Ferrari Testarossa refresh part 1. Repairing the bodywork bodges to make it factory fresh again

My Ferrari Testarossa suffered some minor bodywork damage back in the nineties but the repair done at the time wasn't great so I've taken it to Prestige Refinishing to strip it back and make it perfect again.
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[@leosheepman]

I know you said the resto/workshop videos don't get the views that the modern car reviews get but they are my favourites on your channel for sure. These cars are in good hands and it's great to see and learn from.

[@garypoulton7311]

My favourites too, not interested in the modern super car stuff at all.

[@JohnyMcNeal]

Im certain restoration vids are viewed by most constant and faithful followers. On top of it all supercars are only for the rich of the richest ones.

[@ralphmillais5237]

Me too, in fact I was disappointed to hear that the least popular vids were the ones I liked the most! I don't watch the EV reviews anymore.

[@Matt-go7ss]

Definitely. I couldn't care less about the latest hypercar

[@Kalimerakis]

unfortunately the audio is usually not that great in the workshops, that might also play a role I always have to watch with headphones

[@siraff4461]

I love watching these two. Their whole demeanor is "we'll just do this and that and a bit of that" - they make it sound so easy while it is infact complete artwork.

[@hugolafhugolaf]

No kidding, at first glance, you’d be forgiven for being reluctant to let them work on a Ford Fiesta, yet...

[@HQBProductions]

It is rather like watching an old friend who was a Rolls Royce trained motor mechanic who had done and/or made everything. I saw him given two gearboxes, one high mileage with worn synchromesh and the other with some missing teeth. He stripped the two down to a million bits and threw the lot into a big tank of diesel which was ink black and his “cleaning bath”. Then, he delved beneath the surface and pulled out parts looking and checking each one as scrap, repairable, useable to end up a pile of “good bits”, then rebuilt the entire box, no manuals, no internet videos, just knowledge and created one good gearbox which the owner later reported was just like brand new. Bill had that same laid back style, he made perfection look easy. These men do that same thing.🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@GaIvatr0n]

British Artisans.. with the everyday man humility

[@Bulletguy07]

@@hugolafhugolaf Never judge a book by its cover as the old saying goes......and its usually right! Bodywork certainly is a skilled craft. A good 90% is down to preparation.

[@speedbird737]

I'm weary of we're just do this and that - it means the bill is going up with the jobs pilling up

[@peterwalton1502]

These fellas are real craftsmen. I hope they have an apprentice to pass their knowledge to 👏👏

[@YK-fj5bj]

I was about to say the same thing!

[@team3383]

WOT. How to wear a wooly hat and dungarees drinking tea from mugs and stabbing cars with their fingers in a shed ... LOL.

[@GM-fh5jp]

Yep, scary to think how much institutional knowledge and experience will disappear when guys of this era retire :/ Working with aluminium and knowing its strengths and weaknesses takes decades to acquire.

[@djphineart]

@@GM-fh5jp We have apprentices but they are not having to learn this sort of stuff because modern vehicles are much higher quality and better tooled, built and repaired with much more accuracy and technology. When the Testarossa was a current car its technology was already about a decade behind the rest of the industry. Ferrari budgets being what they are (amortised over such low volumes) means they have always had very rudimentarily engineered production methods. Yes - I am of the age when I made my own tools in my apprenticeship but few do that now because high quality tools are within the reach most pockets and so the time is now spent learning new skills that they need for modern products. Yes progress renders some skills superfluous but equally requires new ones as well. The people with these skills will be trained in the numbers that are actually needed by companies. As the number of cars dwindle then so will some skills. Just like traction engines, steam trains etc. a few prize examples will survive but as enthusiasts get old many 'classics' fade away. Skills will change to suit.

[@kymcha]

@@YK-fj5bj Yes, my thoughts too. Years and years and years of experience.

[@bmanduprit2962]

Harry. Mate. It’s not about views. It’s about us geeks and people with 15% blood in our petrol systems that love these restoration videos. Please don’t stop doing them. ❤

[@Motivatorteo]

Well said!!

