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Stanley's Vintage Vehicle Restoration Journey

Discover the charm of Stanley, a 1964 vintage VW van meticulously restored to its original glory. Our vintage vehicle restoration process brings history back to life while preserving authenticity. Stanley is not just a vehicle; he's a symbol of timeless craftsmanship and dedication. Perfect for weddings, events, or simply showcasing the beauty of restoration, Stanley stands out as a masterpiece of vintage vehicle restoration. Experience the joy and nostalgia he brings to every occasion.

Stanley was born in Germany, 1964. This was the same year that the BBC launched BBC2, the Beatles had all top 5 hits in the US Top 40 and Sony introduced the first ever VCR. A lot has changed since Stanley has been in the world and we only know his story from 2010 onwards. We often wonder what happened in those 46 unknown years and plan to unearth Stanley’s secrets in time.

 

Replacement side panel
Glass backdoor
Original dashboard
Not most comfortable chairs
Dashboard in great condition
The 1st Visit
A lot of work ahead

Stanley's remarkable journey starts in Los Angeles, USA. After spending years neglected in a storage yard with a seized gearbox and axle, he is ready to reclaim his glory. His original paint and body remained intact, showcasing minimal rust thanks to the dry conditions. Notably, he had undergone a transformation from a panel van to a camper, which we were set to correct.

I was beyond excited when I realized the incredible journey ahead of us! It was a perfect match when I discovered Ron at VW Endangered Species while searching for VW restorers. His amazing work truly spoke for itself, and with Ron’s passion and attention to detail, our mission became crystal clear: to restore Stanley to show-level perfection while honoring the original specifications and design from 1964!

After 18 months of dedicated effort, including a brand-new gearbox and a stylish fire door at the rear, a fully restored engine, and custom-made seat lining with stunning detailing inside the cab, we finally reached the exciting moment! The paint was meticulously stripped and transformed with a world-class respray by Dave and his talented team at M&D Paint Shop. And now, Stanley is all set and raring to go for our very first drive!

The anticipation on the way to pick him up was off the charts, like the exhilarating joy a child feels on morning! Words can't capture the thrill I felt during my first drive, but the huge grin on my face said it all. After all the hard work, he was finally ready and every bit the dream we had envisioned!

He looked absolutely incredible in dove blue! Next, we were to personalize him into a striking advertisement for Dublicious. Our logo was hand-painted to reflect the craftsmanship of 1964, and the results were so impressive that people often think it’s printed until we reveal the truth. What an amazing job!

After 60 years, Stanley is back on the road nearly every day, doing what he was made for.  The joy on people's faces when they see him is absolutely priceless.

Not starting just yet
Engine on way
Replacement panel fitted
Replacement doors and windows uncut
Replacement fire door
Stripped back
Solid interior
Fresh from paint shop
Rear bumper & lights fitted
Replacement tank and gearbox
New lining to be fitted
Mirrors on way
Back to black & grey
Paint shop completed
All doors tested
Ready for the road
Replacement clean engine
Proud owner
Ready for loading
Attention to detail
The happy couple
Iconic front
Ron @ Endangered Species
Final check over
Stunning Stanley
Stanley's side view
New logo and signwritting
Showing off handy work
Contact Details
Chris & Stanley
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