Thornley Kelham Ltd

Thornley Kelham Ltd A complete in-house classic car service encompassing full restorations, metalwork, body and paintwork. Various servicing options available. See our website. ft.

Vintage and Classic Car Restoration / Servicing / Motor Race and Rally Support / Sales. RESTORATION: A complete in-house restoration service encompassing metalwork, body and paintwork, engineering and re-engineering, rewiring, and re-trimming. SERVICING: From winter checks to full servicing of all marques of classic and vintage cars. MOTOR RACE & RALLY SUPPORT: Pre-event preparation and post-event

checks of vehicles and full support at race and rally events all over the world. SALES: All makes of vintage and classic cars bought and sold. We also provide a 'finder' service for those looking for something special. We have a fully fitted 32,000sq. workshop located in the beautiful Cotswolds only one hour from London, with areas designed to house each process. Please contact us with your vintage and classic car needs.

We are delighted to announce our return to Salon Privé next week, held in the magnificent setting of Blenheim Palace. Kn...
20/08/2025

We are delighted to announce our return to Salon Privé next week, held in the magnificent setting of Blenheim Palace. Known as one of the UK’s most prestigious automotive events, Salon Privé is a celebration of design, craftsmanship, and heritage - values that lie at the heart of everything we do.

This year, we will be presenting two examples from our European Collection: the Jaguar XK European GT Coupé and, making its public debut, the Jaguar XK European GT Roadster.

We’re thrilled to be part of it, and we encourage anyone who wants to experience the ultimate expression of a Jaguar, reimagined for the modern era, to come find us - it’s something you truly need to experience in person.

See you there!

This rare late-1955 Porsche Pre-A Speedster beautifully bridges eras. Built after the first 356A production cars began, ...
21/07/2025

This rare late-1955 Porsche Pre-A Speedster beautifully bridges eras. Built after the first 356A production cars began, it blends Pre-A purity with early A-series upgrades: two-dial dash, beehive tail lights, and subtle crossover details like dash-top air vents.

Found in New York and restored by Thornley Kelham in 2018, it was reborn with a singular goal: retain its early character, enhance its driveability. A Super 90 engine built by Prill Porsche, 12V electrics, uprated gearbox and ZF steering box, plus Technomagnesio wheels - all designed for confident, modern road use.

Its black exterior (originally white) is contrasted with rich chestnut Connolly leather inside, hand-finished by O'Rourke Coachtrimmers. Underneath, over 500 hours of preparation ensure the kind of longevity and detail that only comes with craftsmanship born of passion.

An early Speedster, reimagined not just to be admired - but to be driven.

The Art of Authenticity.Inside this Lamborghini Miura, every detail tells a story. Unlike many restorations that favour ...
15/06/2025

The Art of Authenticity.

Inside this Lamborghini Miura, every detail tells a story. Unlike many restorations that favour leather, this owner was committed to honouring the car’s original specification - opting instead for period-correct vinyl, just as it left the factory. From the distinctive switchgear to the precise stitching of the seats, every element has been meticulously restored to reflect the Miura’s heritage.

With thanks to the team O'Rourke Coachtrimmers and of course stunning images from Ashley Border.

Timelessness, redefined.The Jaguar XK European GT Coupé is our tribute to the iconic XK120, the marque’s first sports ca...
10/06/2025

Timelessness, redefined.

The Jaguar XK European GT Coupé is our tribute to the iconic XK120, the marque’s first sports car and a paragon of automotive beauty.

Meticulously handcrafted in strictly limited numbers, this reimagined Grand Tourer blends classic Jaguar elegance with modern engineering, reliability and performance. From its muscular silhouette to its luxuriously appointed interior, every detail reflects our singular pursuit of excellence.

Resurrected from a rusted ruin to an immaculate icon, get in touch to discuss our Jaguar XK European GT Coupé.

Jaguar XK European GT Coupé Brochure:https://www.thornleykelham.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Jaguar-XK-European_Brochure.pdf

French flair. Italian power. Restored with precision.Having restored the car shown several years ago, we are now mid-way...
07/06/2025

French flair. Italian power. Restored with precision.

Having restored the car shown several years ago, we are now mid-way through our second restoration of one of these magnificent cars. The engine bay is complete and detailed, all metalwork also carried out, and the car has just emerged - now gleaming - from our paint-shop, ready for reassembly.

We have two other SM projects available for sale; the metalwork has already been completed on one of them and it is waiting to be restored to your specification, incorporating as many (or as few) subtle upgrades as you require. Stunning photos by .border

Enquire today: [email protected]

Out of the workshop. Onto the road.We don’t just restore for the eye. We build machines that feel right, drive hard, and...
04/06/2025

Out of the workshop. Onto the road.

We don’t just restore for the eye. We build machines that feel right, drive hard, and sound alive.