[@judih.8754]

Agreed! I love these videos.

[@jesper1406]

15% blood in your petrolsystem?! Isn't that a little high?! 😉

[@muddyboots1881]

@@jesper1406 that's where the knock is coming from - running a bit lean

[@jamesm3060]

Always love watching these guys in action. Such experience and skill.

[@Andy_Holbrook332]

It is true joy to watch and listen to them. Their level of knowledge, skill and desire for perfection is amazing

[@dbx3197]

Watching this video has made my evening. I thought from the Fulvia videos that Adrian was a skilful guy but watching this and hearing him speak in such a matter of fact way makes me realise he’s a metal manipulating genius. There really are some truly skilled craftsmen in this country. Fantastic.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Sadly a dying trade now, with no one following on. 😢

[@billytzoumis688]

Always excellent content! Even my kids know Harry’s Garage! Thank you sir, cheers

[@blowduke]

No flashy garages just two guys with talent .Its so good that we still have craftsman around

[@MrManBuzz]

It's very satisfying watching guys who really do know their stuff and do jobs properly. It's a shame guys like this are such a rarity.

[@ZylonFPV]

Harry! I remember you said you would weigh your Zagato after all the work it had done to see if it would weigh less after all the filler was removed. Reminder to do that - really interested to see the weight difference!

[@stokovsky8483]

Not sure if that is possible. The car had a complete restoration, meaning there may be a few different components (or additional ones) also adding to weight savings / gains. I think the trunk lid is now made out of aluminium as opposed to steel (don’t quote me on that)

[@autobahnroadtrips4662]

What a positive surprise on a boring thursday evening in the office - thank you Harry 👍👍👍

[@dudley7540]

Harry treats us better than Santa Claus.

[@geoffreycarter3981]

Props to the previous owner for not letting the insurance company scrap it. Even if the repair was not perfect, can't blame him too much. Carry on!

[@harrysgarage]

He ended up spending £60,000 on it to make it right. Didn't like the first attempt, so had the (new) paint stripped off by another bodyshop and repainted. He tried to win the National Ferrari Concours with it once it was finished and came second two years running. Was a bit miffed and then sold the car to the owner before me. Other than the fit of the bonnet, it's a very nice example.

[@geoffreycarter3981]

@@harrysgarage That's incredible! I imagine that accident left a sour taste in his mouth the whole time, but he must have loved the car. Glad to see it sorted. These chaps at Prestige would be horrified to the bodywork on my Rover SD1 I have here in the states.

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

@@geoffreycarter3981 There's still bodywork left !?!

[@geoffreycarter3981]

@@malcolmhardwick4258 Yes! but a fair amount of it has converted to filler material over the years...

[@matgee8892]

@@geoffreycarter3981 It's worth mentioning that part of that £60,000 was taken from the budget for his wife's new kitchen. I think that really shows how determined he was to get it done right.

[@FalconXE302]

The Zagato came out of Prestige... probably 100 times better than it ever was, even when brand new... they did such an outstanding job.

[@tuoxie1235]

It's also quite calming for me as I have OCD. Every time I obsess over small flaws in my cars I watch these videos. Harry never babies his cars.

[@pictonroad]

Throughout history, great people with means have acted as patrons to artisans. It is only through such acts that we enjoy works of art that would otherwise never have existed. Harry joins this pantheon. (Hyperbole alert). In all seriousness, what a fabulous, warm and wonderful way to invest in a legacy. Chapeau.

[@K1ngKongsFinger]

I love the restoration projects 👍👍

[@christaylor4946]

Can’t get enough of these guys craft and professionalism. Love it

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

Nothing is more pleasing and rewarding than watch some of Britains finest craftsmen working their wonders. 🤗

[@hondamonkeyboy]

I could listen to Adrian and Sam all day long. They deserve an award to recognise their services to the industry. I bet that Harry wishes he had found them years ago.

