WHat to look for

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Most interiors are very simple, so you’d have no trouble spotting areas in need of attention. Still, while a bit of patina is lovely, bear in mind that the craftsmanship and quality materials needed for a fuller restoration could easily top £6000.

test the transMission

On something like a De DionBouton, the three-speed transmission features fibre clutches that run in oil. It needs little maintenance but finding a replacement isn’t easy, and a rebuild could cost you more than £10,000.

chassis checks

Most cars will have an incredibly robust steel chassis, often tubular. Corrosion can be an issue, but chances are it will only affect sections rather than the whole thing, so repairs should be possible. It should last well, as long as it’s kept well-oiled, but scrutinise it thoroughly and check for any cracks around key components or signs of bodged repairs. Some welding may have been done in the past, so check how well it was done.

bodYWork skills

Bodywork is often wooden, so remaking sections is feasible if you have decent carpentry skills. Metal sections such as the wings and bonnet will need crafting from scratch, a skilled and labour-intensive job. Expect to pay a specialist around £9000 for something like a De Dion-Bouton body, plus around £4000 for new wings and bonnet. Careful inspection is important – ensure that previous work has been done well.

hoW are the Wheels?

A transmission brake is a common fitment, but many owners prefer the hand-operated drum brake that can act just on the rear axle. Here, there are no dampers, just leaf springs front and rear; once properly lubricated they require little ongoing attention. The same applies to the steering box – with its bronze gears and white metal bearings, it’s very robust. Wooden wheels can shrink; expect to pay a wheelwright £750 a corner if they need refurbishing.