Anthony Hansford established H Engineering back in 1985 while he was still a professional speedway racer. He’d always wanted to race, and realised that dream when his uncle kindly lent him the money for his first bike.
But bikes weren’t Anthony’s only passion: he also harboured an interest in classic and vintage cars, which began when Anthony attended a Formula One race meeting at Brands Hatch back in the 1980s.
His passion soon became a reality when he started restoring vehicles himself. His first was a 1934 Austin 7 Ruby which he restored aged 22. From then on Anthony became very involved in bringing many vintage cars back to life and so H Engineering was born 35 years ago.
The business, which is based in Horsmonden, has since greatly expanded, and now includes a purpose-built facility which enables H Engineering to work on an array of vehicles.
“We have exceptional in-house capabilities to produce replacement parts and components that have been rendered obsolete,” explains Anthony, who has carried out work for a host of motor racing legends including the late James Hunt.
“There is a very large vintage car market in Tunbridge Wells, and indeed all over the world, and we attract customers from everywhere. Classic cars hold so many memories for their owners, and consume so much character. For most people, just looking at a classic car makes them smile.”
He goes on to say that the classic car market is currently experiencing ‘high activity’, making buying one a great investment, which is always increasing over time. “Not only will you get to experience the joy of classic car ownership but you could make money while you do it. Owning a classic could prove to be a sound investment with the value actually increasing as it ages.
And why should car lovers invest in a vintage model as opposed to buying a brand new one? “Modern cars typically lose thousands as soon as you drive them off the forecourt. And a classic car is also an excellent way of turning heads – it’s a great conversation starter, especially with other people who share a fondness for classic motorcars.”
But Anthony warns that if you are looking to make a big period car purchase then it’s always best to take a specialist with you: “It will save you money in the long run. They will know exactly what to look out for, which will help you to understand whether it will be a good investment or not.”
During his time running H Engineering Anthony has, on the odd occasion, been able to still keep his love of racing in gear. “I had the privilege to race a few historic vehicles, from a 1934 Ex Brooklands Singer Le Mans Streamliner to Jos Verstappen’s A21 Arrows.”
From 2000 to 2010 he restored and raced ex-Formula One cars, which had always been a dream for him. “This led to racing, preparing and running clients’ classic race cars and meant that we were able to attend many famous tracks in the UK and Europe, including the Goodwood Hill Climb which is a very popular event in the UK.
“One of our clients was lucky enough to race at the hill climb in his BMW E21, which H Engineering restored and looked after at the track. It also led to me racing a client’s car, a 1959 Rochdale GT, at the famous Goodwood Revival and Members Meeting. Those are wonderful events which totally transform you back in time!”
Put the pedal to the vintage metal
“We are here to undertake every aspect of your classic car restoration project – inside and out – specialising in the turn of the [20th] century cars right up to models from the early ’90s.
“We have a highly skilled team who are able to meet the challenges which arise while restoring vintage vehicles.
“As well as classics, H Engineering are able to service, MOT and maintain modern cars, since a lot of our clients have newer cars too.”
H Engineering invite customers to visit their premises in Horsmonden, where restoration projects are continually in progress, as they believe the best way to build an understanding of the work that they do is to see it for yourself.
“We always make time available to show our customers how we will eventually perform work on their own vehicles.”
If you would like to find out more about H Engineering’s classic car restoration services, call 01892 549042 to discuss your requirements in detail.
