Our Story
Where can you find rare, obsolete parts for your restoration project? Who’s still making them to original specifications? Who’s the best upholsterer to repair that tear on your original seat? Why is it so hard to find original Nu-Link floor mats?
I understand the struggle because I’ve lived it. My late husband Paul was a third-generation Land Rover enthusiast whose knowledge was encyclopaedic. His grandfather sold new Series One parts in the 1950s when they rolled off the production line. Paul was taking apart engines at age 10, and by the time he left school in the 1980s, he was already restoring Land Rovers. Enthusiasts—not just from the Land Rover community—frequently called us seeking rare parts. Even now, people ask me where he managed to find them.
When original parts became scarce and most people were settling for repair sections, Paul went into aerospace manufacturing specifically to learn precision engineering. He spent years on Rolls Royce engines for military aircraft, then came back and reverse-engineered obsolete parts to exact original specifications, never accepting “close enough.”
I learned what real craftsmanship looks like not from Google, but from watching Paul combine generational knowledge with aerospace-grade precision. And truth be told, craftsmanship runs in my own family too—I grew up surrounded by F1 and karting enthusiasts, with a father who was a talented craftsman in wood. My appreciation for quality and originality was nurtured from childhood.
That’s why Classic Is Key exists. I know where Paul sourced those elusive parts and which manufacturers make the best replicas today. But this goes beyond parts—it’s a carefully built directory of specialists passionate about originality, driving tours that suit classic cars, rallies and retreats worth planning your year around, boutique hotels that understand our needs, and the lifestyle gear that belongs in this world.
What you’ll find here: Specialists who live up to Paul’s standards. Driving tours from Scottish highlands to hidden European rallies. Gear worth the investment. Experiences that deliver. All vetted with hard-won knowledge about quality and authenticity.
Ready to explore?
Experience providers & specialists: [email protected]
Debbie, Founder
Disclosure:
Please note that some links on this website are affiliate links. When you purchase or book through our links, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This helps us continue uncovering and sharing insider opportunities.
