1930 Avon: In Progress
1930 Avon Standard Special
Restoring a vintage car is a labor of love. It requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to learn. When I found my 1930 Avon Standard Special car, I knew that restoring it would be a challenging and rewarding experience.
The Avon is a rare coach-built car, designed by the Jensen brothers when they worked for Avon Coachbuilders in the UK. Only six of these cars are left in existence, making it a rare and valuable find. The car is built on a Standard Motor Company chassis, and the body is hand-built by Avon Coachbuilders.
The restoration process was a long one, but it was worth it. I started by fixing the suspension, wheels, and steering issues. I knew that the car needed a lot of work, but I was determined to bring it back to its former glory and at the same time keeping its original patina.
I then moved on to the interior, which was in dire need of attention. I constructed new wood floors and side panels, created patterns for the seats and upholstery, designed new foam cushening for the seats and then stitch and installed the new interior. I also restored the dash panel and wiring, making sure that everything was in working order. I spent countless hours sanding, staining, and refinishing the dash, rebuilding and painting the gauges, and the end the result was well worth the effort.
After months of hard work, the car was finally ready to be driven. I took it out for its first spin, and it felt like a dream come true. The car handled beautifully, and I could feel the pride of the Jensen brothers in every inch of the vehicle.
Restoring a vintage car like the Avon is not just about fixing the mechanical issues. It's about preserving a piece of history and paying tribute to the craftsmanship of a bygone era. I feel a sense of pride knowing that I was able to bring this rare and beautiful car back to life.
In the end, restoring the Avon was a deeply rewarding experience. It taught me patience, perseverance, and the value of hard work. Most of all, it reminded me of the joy that comes from taking an old car and giving it a new lease on life.
Click on the image above and you will launch a video : credit goes out to my buddy Kevin Doan for creative.