[@ricatiman]

I love these restoration videos - as a person who worked in the motor trade most of my 70 years, this content appeals to me far more than a test of the latest V-6 Hybrid hypercar. Just before Covid shut the world down, the Ferrari dealer across the back alley from my office had his Ferrari collection outside while cars were rearranged inside his museum. I had close up looks at his F40, F50, 288GTO, and La Ferrari and MC-12 - and every one of them had better gaps in the bodywork overall than a Tesla Model Y parked nearby. Great work, please keep it coming.

[@Jasonj___8]

Cheers Harry these guys are the Yodas of paintwork 👍👍👍

[@emanuel_erol_germann]

All Harry's Garage videos are always welcomed. Particularly the repair ones, are second to none. This is a car Channel after all (!)

[@ewanstewart8011]

I could spend every day in the company of the three people in this video and be a happy man for the rest of my life and all the richer for it 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@jesper1406]

Why isn't TV like this? An enthusiastic owner and some people who really know what they're doing to explain things. I don't understand why these repair videos doesn't get the same views as the car reviews. They're my absolute favorite. This video could have been 3 times longer without any problems... Good ol' Harry!

[@juliangreaves5684]

Please keep showing these renovation vlogs, Harry (assuming you're happy to keep stumping up for the invoices of course!). These guys clearly know what they're about and its a pleasure to see these wonderful cars returning to how they ought to have been.

[@ZeGermanHam]

Love seeing another video showing the magic that happens at Prestige Refinishing!

[@michaelclements4664]

"these cars weren't built to exact tolerances..." Great to see such candor and pragmatism applied to a Ferrari.

[@RedC220]

What a timely video. I bought a 2014 FF last year that at some point has some minor damage at the front. Like Harry's Car things don't line up as they should, but more subtle. Most people can't see it, but it bugs me. So it's time for the front bumper to be painted to deal with all the rash on it and It turns out this bodyshop is about a half hour from where I live in Kent. I've just sent them an enquiry, they look like like just the kind of old school bodyshop I've been looking for.

[@harrysgarage]

They don't need to advertise for work for obvious reasons but their main work is Ferrari and Porsche. Your FF will be in good hands..

[@RedC220]

@@harrysgarage We'll I figured if you were taking the time to drive all the way there for your cars, then that's just the sort of place I need to be taking mine.

[@nathanielyoung3479]

Keep up the resto videos! The true car enthusiasts don’t just want to see garage furniture moving parking spaces and 0-60 videos! We love seeing things that pertain to car ownership and upkeep especially with this electric vehicle wave taking over. Your videos give the petro heads fuel !

[@Stratboy999]

Those guys really know their stuff, and they are so relaxed about it.

[@christopherjensen5007]

I could watch these videos all day. Highly skilled professionals at work. Watching it all come together is incredible.

[@martinrockport2485]

Awesome. More videos like this please, Harry... not wanting you to spend a fortune getting your old motors pristine but they are hugely enjoyable to watch...!

[@Zadster]

I learned from watching Wayne Carini shows on TV that the best way to close a bonnet is to drop it (from an appropriately modest height). Nice to see these chaps agree! Good to see under the skin of a Testarossa, and how all the panels and parts fit together (or why they don't).

[@ralphmillais5237]

I know you said in your year end review that this type of workshop vid doesn't get the views, but I really like them, and hope you continue with them.

[@kevindimauro9689]

Harry is lucky these guys were even willing to get into this. Correcting someone else’s errors is often more difficult than doing the job right the first time. Also seeing them in hats and coats while doing their magic is what makes it so authentic.

[@MrBiggordy]

I could not believe that these types of videos do not attract the same numbers of views as others - this is educational! And, to hear Sam talking quietly, but authoritatively, about the problems and possible solutions to the Testarossa's front end I find absolutely fascinating. I really fear his type of in-depth knowledge of cars, and their (mis)construction could be lost forever.

[@bicyclist2]

I love the look of a Testarossa. I'm so glad to see it getting the love and attention that it deserves. Great work. Thank you.

[@madrew2003]

Those guys sure know their business. It's great to watch true craftsmen at work.

[@joshswan06]

Please keep making these videos. These are the best ones of all.

