Restoration
Classic Mercedes-Benz Restoration in West Sussex
At John Haynes Mercedes in Worthing, West Sussex, we specialise in the restoration, preservation and long-term care of classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Our experience covers Mercedes-Benz models from across the marque’s history, including important post-war classics from the 1950s and 1960s, elegant saloons, coupés, cabriolets and roadsters from the 1970s, and later Youngtimer and modern classic models from the 1980s and 1990s.
Every restoration project is approached with care, judgement and respect for the vehicle. Whether the car is a rare collector-owned Mercedes-Benz, a cherished family vehicle or a long-term restoration project, our focus remains the same: preserving quality, originality and the standards these cars deserve.
As an independent, family-run Mercedes-Benz specialist established for over 40 years, we support owners who want their cars restored, preserved or maintained correctly for the long term.
Classic Mercedes-Benz Restoration Across the Marque’s History
Classic Mercedes-Benz restoration requires an understanding of the model, the period in which it was built, the quality of the original engineering and the importance of preserving the car’s character.
Our restoration work covers a wide range of classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including early SL models, post-war saloons, coupés, cabriolets, roadsters and later classic Mercedes-Benz models.
We regularly support owners of vehicles from across several important eras, including:
- 1950s Mercedes-Benz classics
- 1960s Mercedes-Benz saloons, coupés and roadsters
- 1970s Mercedes-Benz models
- classic SL and S-Class vehicles
- Mercedes-Benz coupés, cabriolets, estates and saloons
- Youngtimer Mercedes-Benz models from the 1980s and 1990s
- modern classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles such as the W123, W124, W126, W201, W140, R107 and R129
This breadth of experience is important. Many owners come to us with rare, valuable or highly original vehicles where the aim is not simply to repair the car, but to preserve its integrity, quality and long-term value.
Restoration, Preservation and Sympathetic Repair
Not every classic Mercedes-Benz requires a full restoration. Some vehicles need careful recommissioning after a period off the road. Others require mechanical restoration, bodywork, corrosion repair, interior work, paintwork, servicing or a staged restoration plan.
Our approach begins with careful assessment. We consider the vehicle’s condition, originality, intended use and long-term ownership goals before advising on the most appropriate course of action.
Depending on the vehicle, restoration work may include:
- full classic Mercedes-Benz restoration
- mechanical restoration and repair
- engine and transmission work
- braking, suspension and steering systems
- bodywork and corrosion repair
- paintwork and refinishing
- interior trim and finishing
- period-correct maintenance
- recommissioning after storage
- staged restoration planning
For rare, highly original or particularly valuable examples, we take a preservation-led approach wherever appropriate. Originality, provenance, correct workmanship and quality of finish all matter, especially where a vehicle forms part of a private collection or represents a significant long-term investment.
Our work speaks for itself
At John Haynes Mercedes, we’ve had the privilege of restoring some of the finest Mercedes-Benz vehicles for clients all over the world. Many of our customers have gone on to enjoy success in Salon Privé and Concours competitions; we’ve also restored and prepared vehicles to Concours standards purely for their owners’ private pleasure and satisfaction.
A true labour of love
We love working on Mercedes-Benz models from the company’s entire range and history, with a particular interest and expertise in cars from the 1950s through to the ‘Youngtimers’ of the 1980s and 1990s. To every project, we bring knowledge and skills gained over more than 50 years with the marque, and a passion for recreating the magic of Mercedes-Benz down the ages.
All our restoration work is carried out by a specialist team of highly experienced craftsmen at our Worthing premises. Here, we have a fully equipped workshop devoted exclusively to restoration, repairs and servicing for classic and new Mercedes-Benz models. We also have our own body shop and paint facilities on a separate site. As marque specialists, we’ll work on your car using genuine Mercedes-Benz workshop equipment and tools from the appropriate time period to ensure a perfect fit and finish. We also carry one of the UK’s largest inventories of classic Mercedes-Benz parts: on the occasions, we don’t have the right part in stock, we can usually obtain it quickly through our worldwide network of trusted sources.
SOME MERCEDES-BENZ MODELS RESTORED BY JOHN HAYNES ON DISPLAY AT MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD
Frequently asked questions
We restore and maintain Mercedes-Benz vehicles from across the marque’s history, including 1950s, 1960s and 1970s classics, as well as Youngtimer and modern classic models from the 1980s and 1990s.
Yes. We support owners of valuable, rare and highly original Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Our approach takes into account originality, provenance, condition, long-term value and the owner’s intended use for the car.
Yes. John Haynes Mercedes has restored vehicles that have gone on to success at Salon Privé and Concours events.
Yes. In many cases, careful preservation and sympathetic repair are the better approach. We advise based on the vehicle’s condition, originality, rarity and long-term ownership goals.
Yes. We carry one of the UK’s largest inventories of classic Mercedes-Benz parts and can usually source unavailable parts through our worldwide network of trusted suppliers.
Restoration work is carried out at our premises in Worthing, West Sussex, supported by our dedicated classic Mercedes-Benz workshop, body shop facilities and parts inventory.
