For a business just a shade over two years old the Motorcycle restoration company is making great strides into the scene. Born out of the recently defunct Hailwood restoration business, Chris Daniels and Norman Nuttall, both employees of that concern, joined forces and set up there own company. Originally housed in farm buildings, the pair quickly outgrew these and moved to their current premised in Wendens Ambo, on the outskirts of Saffron Walden during November 2009. Now housed in a 2500 sq ft facility, there is plenty of room for the 9 work benches allowing restorations to be undertaken in their own space and at their own pace, without any unnecessary interruption. Within the complex is a machine tool shop and a newly completed MOT testing bay along with an extensive storage capability, the fully equipped workshop is also available for servicing of all major models, new or old.
“We have five full time restorers carrying out the work and we cover all types of motorcycle” Chris 43 said “My background, having trained as a mechanic in the early 80s, and run an engineering company building race bikes and engines in the 90s, is centred on the classic Japanese market, while Norman, with over 3 decades of experience working with British machinery can tackle the older jobs. We also have a Harley Davidson specialist in house, along with welding and machining facilities, so all in all we have most bases covered. It is hard making restoration pay but, with good planning and a keen eye on costs, it is a viable proposition especially with so much being done in house.”
Norman added “We have around 43 machines either on going or lined up to start work, equating to roughly two years work on the books at the moment and are constantly striving to attract new customers so it is all looking good for the future. We work hard at building trust with all of our clients, and to that end are happy advising on future purchases, even to the extent of looking over a machine for a customer before the completion of the sale.”
Work currently taking place includes a couple of Yamaha RD400s, one in original spec and the other a chrome frame special, nearing completion, an AJS Stormer that has been restored and also made road legal, while at the very far end of the row sits an unusual 1950s Excelsior Autobyk, the forerunner to the more common automatic scooter. There is also an impressive new build Egli Vincent getting ready to take its first steps out into the world, all work having been carried out to the very highest of standards in the perfect workshop environment.
As for the future Chris is happy with the way the business is going at the moment, especially the recent addition of the MOT bay, but he does have some further ideas to bring in more business “One thing I want to expand on is motorcycle storage” He said “We have the room and knowledge to do this properly and also I want to increase the sales of classic machinery too. The website is kept up to date and well subscribed, so having more machines for sale on there and in a dedicated showroom here would be something I would like to build on.”
The Motorcycle Restoration Company Contact Details
Tel – 01799 542 323
www.motorcyclerestorationcompany.com
The Motorcycle Restoration Company Gallery
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