Effective January 1, 2023, the base labor rate for all services (except sodablasting) is $160/hr. 100-Hour blocks of prepaid labor will be sold at the discouted rate of $150/hr. Projects that are already underway and those with deposits holding a spot in the backlog queue will be grandfathered in at their originally-quoted rate. See our "Ways to Pay" page (Company Menu) for more information.
Midlife Classics
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Current
"Full Inventory"
(Projects, Completions and Personal Collection)

77 Lancia Scorpion

67 Camaro RS Conv.

68 Austin Healey Sprite

68 Cougar

69 Corvette

70 Opel GT

69 Marcos 3000GT

86 TVR 280i

73 TVR 2500M

90 Buick Reatta

Welcome to
Midlife Classics!
 

Midlife Classics is a full-service restoration and support facility dedicated to the restoration, preservation and enhancement of vintage automobiles. We handle all levels of restoration - from the daily driver to concourse-ready autos. While we are more than willing to restore nearly any make and model, our primary focus is on classics (foreign and domestic) from the 1950s through 1970s.

Serving all of north Texas, we are located in Collin County just 35 miles NNE of downtown Dallas (10 miles east of McKinney) in Princeton, TX.

Most of us who yearn for a classic car really want something between a daily driver and a showcar. What we want is a great looking and mechanically sound vehicle that we are not afraid to take out on the road without having to worry about getting a rock chip or door ding in a $30,000 paint job, or getting stranded on the side of the road. We also don’t want to have to take out a second mortgage in order to have the car of our dreams. At Midlife Classics, in addition to offering show-quality restorations, we strive to make classic car ownership a reality for every automotive enthusiast.

 

At Midlife Classics, we work closely with you to determine exactly what it is that you want your classic to be and what you plan to do with it. The project can be tailored to fit your budget - either by compromising in some areas (like retaining wearable parts that are within tolerances rather than replacing them or not rechroming parts that are in acceptable condition) or by opting for some upgrades such as better suspension components or a nicer interior.

 

Still Looking for the Classic of your Dreams?
We Can Help You Find it, Then Restore It.

 So, maybe you want a restored classic, but you don't have a project car. That's no problem. Nearly any car you might want can be found in restorable condition. Believe it or not, this can be an advantage. All too often, people buy a classic with the intention of having it restored. Unfortunately, they often don't have enough experience in buying classics (or emotion takes over) and wind up paying more for a project car than they should. By the time the cost of the restoration is added in, their budget is exhausted long before their dream car can become a reality. That can not only kill enthusiasm for a project, but it can also make it very difficult to gain the approval of your spouse or significant other. At Midlife Classics, you can tell us what you want, and we can work with you to determine what it's going to cost to get you behind the wheel.

 

How Much Does it Cost?

 

The fast and easy answer to this question is "More than you think." While all the auto restoration "reality" shows have worked wonders in creating demand in the industry, it did a disservice to us all by creating false expectations as to how much quality restorations cost. Unlike the shows, we don't get parts and services for low-to-no cost because of the advertising exposure that comes with having a show use your products on-screen. In fact, since we don't specialize in a single make and model, we rarely see much of a discount at all. But, these days, parts costs play less of a role in the final cost of most projects than does labor. All we can say is that we make a point of being fair in all matters and you'll see that in practice as you note markdowns and write-offs of labor hours as our "hindsight billing" policy comes into play.

Suffice it to say that nearly every restoration we do costs clients more than their pride-and-joy is worth on the open market when we're done. That is why nearly all the restoration projects we take on are in some way special to our clients - be they family heirlooms, a car they've held on to for many years, or an item on their bucket list. In some way, they have some special intangible value that can't be replaced by going out and buying an identical car or truck that has already been restored. So, please do bear in mind that having a vehicle properly restored is anything but a good investment unless you plan on holding on to it when done and enjoying it as much as you would every penny you've put into it.

 

Quality work is the first priority. So, you're not going to see your finished car back in a few weeks. The time required will, of course, depend on the scope of the project, condition of the project vehicle, parts availability and the amount of custom work desired. Don't expect any complete restoration to take any less than six months. Most can be completed in under twelve months, but we've had some take nearly two years due to difficulty finding suitable parts. The one promise you will get is that every effort will be made to give you a reasonable estimate of the time requirements and you will not hear "it will be ready in two weeks" every two weeks.

Classic Upgrades

Not satisfied with your classic as delivered from the factory? Midlife Classics can provide upgrades ranging from an electronic ignition system to modern heat and A/C, four-wheel power disc brakes, fuel injection, rack and pinion steering, and even installation of a more modern drive train. If you're not concerned with 100% originality, why not consider making your classic the way YOU want it. Please note that - as stated in our Service & Support page - engine bay detailing can only be performed in conjunction with, or following a restoration or Return to Service project.

Classic Support

Midlife Classics provides ongoing support for your classic. Whether it's our Return to Service project for the car that has been sitting for years, or a full restoration of one you've just acquired, once we've gone through your vehicle, we will care for you baby like it is one of our own. After all, once we've put things right, we consider it one of our own.

Send Mail to
bob@midlifeclassics.com