Should I set up Porsche restoration business???
Discussion
Bit of a dilemma, my hobby and passion is restoring cars. By profession I am a licensed Aircraft Engineer but have since delved into a more office based role working alongside the aviation authorities. Doing audits, investigations and constant travel is not where I want to be. Much of my spare time is spent building cars projects and having the aviation background; the attention to detail and fine tolerances in that field lend itself perfectly to restoration and track day preparation.
One of my best friends, who I do all my motorsport trips and track days with, is somewhat of a relic; he restores classics (Jaguar and Porsche in the main) and has a great reputation (by that I mean currently a 4 year waiting list: each full restoration is a 8-10month process). I've not really spoken to him about it but just thought that with his current backlog (he is a one-man band), I could give up my current profession and concentrate my efforts on something I find far more rewarding and help him out. Even perhaps look at investing into streamlining his business and expanding it. With this is mind and being British, if I looked at opening this restoration/prep service to the UK, would there be any takers? I guess there are plenty of companies already in this field in the UK so don't want to pursue this avenue if there is no potential in it, especially with the risk involved.
Any input much appreciated guys
One of my best friends, who I do all my motorsport trips and track days with, is somewhat of a relic; he restores classics (Jaguar and Porsche in the main) and has a great reputation (by that I mean currently a 4 year waiting list: each full restoration is a 8-10month process). I've not really spoken to him about it but just thought that with his current backlog (he is a one-man band), I could give up my current profession and concentrate my efforts on something I find far more rewarding and help him out. Even perhaps look at investing into streamlining his business and expanding it. With this is mind and being British, if I looked at opening this restoration/prep service to the UK, would there be any takers? I guess there are plenty of companies already in this field in the UK so don't want to pursue this avenue if there is no potential in it, especially with the risk involved.
Any input much appreciated guys
hartech said:
Hi,
Well that is what I did almost 20 years ago and I do not regret it. However it took a long time and I had to learn a hell of a lot about human nature and managing customers to reach the happy point we are at now.
There are actually some similarities between us as I also am a professional engineer and worked in aerospace (as well as the automotive and heavy plant industries) but gave it up to follow my lifelong interest in Porsche cars.
In fact if you send me your address I will send you a copy of our recent Video (in HD FOC) in which you can see what we achieved and the scrolling banner at the bottom makes reference to my reasons for starting (and may well give you some encouragement).
However it is very expensive to set up and we took many years before we were able to make a reasonable living. During that time we resisted borrowing too much to present a posh all singing and dancing facility (and saw several others that tried just that go bust after 1 or 2 years) - but instead plodded along only slowly expanding and improving as we could afford to do so. I remember often feeling envious of those competitors that quickly seemed to have smarter premises and facilities - until they promptly disappeared that is!
It has however been the most satisfying job I have ever had and now over retirement age I still get a buzz going into work each day.
It was a completely unexpected bonus when around 10 years ago it seemed that the next model range of engines may have incorporated some weaknesses they needed solutions that by pure coincidence were typical what I successfully originally worked on some 45 years ago - presenting us with a golden opportunity to exploit that knowledge and invest in diversifying into engine remanufacturing and production. Restoring mechanical parts will benefit from your aerospace background and you will probably find outlets for designing and manufacturing parts no longer available or too expensive.
One point that you may not have considered is that although the main agents sell a predictable number of new cars every year - the used Porsche car market is always expanding because fewer are scrapped than sold new each year - so those catering for that market (and especially restoration projects) will always have plenty of potential business - if they do a good job (which I am sure you will). Your market will be ever expanding - you just need to specialise in a part of the whole and avoid trying to do and be all things to all owners - this is the quickest way to get recognised and afford the investment in doing what you have chosen to concentrate on - better than anyone else!
If you are not afraid of hard work and can resist trying to grow too quickly and rely on your quality of work to generate business by referral rather than extensive advertising then I think you will also find it provides a satisfying way to spend your work time and I hope it all turns out that way for you and wish you the very best of success.
Barry Hart (Technical Director Hartech Autmotive).