[@steffydog]

Absolutely brilliant, love these guys, could watch them all day, such skill and knowledge. Thanks guys.

[@cepheus7850]

These gentlemen are so much fun to watch, they can tell so much just by running their hands over the car or touching their fingers into the shut lines. It's also very good of them to do their own little videos that Harry can drop in, and we get to see so much. Also, the donor/reference Testarossa looked absolutely wonderful. Thanks, Harry, can't wait to see more. 👍

[@ianashton1593]

These videos are what I personally love about the channel. A great mix of new and old cars, reviews, restoration work and maintenance. Best car channel on YT 👍

[@reinmansmith]

Always a pleasure to watch these master craftsmen at work Harry… their skills are rare and undervalued so often in this modern world, so keep the videos coming 👍

[@stantonlee2266]

One of my greatest fears is picking up a new used car and having someone with an eye for detail like this guy, tell me everything wrong with it. 😂

[@kasimirdenhertog3516]

That's why I always get an expert to check it. Had nearly done a deal on a beautiful Giulia Q, then for a last check it went to my garage where they hooked it on to a computer and checked the chassis. Didn't take them long to conclude the car had been in a very serious crash - the date stamps on the wishbones were all different 😮

[@Matt-go7ss]

@@kasimirdenhertog3516 or use car vertical?

[@kasimirdenhertog3516]

@@Matt-go7ss tried VIN checkers for around here (the Netherlands), nothing showed up. Obviously fixed in the shadows.

[@stephanmetph6098]

Before you buy, get such guy to have a look and walk away when it's not okay 😁

[@geek9642]

I can tell you it can be quite awkward telling people that there is an issue with a car... But also quite satisfying 😉

[@rcanter]

My worry is that the skills these craftsmen have developed over their lifetime might not be passed onto the next generation. I am sure a solution can be found through channels like this one.

[@SkaffenUK]

I could watch these guys talking about the finish of a car all night. Brilliant.

[@simonzero3815]

That takes confidence and knowledge to attack a Feza, in the knowledge you can make it look more pretty. Always a joy to listen to Ade.

[@IOWPCV]

Like the way Harry said at the beginning " I'm hoping it's not a full resto like the lancia" . Then later in this the guys are explaining the work to be done and Harry is now pointing out the extra wack on the wing that needs doing,the stone chips from the Sahara on the front bumper " high time that needs painting even though it sounded like they were going to originally leave it as was. Then the inside of the front will need painting due to the Sahara sand blowing through the hole left by the previous repair shop ! . I'm expecting a full respray by the end of this series lol 😆

[@thegibbonisreal]

They've got a new extension each to pay for........the Lancia only covered the first half.

[@ingvarhallstrom2306]

@@thegibbonisreal Yeah, that's funny, but I don't think the Lancia covered any extension. Considering all the work done and what they got paid there's no way they were paid enough. But then again, that's how you get repeat customers like Harry dropping off an occasional Ferrari....

[@andrewb325]

Haha, that's typically how these things end up going.

[@helplmchoking]

@@ingvarhallstrom2306 That's definitely how these places tend to work. You drop off one car, they do a spectacular job (though I'm not sure any of them were quite anticipating it being so rough before they began) which opens the door for repeat work. If I was looking at results like that Fulvia, they'd be my go to for really top notch work on special cars, which Harry has plenty of. Then the Ferrari is done, there could be more jobs in future, people ask where Harry got the bodywork done then they repeat the cycle with their own cars and it grows from there

[@jerehada]

I kept thinking lots of trouble usually serious starts as adjust a few panels and repaint has turned into a front end restoration. But also get the idea a body shop that does a great non filler job is far from the norm and these fellas know how to do it properly.

[@paulmcgee1867]

Love these gentlemen and their skills

[@rafaysiuk2589]

I love the craftsmanship. Stunning. Thanks for sharing Harry.

[@louishiggins8881]

The pleasure of this video is watching motor engineers who have years (decades) of practical experience who absolutely know what they are doing - they are stars 😁. You'd better make sure they never retire !!! Hope you've got them on a retainer 😂.

