Inside RO Performance.
Performance offers a start to finish restoration service that takes place all under one roof. We paid a visit to find out how it all began.
It often takes a simple realisation to notice there’s room in a market to create a new business and for Rob Ottewill, owner of RO Performance that came about after he completed the restoration of his beloved classic Ford.
“I restored my own Mk1 Escort Mexico and I was surprised by how well received it was,” recalls Rob. “But during the restoration, I couldn’t find anyone out there who offered everything under one roof.
I found people who did welding and then obviously there are plenty of bodyshops that do paint, but no-one that did it all at once. So because of the reception my car received at shows, I decided to leave my job in the motor trade and set up on my own offering the complete package.”
That was nearly seven years ago and Rob hasn’t looked back since. The company has been at its current premises since May 2020, which is made up of 4500 sq.ft of workshop space, including a waiting area, show area, fabrication area, mechanical area, build up zone and paint booth, all of which are essential to allow RO Performance to offer what they do. With three more members of staff added to the team, together they’re able to offer a comprehensive service that completes entire restorations and rebuilds from start to finish. “We have the expertise and ability to carry out all aspects of restoration work here,” says Rob,
“and we offer all levels of work, from light overall restorations to full body repaints.”
Starter for ten
The full restoration process begins with the strip down, which sees the car taken back to a bare shell before it is sent off for all rust to be removed. When it returns in etch primer the team can see what they have to work with and the vehicle is then put onto a rolling spit to allow full access to the underside. When the bodywork is complete, a respray is carried out and the running gear is shot blasted and powdercoated. All new fixtures and fittings are fitted to the shell, as well as new brake and fuel lines, which are made to original specification. Meanwhile, the engine is rebuilt with all new gaskets before the interior is assessed and replaced where required. Once fully built up, the team then ensure the vehicle is fully roadworthy, complete with an MoT, so your freshly restored pride and joy is ready to drive away.
The bespoke service has proven popular and Rob tells us demand has
“WE HAVE THE EXPERTISE AND ABILITY TO CARRY OUT ALL ASPECTS OF RESTORATION WORK”
“WE USUALLY HAVE FOUR FULL REBUILDS ON THE GO AT ONCE”
grown increase over the years and it’s just Fords the team works on, although they are a firm favourite, along with race-prepared cars.
“Our most popular work is restorations and we cover all makes, models and years,” he confirms. “Usually we have up to three or four on the go at once and we aim to complete eight to 10 a year. I love doing track days and I’ve done a bit of racing in the past, so I really like to build things that are race-rally orientated, but that doesn’t take away that we build a lot of standard cars.” With plenty of projects to keep them busy, we hope to see more from RO Performance in the future.