This Lancia Stratos Group IV had a comprehensive restoration with some upgrades and was then driven - in anger - doing exactly what it was built for. The Stratos was the first car purpose-built specifically for rallying, weighing just 950kg and powered by a 2.4L Dino V6.

Have something special you want to drive again? Let’s talk - [email protected]

Photos by Ashley Border.

This Ferrari 250 GTE - chassis 3429 GT - once roared through a different era. Built as the 120th example of the Series I...
01/06/2025

This Ferrari 250 GTE - chassis 3429 GT - once roared through a different era. Built as the 120th example of the Series II, it was Ferrari’s answer to bring practicality and performance together.

We used all of our concours restoration knowledge and research to ensure that chassis 3429 was as per factory specification (other than colours): rebuilding the numbers-matching magnificent Colombo V12; repairing the elegant Pininfarina-designed coachwork; trimming the sumptuous interior (this was Ferrari’s first production 2+2 GT) in Connolly Vaumol leather; and restoring every component to higher than original standards - paintwork included.

Given that Enzo himself used these cars - and debuted the 250 GTE as the course car at the Le Mans 24 Hours - the finest attention to detail was necessary to do justice to one of Ferrari’s greatest Gran Turismo models.

Do you have a restoration project in mind? Feel free to get in touch and start your journey with us - [email protected]

Photos by: Ashley Border

30/05/2025

A rare silver-grey Lamborghini Miura, lost to time, now restored to its former glory.

Over four years, our team meticulously brought this masterpiece back to life - tracking down its original engine, refining every detail, and ensuring it remains true to its heritage.

A Lynx Jaguar XKSS with Hollywood Provenance - Restored with Purpose.Originally built 25 years ago by Lynx for renowned ...
26/05/2025

A Lynx Jaguar XKSS with Hollywood Provenance - Restored with Purpose.

Originally built 25 years ago by Lynx for renowned collector Dick Skipworth, this exceptional Lynx Jaguar XKSS, finished in British Racing Green with mid-green leather, was always destined to be special. Its story took a transatlantic turn when it later found a home with actor Nicholas Cage in Los Angeles, later passing into the hands of another high-profile enthusiast, Chris Evans.

After years abroad and little recent use, the car arrived at Thornley Kelham with a clear brief: to honour its history while preparing it for the road again. Mechanically re-commissioned by the original Lynx builders, CKL Developments, we were entrusted with extensive cosmetic restoration, including a full bare-metal repaint, and ensuring the vehicle’s road-worthiness.

Following a full bare-metal repaint and detailing work with a light but respectful touch, the result is a stunning, period-correct 3.8-litre XKSS, true to its D-Type roots, ready to be driven and admired once more.

Now offered for sale by Dylan Miles Ltd

📸: Ashley Border

We are delighted delighted to announce our participation in the 2025 London Concours, one of the UK’s most exclusive mot...
23/05/2025

We are delighted delighted to announce our participation in the 2025 London Concours, one of the UK’s most exclusive motoring events, set in the refined surroundings of the Honourable Artillery Company in the heart of the City of London.

From June 3rd to 5th, we will be joining an exceptional selection of leading restorers and automotive artisans in the inaugural Restoration Showcase - a new highlight of the London Concours calendar and a fitting stage for Thornley Kelham’s unwavering pursuit of restoration excellence.

We will be presenting two very different Porsches that together reflect the full breadth of our craft: an unrestored, timeworn 1967 Porsche 911S, shown exactly as it arrived to demonstrate the raw starting point of a faithful, concours-level restoration; and our fully reimagined Porsche 911 European RS: a bold, performance-focused reinterpretation, engineered for the modern enthusiast.

Get your tickets here: https://londonconcours.co.uk/

This Ferrari 250 GTE - chassis 3429 GT - once roared through a different era. Built as the 120th example of the Series I...
22/05/2025

This Ferrari 250 GTE - chassis 3429 GT - once roared through a different era. Built as the 120th example of the Series II, it was Ferrari’s answer to bring practicality and performance together.

We used all of our concours restoration knowledge and research to ensure that chassis 3429 was as per factory specification (other than colours): rebuilding the numbers-matching magnificent Colombo V12; repairing the elegant Pininfarina-designed coachwork; trimming the sumptuous interior (this was Ferrari’s first production 2+2 GT) in Connolly Vaumol leather; and restoring every component to higher than original standards - paintwork included.

Given that Enzo himself used these cars - and debuted the 250 GTE as the course car at the Le Mans 24 Hours - the finest attention to detail was necessary to do justice to one of Ferrari’s greatest Gran Turismo models.

Do you have a restoration project in mind? Feel free to get in touch and start your journey with us - https://www.thornleykelham.com/contact-us/

Address

Drake House, Lakeside Business Park
Stansted
GL75XL

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm

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