Complete restorations are expensive projects. They rarely make sense commercially in the short term, especially in the current market where classic car prices are stagnating at best. Restoration can only be financially worthwhile for super-expensive classics. Hannes Gautschi from Emil Frey Classics also knows this.
"This Dodge Kingsway is a project close to the heart of the family who commissioned us to do it," explains Gautschi in conversation.
In fact, the Dodge, which was built in 1958 and first registered in India in 1959, was never sold by its first owner. The car belonged to the grandfather and was obviously used extensively. Many modifications and the signs of age show that the almost 70 years have taken their toll.
Now, however, the car is to be restored to its former glory. This means that outdated modifications need to be reversed and, above all, rust and signs of ageing need to be removed.
Lots of experience available
This is where the Emil Frey Classics team comes into play. Thomas Wälchli is responsible for the Dodge's mechanics and drivetrain as well as the overall project, while Jens Kehnscherper focuses on bodywork and add-on parts.
Meanwhile, Manfred Horner struggles with the electrics.
The most straightforward challenges are posed by the mechanics. The in-line six-cylinder engine and transmission were standard parts that were also used in other Chrysler Group vehicles, particularly in the similar Plymouth Savoy. The body was also used in a similar form on many products of the time, but the chrome parts, trim strips, lettering and other features were in some cases specific to the Dodge Kingsway, which was actually only available for export. And because the cars were assembled locally in various markets, including India with Premier Automobiles Limited, there are minor and major differences between the various national versions.
Specialties and features
The Indian Dodge Kingsway to be restored, for example, has the steering wheel on the right and whether interior materials and the like matched the US versions can only be identified through extensive research. "In any case, good research is crucial for the quality of the restoration," explains Gautschi. "Many hours are needed to obtain the most extensive possible image material, spare parts catalogs, schematics and manuals."
Not everything that is available on the market for other models is also available for the Dodge. Trim parts and elements of the interior are particularly delicate. As much as possible is therefore refurbished. In extreme cases, 3D printing helps and some things also have to be recast.
There is as yet no solution for the additional instruments that have been badly affected by the ravages of time. In extreme cases, this will also have to be rebuilt. Horner hopes to be able to procure the wiring harness, but it is not yet clear whether this will also be usable for a right-hand drive version.
A lot of "tinkering" has been done to the electrics over the years, and a number of fuses that were not originally installed were apparently intended to protect the increasingly brittle electrics. This is all to be restored to its original condition.
In addition to spare parts and research, a third factor is crucial to the success of the restoration project, namely the passion of the craftsmen. But you can see it immediately in the team of three - they enjoy working on this Dodge.
All-round service
Of course, a restoration project like this cannot be completed in just a few months, even if a large part of the work can be done in-house at Emil Frey Classics.
"A project like this is not feasible in less than one to two years," explains Gautschi and his team nods. The client family will therefore have to wait some time for the first drive.
At least things are moving a little faster with a second vehicle to complete the collection. Because the grandfather's 1950s Cadillac was no longer available, a suitable replacement was found in Germany, which could be purchased in good condition and now only needs to be color-matched. Emil Frey Classics also takes on projects like this - after all, they like to look after their customers completely.
Contact information
Emil Frey Classics AG
Bahnhofplatz 2
CH-5745 Safenwil
Phone: +41 62 788 79 20
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.emilfreyclassics.ch
