Origin
Founded by craftsmen who refused to compromise.
In 1987, James Douglas opened a single-bay workshop in Connecticut with a singular mission: to restore automobiles not just to function, but to historical truth. What began as a passion for British sports cars evolved into a practice defined by archival research, period-correct materials, and obsessive attention to provenance.
Today, Douglas Restorations operates a 15,000 square-foot facility, but the ethos remains unchanged. Every restoration begins with documentation. Every part is sourced or fabricated to original specifications. Every finish is tested against historical records.
We do not restore cars. We preserve stories written in metal, leather, and paint.
The Facility
Departments
Six disciplines. One standard.
Metalwork
Hand-forming panels using traditional English wheel and planishing techniques. All metal shaping in-house.
Paint
Period-correct finishes using original formulations, applied in climate-controlled booths with archival color matching.
Upholstery
Leather, wool, and fabric sourced from original mills. Every stitch pattern verified against factory documentation.
Mechanical
Engine and drivetrain work executed to factory tolerances. Dynamometer testing for period-accurate performance.
Concours Prep
Final detailing and preparation for judged events. Documentation packages compiled for provenance verification.
Research
Archival investigation and parts authentication. Access to original factory records and marque registries.
The Team
Craftsmen, not technicians.
Our workshop employs fifteen artisans with an average tenure of twelve years. Many trained in traditional coachbuilding apprenticeships. All share a reverence for the machines we restore and the history they represent.
Visit the workshop.
We welcome collectors, enthusiasts, and clients to tour our facility by appointment. See firsthand the methods and materials that define our approach to restoration.
Schedule a Visit