In 1929 at the London Motor Show, 57 different coachbuilders displayed their ash-framed, metal-clad car bodies. By 1959, that number had dropped to 13. Fast forward to 2025, and workshops willing to take on the task of building a vintage body decrease every year as aging craftsmen retire. Petroyle Restorations is passionate about preserving the art of coachbuilding.
The decline in the number of coachbuilders highlights the changes in the automotive industry. One major reason was the rise of mass production techniques, like those used by Ford with their assembly line production methods. These innovations made cars more affordable and accessible to the public, but they also led to a decrease in demand for custom-built vehicles.
Economic challenges like the Great Depression and World War II also had a big impact on luxury industries, including coachbuilding. The focus shifted towards more practical and economical vehicles, leaving many bespoke coachbuilders struggling.
Today, the world of coachbuilding combines tradition and innovation. Some prestigious names, like Pininfarina, Zagato, and Touring Superleggera, continue to create custom designs for high-end clients. These workshops are known for their craftsmanship and attention to detail, passed down through generations. Modern technology has also influenced the industry, with advanced materials and design techniques being used.
In recent years, there's been a renewed interest in bespoke and limited-edition vehicles, driven by a desire for exclusivity and personalization. High-net-worth individuals and car enthusiasts seek out these unique creations as symbols of status and individuality. Some coachbuilders have even collaborated with major car manufacturers to produce special editions and custom projects.
Petroyle is dedicated to preserving traditional coachbuilding. This commitment has led to our latest challenge: building a unique Lagonda V12 based on a simple pencil sketch from the 1930s.
The journey begins with meticulous attention to detail, as we successfully translate the sketch into a digital DXF file. This crucial step allows us to capture the essence of the original design and ensure precision in our work. From the DXF file, we have crafted wooden bucks, serving as tangible guides to shape the car's contours accurately.
Currently, our team is hard at work mocking up plywood templates. These templates are essential for refining the design and ensuring every curve and angle aligns perfectly with the original vision. This process sets the foundation for the next phase: constructing the ash frame, a hallmark of traditional coachbuilding.
At Petroyle, every step of this project reflects our passion for craftsmanship and dedication to breathing new life into classic designs. Through painstaking attention to detail and unwavering commitment, we honour the legacy of coachbuilding while creating something truly remarkable.
Despite the challenges, the legacy of coachbuilding lives on, preserving the artistry and heritage of the past while adapting to the modern world. The future of coachbuilding may continue to change, but the passion and dedication of our craftsmen ensure that the tradition will endure.
If you would like to know more about traditional coachbuilding methods or arrange a tour of our facility, please contact us.
Gregg Alvarez