Vintage & Antique Vehicle Restoration in Elgin, IL

Preserving Automotive History with Precision

Vintage and antique vehicles carry more than beauty — they carry legacy. At Artie’s Restorations, we specialize in the preservation and restoration of rare, pre-war, and early-model automobiles. From hand-fabricated panels to era-correct interior materials, our restoration process is tailored to honor the original design, engineering, and craftsmanship.



Located in Elgin, IL, we serve collectors, museums, and private owners who trust us to revive their one-of-a-kind vehicles with accuracy and care.

What Qualifies as a Classic or Muscle Car?

While “classic” typically refers to post-war vehicles (1950s–1980s), vintage and antique vehicles are often:

• Pre-World War II models
• Brass era and early 20th century builds
• Limited-production or hand-assembled vehicles
• Luxury marques from the 1900s–1940s (Packard, Pierce-Arrow, Duesenberg, etc.)
• European imports with historical value

We’re equipped to handle the delicate restoration needs of these rare machines — whether they’re showroom-kept or stored for decades.

Full-Service Antique Car Restoration

Unlike modern restoration projects, antique vehicles often require complete component reconstruction. We approach each build with patience and precision, focusing on the integrity of each detail.

Our antique restoration services include:

• Full or partial mechanical rebuilds
• Custom-fabricated panels, brackets, or hardware
• Period-correct electrical system rewiring
• Carburetor tuning or early fuel system repair
• Upholstery restoration using heritage materials
• Hand-fitted trim, brightwork, and glass

Each build is backed by documentation, progress photography, and client communication throughout.

Fabrication and Sourcing Expertise

Original parts for pre-war vehicles are rare. That’s why we maintain a network of specialized suppliers, salvage sources, and vintage reproduction experts. When a part simply doesn’t exist, we fabricate it from scratch — often by reverse engineering the damaged original.

Examples include:

• Custom wooden body structures for coach-built vehicles
• Hand-formed steel and aluminum fenders
• Machined bushings, brackets, and fasteners
• Molded dash components or bezels

Our goal is to preserve the look, function, and feel of the original — not simply substitute with modern alternatives.

Authentic Paint and Finish Work

Paint technology has evolved, but antique vehicles require special treatment to match their original sheen, tone, and surface depth. We use high-quality primers and finishes, applied in our sealed down-draft spray booth, with techniques adapted to historical accuracy.

• Matte, gloss, or hand-rubbed finishes
• Pinstriping, gold leaf, and emblem detailing
• Custom color mixing based on historical formulas
• Non-metallic and single-stage options as needed

We match or recreate original color codes, ensuring the finished product is faithful to its era.

Interior and Trim Restoration

Interior work on antique vehicles requires a careful blend of restoration and recreation. Our team sources authentic materials, or recreates the original textures and patterns when unavailable.

We restore:

• Leather and mohair upholstery
• Wooden dashes and trim
• Bakelite and cast knobs
• Early gauge clusters and analog meters
• Original-style headliners and carpets

We treat each interior as a time capsule — preserving what we can, replacing what we must, and respecting the original design.

Trusted by Collectors Across Illinois

Why owners choose Artie’s Restorations:

• Deep understanding of early automotive engineering
• Experienced hand-fabricators and metalworkers
• In-house team with museum-grade restoration experience
• Flexible options for preservation, partial rebuilds, or full frame-off
• Transparent timelines and documentation

Whether it’s a 1928 Ford Model A, a 1935 Cadillac V-12, or a one-off European import, we treat each project with the care it deserves.