Top Touch Guides

Practical tips, restoration advice, and behind-the-scenes knowledge from our bodywork and restoration workshop near Milton Keynes. Whether you're planning a project or just love cars – there's something here for you.

Severe hidden rust corrosion on a classic Ford Escort door panel — the kind that lurks under fresh paint

Where Ford Escorts Rust: The Killer Spots, Mk1 Through Mk6

A Ford specialist walks through every Escort rust trap from 1968 to 2000. Mk-by-Mk weak spots, photos from real restorations, and what proper repair actually…

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1962 Ford Consul Capri at the British Motor Museum — front view showing the hooded headlamps and Coke-bottle styling of the original 1961-64 Consul Capri coupé

The Ford Consul Capri (1961 to 1964): The Forgotten First Capri

The original Ford Capri wasn't the 1969 coupe everyone remembers. It was the 1961 Consul Capri, a fastback two-door built in Halewood. A specialist's introduction.

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1964 Ford Lotus Cortina Mk1 in Ermine White with Sherwood Green flash

Lotus Cortina: The Complete Guide to Ford’s Greatest Saloon

Mk1 and Mk2 Lotus Cortina explained by a classic Ford specialist. History, twin-cam engine, Jim Clark, build numbers, authentication, current values and what to check…

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1985 Ford Escort RS Turbo Series 1 in factory Diamond White — the white-only homologation S1, 1.6 CVH turbo, 132 bhp

Ford Escort RS Turbo Series 1 vs Series 2: Which One Should You Buy?

Series 1 or Series 2 Ford Escort RS Turbo? A classic Ford specialist breaks down the differences, values and which to choose for daily driving,…

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Ford Capri Paint Codes & Original Colours: The Complete Reference

Every factory Ford Capri colour and paint code, Mk1 through Mk3. From Daytona Yellow to Brooklands Green, with paint mixing notes from a working classic…

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Ford Cortina Mk3 2000E executive saloon in England, 1973

Ford Cortina Mk3 Buyer’s Guide: 1600E, 2000E, GXL & Ghia Explained

A classic Ford specialist's buyer's guide to the Mk3 Cortina. Trim levels explained, where they rust, what they cost, and which Coke-bottle Cortina is the…

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1971 Ford Escort Mk1 Mexico with original AVO Boreham build — 1601cc Kent crossflow, 86 bhp homologation special

Ford Escort Mexico Buyer’s Guide: Mk1 vs Mk2, What to Check, What to Pay

A classic Ford specialist's Ford Escort Mexico buyer's guide. Mk1 vs Mk2 differences, AVO plate authentication, rust traps, values and red flags.

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Ford Capri Mk1 Buyer’s Guide: Rust, Values & What to Check

Thinking of buying a Mk1 Capri? A classic Ford bodywork specialist walks you through the rust traps, model variants, and what you should pay in…

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A classic car parked on a street

How to Sell a Classic Car (And What Restoration Adds to Its Value)

Selling a classic car is nothing like selling a normal used car. There’s no quick trade-in, no “we buy any car” price that does it…

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Close-up of damage to a car's painted front bodywork

Stone Chips & Scratches: DIY Touch-Up vs Professional Repair

Stone chips and scratches are the most common reason people first contact a bodyshop. A chip on the bonnet, a key mark down the door,…

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Hand holding a fan of paint colour swatches for matching

How to Find Your Car’s Paint Code (Any Make)

Whether you’re touching up a stone chip, ordering a tin of aerosol to match, or planning a full respray, the first thing anyone needs is…

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Heavily rusted 1973 to 1976 Ford Cortina Mk3 with extensive bodywork corrosion

Where Ford Cortinas Rust: The Killer Spots, Mk1 Through Mk5

A classic Ford specialist walks through every Cortina rust trap from 1962 to 1982. Mk-by-Mk weak spots, photos from real restorations, and what proper repair…

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Got a Project
in Mind?

Whether it's a classic car restoration, a full custom respray, or targeted bodywork repairs – get in touch and let's talk about your project.