[@julian987r4]

These guys are incredible. They need their own channel

[@hongkongstuey]

I could watch videos like this for days on end, the skill those bodywork guys have is a skill that desperately needs passing on to new generations. Fantastic video of a gorgeous car!! 😍😍😍

[@fishbert17]

I find these restoration episodes far more interesting than the endless reviews of ridiculously expensive SUVs and sports car exotica that are beyond the reach of almost everyone. Really nice to see skilled craftsmen picking apart poorly repaired panels and explaining why things are out of alignment. Excellent stuff!

[@smideralessandro9124]

such a joy seeing this car being treated by people with such an expertise.

[@rogerjayraphael]

Love these two guys . Takes me back to the mid 70s. They'll be surely missed , when they retire .

[@paultaylor9652]

I imagine there's not a great deal of younger people going into this career nowadays, but it must be very satisfying to see a job done from start to finish. Great video Harry, love these video's as much as the new car reviews.

[@bernardh9994]

Always a pleasure to see craftsmen with such an honest approach to thier craft. No BS here.

[@ricoolivier]

Panelbeaters are such an underappreciated profession. These guys are at the top of their game!!!

[@anthonycollingridge970]

Its great to watch old school guys like these that take pride in their work and have a genuine passion for getting things absolutely right.

[@nickjanssens]

The first 30 seconds of the body shop expert’s narrative spoke volumes of his knowledge.

[@G928...]

Great to see real craftsmen at work. So much for the previous "concours" standard repair work carried out. Lots of places talk a good fix, not many can or will deliver it.

[@IngramCars]

Love these series. I'm in awe of these guys.

[@neilfairless4589]

So glad you took it to these guy's Harry, they know there stuff and hearing the work they have done is great viewing. See is gonna be a beauty when done.

[@anthonybrand6137]

I echo the sentiment of others here, in that I really enjoy your car restoration videos, especially the Jaguar V12 coupe and the recently completed Lancia Fulvia Zagato . It was a wonderful surprise to see this video notification & to see your old friends Ade & Sam at Prestige Refinishing. Once again, it was a real pleasure to see these experts cast their eyes over your Testarossa & identify the problems associated with repairs carried out by a previous owner. Ade & Sam quickly removed the bumper, headlight pods & supporting frames, in order to start restoring the bodywork back to perfection. Seems like there was excessive use of filler on this car as well! Mind you, fair play to the previous owner who had the earlier repairs carried out twice, at a huge cost! Looking forward to the next instalment!👍👍

[@rekord1969]

I love these guys everyday approach to the Ferrari. Skilled men.

[@leightaylor806]

The quality of work and how hard they work at that garage is commendable. What a craft! such passion in their work

[@icsbay7932]

Ahh... nice. Harry's done it again and produced a sequel of his italian job, with Michael Cane featuring as the talented Mr. Adrian.

[@Depinor]

Great video Harry. Personally I like the restoration series as it really hi-lights the skills for panel beating, engine rebuild and maybe a dying art. More please!👍

[@billheath7737]

Restoration videos are my Favourite - I really like seeing these craftsmen showing their skills. I just hope that the KZbin subscriptions cover the huge expense involved! Second favourite are the trip videos, I couldn't care less about boring 911s etc.

[@tardisaframe]

I also enjoy the restoration videos as much as the others. I think I like them because it shows great crafts people (artists) at work.

[@GaIvatr0n]

British Artisans.. with the everyday man humility...National treasures

[@geoffsaunders4960]

Absolutely brilliant. "This wasn't right; so I straightened that out." I love how he throws out a line like that - he "straightened it out! We could only dream of doing work 0.1% as good as that. Genuine craftsmen who appear to love what they are doing.

[@andrewcrofts7359]

I love watching those guys. Such mastery of their trade. Also I really enjoyed the resto videos.

[@vice4134]

Harry, thank you so much for putting in closed captions. I truly enjoyed watching your channel. Thank you.

