The Blog

You know, people often never ask me what it is that we do on a typical day. I usually hear them never shout across the street “Hey! What is it that you do on a typical day at the greatest car restoration garage in the world?”

And it got me thinking. “What do we do?” After a brief moment of reflection followed by a nice almond milk (unsweetened) cappuccino, I decided to expose our secrets and let the world know how we go about creating the most beautiful cars in Ireland, and therefore the world.

It begins each morning at 4 am. The automotive engineers of Lyons Garages rise to meet the new day at Spanish Point beach, or as it’s more commonly known – The Malibu of Ireland. It’s the perfect place to greet the morning sun, with 4 hours of silent meditation.

From there, it’s a brisk jog down to the car stables, where each car is lovingly uncovered and gently awoken with a softly spoken “Good Morning”.

For those that are undergoing major surgery, we tell them that everything is going to be ok, showing them sketches of their new look, with Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy’ providing the backdrop to this perfect scene.

After paintwork, the cars are required to go through a stage we like to call ‘paint massage’. Along with using only the softest vegan wool and gentle vegan massage cream, the paint is misted, using only the tears of our engineers to ensure that perfect lifelong shine.

Our favourite moment though, comes as we rebuild these machines and prepare to return them home to their owners. Each car is fed with only the most caring of oils and fuel, all of which have been humanely sourced, cage-free and grain fed.

To ensure that heavenly glow and aura of perfection, every car is ordained by our good friend Pope Francis, the Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province. And then, before departing the Lyons Garage stables, where they were free to roam and recover, each car is serenaded by the healing music of Westlife.

Some might call this overkill, but the next time you take a spin in a Lyons Garage car and you murder that silky smooth GT or roadster down the motorway… Well, who’s the killer now Asshole?

Lyons Garages. We didn’t invent the classic car, just perfected it.

Actually, nobody invented the classic car; they’re just cars that got old. But you know what I mean.

My dearest friends, and even those of you who I don’t like but would probably still have tea with. Maybe. Welcome to another edition of “What have we been doing? Because I don’t know myself, and customers have been ringing asking me how their cars are getting on and I haven’t a notion!”

Got a new phone there, it’s a Huawei. Either pronounced Wah-weh or How-ah-yee. I think I prefer the second one because it’s like saying ‘how are ye’. But not.

We must move on. I’m too easily distracted. But before we do: What five-letter word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it?

Just to note: applications are now closed for our graduate programme, but we’ll re-open it post-Christmas. ‘Magine, here we are talking about Christmas and it’s not even Hallowe’en. Where did the days go at all at all? One minute it was a heatwave and the next thing you know the bins have blown over because of the wind. I even had to turn on the wipers recently – the absolute horror.

So, we’ve got a new toy – A Mk II MGA. That means Mark Two, so it’s not to be confused with people called Mark who are sons of fathers called Mark. Feel free to send any and all ideas you may have on how to make it beautiful and we’ll definitely give you credit for your idea. Definitely. Smiley face.

The Ford Capri is looking fierce mighty, with the engine dropped back into the metallic grey engine bay, I suppose you could say it’s motoring now. Motoring! Where did I pull that joke from? Gas… GAS!! Like petrol! Stop that, I’m hopping today.

Hang on a second there, I must walk around here… There’s a Mini being warmed up for primer, an MGB Roadster sitting up high ready for metal work, there’s another MGB Roadster awaiting some paint, then there’s a Clubman, a Celica, another MGA, a Jaguar, a Mini… you get the idea. “This isn’t my first rodeo” You, at your second rodeo.

Did you know that we wrote up some winter tips for you? Just you though so don’t share this information with anyone. It’s here for you: Clicky clicky

Isn’t it strange that it’s impossible to bob your head back and forth while keeping your mouth open? Weird huh?

Our little Fiat 500 has gone out to pasture in fields yonder. The tears have now dried so all the best and best of luck to the new owner.

Well, that update was much shorter than I thought, this new kettle boils awfully quick. Sorry, I would’ve offered you a cup but sure then I’d have to clean it afterwards and that’s a lot of effort to be fair.

Remember, we’re on all the big social medias – The Book (Facebook) Insta (Instagram) and YouTube (don’t have a cool word for that yet and we're just starting in the video world so bear with us…). Make sure you’re following, keep the sympathy likes flowing, and tell all your friends about how great we are. Then we’ll be big on all the big social medias!

Ok safe home, we'll chat soon. ATB, GB.

C’mere. We must talk. Tea? Coffee? What do you mean by bottled water? Get yourself a glass, there’s a tap over there.

So where was I… Ah yes, I said we need to talk. To be honest, I’ve already forgotten what I was going to say so we’re just going to have to wing it from here.

Last weekend we ventured to England. On the ferry, through Wales, down the road, around the corner, skirting Southampton, and finally arriving in a place called Lyndhurst which is beside another place called Beaulieu. (Best of luck trying to pronounce that one pal).

Hang on, I’m just copying and pasting here… “the iconic and double-award winning International Autojumble; the biggest outdoor sale of motoring items this side of the Atlantic.

