A TEAM of ‘driven’ specialists from Bolton have won a prestigious national award for restoring a classic car.

The team, from Porsche Centre Bolton, landed the Mechanical Restoration Award at the Porsche Restoration Competition 2016.

Porsche Centres nationwide participated in the ‘40 Years at the Front’ competition celebrating the anniversary of the first front-engine Porsche – the 924 – and featuring a range of front engine Porsche models, with judging taking place at the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone.

To enterthe competition, participants took on a project to restore a Classic Transaxle Porsche back to its former glory, showcasing the ability of the Body Repairers.

Entrants had to retain the original specification where possible, using initiative and resourcefulness to ensure the most cost-effective restoration possible.

In addition, teams were required to maintain the highest standards possible and protect the integrity of the car, as well as making the whole project commercially viable. Taking on the challenge, Porsche Centre Bolton chose a 1981 Porsche 924 Carrera GT, with a purchase price of £12,000.

Initially in a dreadful state of repair when discovered, with the interior of the vehicle having been partially removed by the previous owner, the true extent of the work required was only discovered when the vehicle was stripped. The complexity, difficulties and extensive nature of the restoration was, however, one of the big attractions for the team in taking on the vehicle.

With the help of Little Hulton firm Road and Race Restorations on the bodywork, work on the vehicle included extensive body stripping, before being seam sealed and prepped ready for priming and painting.

Parts were bead blasted, powder coated and rebuilt with new bearings and bushes by Perfect Powder Coat of Bolton, before the remaining components of the rear suspension were fitted and the gearbox mounted to the subframe. Heat shields, sound deadening, heat resistant proofing, brake master cylinder and brake servo were fitted, then the engine rebuilt before being fully installed. Finally, the wheels were fitted and the vehicle was prepped ready for its competition showcase at Silverstone.

Lee Wibberley, project manager for the competition entry at Porsche Centre Bolton, said: “This was a fantastic project to work on and really put our team’s skills to the test, but the final result is an excellent testimonial to our team’s passion for classic Porsche restoration.“We thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and to win the Mechanical Restoration Award is a great accomplishment. It is a great to see our hard work and commitment be recognised." across the Porsche network and I would like to say a huge well done to all team members involved.”