[@gordonkachuk5457]

So good that you're back with these two artists. Their level of knowledge is just incomprehensible and I just love to watch them explaining what and how car bodies are supposed to be like. Absolutely wonderful mastery. Any other cars that could use their attention?

[@richardcarter3246]

Totally agree I would love to hear more and see them voiceover a spray video types of primer base layers and topcoat so interesting 🤩

[@neilpatching7443]

Some of my favourites are doing these fix up videos. Especially when you have these guys with all their knowledge and explain everything in minute detail and on my favourite car in your collection. Cheers Harry

[@paulclark4426]

Love seeing these videos. The guys at Prestige Refinishing are masters of their trade, transforming the cars. There is only one other channel I will watch with similar workmanship by an Aussie, Howard Astill.

[@FullThrottleUK]

i love watching these before, actual work and after vids

[@OzoneVibe]

Those guys are bloody excellent. They've seen it, done it ... a thousand times before. Amazing skills combined with vast experience = perfection. 👍

[@bobwillsher5716]

Proper Geezers who know their stuff !! great video fascinating watch thank you guys and Harry for showing us !

[@justinbrown6558]

Thank you for uploading this Harry. Very, very interesting! The detail of Adrian and Sam’s work has me hooked every time. I think it’s fair to say that I re watch your restoration videos more than any other video you upload, as they are just so interesting, and the results are beautiful! To me your transcontinental road trips and your restoration videos are my favourite. I like your taste in cars, and the spec you strive for with the rebuilds, which makes the above even more interesting as it’s what I’d do in your position too. A bit of an alter-ego. 😂 Once again, great work! 👍🏻😊

[@adambritain5774]

There are some SERIOUSLY talented people in this trade.

[@savethebeaters]

I enjoy the restoration videos.The number of views sadly does not equal the other content numbers. Keep them coming Harry!

[@nathangriffiths4629]

Harry, tell me the thought of a full respray never crossed your mind when you saw those layers....the cogs we're ticking 😃

[@dekkerlundquist5938]

Real craftsman like these gents are becoming very hard to find. Really enjoy watching them discussing what they can see and do to make the car right. Clearly they have a passion for getting it spot on and doing it right. Respect.

[@portnaluinge]

Nice Thursday surprise. Great to see the guys back from the Zagato build.

[@michaelnaughton1393]

Looking forward to the next stage of this one. When you'd said that the the restoration videos got less views than the super car ones I was not surprised. With youngsters sat in Mom's back bedroom tuning in the figures must be far greater, however us true enthusiasts are avidly following the progress of each restoration. Seeing the levels of expertise and the skills of each craftsman is truly captivating. Great content once again

[@g0fvt]

Although I am not a Ferrari nut I do love to see the restorations. The Lancia was a horror story until they brought it back from the dead. Well done Harry for keeping craftsmen employed.

[@AutomotiveAvocation]

The thumbnail is SHOCKING! I’ll be watching its progress with excitement!

[@niklaswejedal463]

Love these restoration videos and it is always a pleasure to see the guys work their magic on car bodies. Great to see!

[@kenxiong6830]

The last of great craftsmen of our time. Can’t wait to see the finished product

[@judih.8754]

These are some of the best videos! These gentlemen are true artisans. Listening to them describe the malady then the fixes is magical. Thanks Harry. 😊

[@gonorr1]

Absolutely love watching craftsmen at work.

[@D992]

Those two guys are absolutely first class. Well done gents for the attention to detail 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@stefmarr]

These guys really are top draw. Love how much pride they take in their work.

[@shawnl1155]

Love the Testarossa and glad it's getting these repairs. The Morocco trip was one of my favorite adventure films ever.

[@Acrowat40]

These resto videos always make me smile : )

[@kmac5849]

Nothing would get past these two craftsman , and the customer can sleep at night👌🏻

[@83g4kadm]

Such a pleasure listening to These gentleman . By far my favourite body paint guys to listen too

[@chrisredhead6131]

It's great to see people and company' s that are still putting this much effort and expertise in to repairing these classic cars. I really enjoy listing and watching craftsmanship like this.