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.

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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A row of classic vintage cars displayed outdoors at a show

When Does a Car Become a Classic? UK Rules on Age, Tax & MOT

It’s a question I get all the time in the workshop: “Is my car actually a classic yet?” Usually it’s someone deciding whether to insure…

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Yellow Ford Escort RS Mk2 rally car in action at Weston Park — the rally pedigree that defined the RS line

Ford Escort RS Models: The Complete Guide From Mexico to Cosworth

Every Ford Escort RS variant from 1970 to 1996 explained by a classic Ford restoration specialist. Mexico, RS1600, RS1800, RS2000, RS Turbo, RS Cosworth —…

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Dark Ford Capri Mk3 parked under streetlights at night, atmospheric urban setting

Ford Capri Values 2026: What You’ll Actually Pay (And What You’ll Get)

Honest Ford Capri values for 2026 from a classic Ford restoration specialist. Project, usable and concours prices for every model, plus what drives a Capri's…

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Car body panel being spray-painted in an automotive workshop

How Much Does a Car Respray Cost in the UK? (2026 Guide)

“How much is it going to cost to respray my car?” It’s the first question almost everyone asks when they call the workshop, and it’s…

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1973 Ford Capri Mk I RS3100 in red, the rare UK homologation special with ducktail rear spoiler

Ford Capri Special Editions: The Complete Guide to Every Limited Run

Every Ford Capri special edition explained by a classic Ford restoration specialist. Brooklands, Tickford, Laser, JPS, Injection Special, RS3100 and more.

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8 Places a Ford Capri Always Rusts (And How to Check Them)

A Ford Capri specialist shows you the eight spots where rust always hides. Photos from real restorations. Use this checklist before you buy.

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Ford Capri Mk1 vs Mk3 — Restoration Differences from a Bodyshop Perspective

How the Mk1 and Mk3 Capri compare when it comes to rust, panel availability, and restoration costs. A practical breakdown from a bodywork specialist.

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Ford Capri Brooklands & 280 — What Makes Them Special and What to Watch For

What sets the Brooklands apart from a standard Capri, where they rust, what a restoration costs, and what to check before buying one.

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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.