours Preparation
Exhibition and competition-level finish quality for show and concours vehicles
Classic Alloy Wheel Restoration
Restoration or refurbishment of period steel wheels and alloys

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this service — if yours isn't answered here, give us a call on 07525 873237.

How long does a classic car restoration take in Banbury?
Classic car restoration timescales vary enormously depending on the condition of the vehicle and the scope of work agreed. A focused paint and bodywork restoration on a structurally sound car may take several weeks; a full body-off restoration involving rust repair, panel fabrication, structural welding and a bare-metal respray can take several months. We provide a clear project scope and realistic timeline when we assess your vehicle, and keep you informed throughout.
Do you carry out bare-metal resprays for classic cars near Banbury?
Yes — bare-metal resprays are one of our specialities. The process involves stripping all existing paint and primer back to bare metal, addressing any rust, rot or panel damage revealed in the process, then priming, blocking and painting to the required finish. This approach is the only way to achieve a truly lasting result on a classic car, and it's what we recommend wherever the existing paintwork is in poor condition.
What classic cars have you restored at Ant Fabrications?
We've worked on a wide range of classic and vintage vehicles including VW Beetles, VW Golf Mk1 and Mk2, Porsche 911, classic Minis, MG Midget and MGB, Ford Cortina, Land Rover Defenders, and various other vehicles. If you have a classic car that needs bodywork, structural repair or a quality respray, we'd be happy to discuss your project.
Can you prepare a classic car to concours standard?
Yes. We have experience preparing vehicles for concours competitions and classic car shows where the standard of finish is scrutinised closely. This includes addressing panel gaps and alignment, achieving a deep, even paint finish, treating all visible metal surfaces, and ensuring the visible bodywork and underside are finished to the required level. Speak to us early in the project so we can plan the appropriate scope of work.

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07525 873237
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Wardington, Banbury, OX17