Baz what can I say, you are showing your true colours as per usual. Your approach, customer service and feedback to the wider Porsche community is legendary and never ceases to amaze me. The only reason I own a 996 Carrera is because it is bequeath with a full Hartech rebuild Well that is what I did almost 20 years ago and I do not regret it. However it took a long time and I had to learn a hell of a lot about human nature and managing customers to reach the happy point we are at now.
There are actually some similarities between us as I also am a professional engineer and worked in aerospace (as well as the automotive and heavy plant industries) but gave it up to follow my lifelong interest in Porsche cars.
In fact if you send me your address I will send you a copy of our recent Video (in HD FOC) in which you can see what we achieved and the scrolling banner at the bottom makes reference to my reasons for starting (and may well give you some encouragement).
However it is very expensive to set up and we took many years before we were able to make a reasonable living. During that time we resisted borrowing too much to present a posh all singing and dancing facility (and saw several others that tried just that go bust after 1 or 2 years) - but instead plodded along only slowly expanding and improving as we could afford to do so. I remember often feeling envious of those competitors that quickly seemed to have smarter premises and facilities - until they promptly disappeared that is!
It has however been the most satisfying job I have ever had and now over retirement age I still get a buzz going into work each day.
It was a completely unexpected bonus when around 10 years ago it seemed that the next model range of engines may have incorporated some weaknesses they needed solutions that by pure coincidence were typical what I successfully originally worked on some 45 years ago - presenting us with a golden opportunity to exploit that knowledge and invest in diversifying into engine remanufacturing and production. Restoring mechanical parts will benefit from your aerospace background and you will probably find outlets for designing and manufacturing parts no longer available or too expensive.
One point that you may not have considered is that although the main agents sell a predictable number of new cars every year - the used Porsche car market is always expanding because fewer are scrapped than sold new each year - so those catering for that market (and especially restoration projects) will always have plenty of potential business - if they do a good job (which I am sure you will). Your market will be ever expanding - you just need to specialise in a part of the whole and avoid trying to do and be all things to all owners - this is the quickest way to get recognised and afford the investment in doing what you have chosen to concentrate on - better than anyone else!
If you are not afraid of hard work and can resist trying to grow too quickly and rely on your quality of work to generate business by referral rather than extensive advertising then I think you will also find it provides a satisfying way to spend your work time and I hope it all turns out that way for you and wish you the very best of success.
Barry Hart (Technical Director Hartech Autmotive).
I really appreciate you taking the time to give such a response. Your approach regarding retaining a tight ship and only investing when the conditions and market allows is what resonates. An engineer doesn’t normally possess the business awareness and judgement to ensure long term stability balanced with research and product development.
The name Hartech is synonymous with post ’97 non-mezger engine dependability; you and your team deserve an unrivalled pat on the back for what you have achieved
For the past few years I have been putting in upto 108hours a week so am far from scared of a bit of effort. The way I see it: after serving for HM in some rather arduous environments, anything after this is like a walk in the park
I have a few options to release capital and am making in-roads into selling a house in France and my pride and joy (a 997GT3RS) to pursue this dream of combining passion and work. Just need to thoroughly approve & judge throwing all the eggs in one basket so to speak... I also currently have an aviation based Patent I’m looking at putting together then I am free to concentrate my efforts on designing some products and services to like-minded Porsche fanatics. Just today in-fact, I have done a few drawings and research and am looking at a package to reduce around 135kg from the 996 Carrera including a far amount of unsprung mass. This should translate into a quite formidable package for those looking at a GT3 but can't justify the £50,000 finance delta ? for the change. Still a long way to go but gives me some inspiration for the future. I think over the winter season I will spend all my spare time developing this avenue.
Anyway apologies for my ramblings and once again a massive thank you for taking the time to respond to a total stranger in such a heartfelt and helpful manner.
Kind regards
Richard
Edited by Richie200 on Monday 7th September 13:31
Fatsterjack said:
Richie200
Where are you based?
About 40mins from the Nurburgring in the tourist wine growing Moselle Valley, the town is called Traben-TrarbachWhere are you based?
ttdan said:
Richie200 said:
RSVP911 said:
Hi there - what's the silver car in the background ? 
Looks like a 904 to me I only looked at the picture in your quote (rather small). Defo a Dino, bonnet vents, rear air intakes running from the doors, vents in engine cover...
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