With over 2000 stands at this signature Beaulieu event, each one groaning with all kinds of vintage and classic motoring ephemera, it is often said “If you can’t find it at Beaulieu it doesn’t exist!”

The International Autojumble is regarded as the place to locate and purchase even the most elusive motoring parts, accessories, automobilia, literature, tools and clothing. There is something for everyone - and plenty of bargains to be had!”

Some spiel that. Motoring ephemera no less, now for you! Followed up by some classic British banter saying if you can’t find it, it doesn’t exist. Lol. Which means laugh out loud, and not lots of love. That was fairly awkward when I had to pass on news about a pet dying and then ending my message with LOL.

Anywho, we went, we saw, we purchased and we saw some more. I’m sure you’ve been following our updates on the book (Facebook, but as we’re beyond cool we call it the book), so you’ll have seen the lunch-based updates on the Capri and the Clubman, and you possibly even did see our ad looking for a few lucky people to come join us? You have? Good job. Now go tell your friends. Thanks, ex oh.

While we were floating around Beau…. England, we called into Bonham’s car auction. 

Are you ready for some real talk? Buckle up. Now, we know that it’s pretty much a buyer’s market. Those who were more interested in profit than the cars themselves aren't the buying force they were a couple of years ago. So that means it’s perfect for enthusiasts who are still willing to buy the right car at the right price. Magic.

But, we soon discovered that a lot of cars didn’t seem to even be making their estimates. Lemme explain my research and findings to you real quick. Please note: All facts and figures are correct at the time of going to print and were definitely not made up. I would never lie. Honest.

A 1996 Aston Martin DB7 coupé sold for a measly £13,491. A 1989 Ferrari Testarossa sold for £60,950 – that’s a car that commands upwards of 100,000. A 1959 MGA 1600 Roadster sold for £18,400. An Austin Healey… Ah, that’s probably enough explaining for now, you get the picture I’m trying to paint here. I’m a very talented artist, I know. Basically, cars were being sold for well below their estimate.

So that got us thinking, might it be that Brexit has finally hit the classic car market in the UK meaning that it could be an even better prospect to buy a classic from? Might people who invested in these cars be just trying to get out now at any price? Might it be time for tea? And is now the right time for us lucky people that are still part of the EU to take a look at buying a more upmarket marque?

Long story short, we’re going write up some pieces on which classics are worth looking into now. Why? Because we know our stuff when it comes to cars and we’d like to share this glorious knowledge with you. Knowing so much makes my head heavy, and my shoulders are tired enough from carrying the team in the garage.

I’d just like to say that this new writing project has nothing to do with the fact that I got a new laptop and the keyboard makes a lovely tippy tappy sound when I type. Nothing.

We’ll get some posts up shortly, so keep your oranges peeled. Look after yourself. Say hi to the family for me.

P.S. If you're not following us on the social medias, what are you doing with your life? Certainly not living your best life anyways.

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Ahh, hello! Come in, come in. Make yourself at home, there’s water in the tap.

How you been? Said one bean to the other. Well, we’ve been busy I suppose… busy on holidays in Germany looking at some cars and comparing their standard to ours. They should be ashamed of themselves, or at least they will be when we put our cars on display there next year.

I’m talking about the classic car show in Essen! They don’t understand the whole “you’ll take twenty, you will, ahh you will” during haggling though. Lovely spot that Essen place, or so I’ve heard. We spent the weekend in the Messe and stayed in Dusseldorf. The Messe in Essen… I suppose you could say we spent the weekend Messen – nothing new there really.

Happy Easter! And April Fool’s Day! This could actually be too much for one day. Just like that time, I found out that all mirrors look like eyeballs up close.

You’re probably here for the garage update though are you? Fine.

There’s a lovely Mini 35 in the changing rooms trying on its first coat, a nice little metallic number for Spring/Summer ’18. I woke up in a cold sweat last night actually, what if I’m still the ‘it’ from a game of tag we never finished as children?

Also in paint is an MGB Roadster. It’s looking fierce well in white. Why? Because we ran out of colour paint. Then there’s a Mini Pick Up, a Ford Capri, an MGB Roadster, another MGB Roadster (that’s three, are you keeping count?), an MGA, another Mini…

Here’s a snack-sized update on the Capri. Gettit? Because Capri sounds like ceapairí. That’s the Irish for sandwiches lads, you’ll really have to brush up on your Irish. The suspension all around is looking tip-top, and the metal work is almost complete. Just being honest, it’s going to look unbelievable. It’s just a pity that it’s a 2.8 injection… because you’ll never get a chance to see it.

Apart from that, we’re trying to flog the Fiat 500 to some poor sod… I joke. It’s a great car with great potential, so if you’re one of our 5 million monthly readers and you fancy a slice of Italy, you know what to do – order a pizza and give us a call.

And now that I’m finished on the internet for the day, I suppose I better grab my phone and see what the other, smaller internet is up to. Oh! I almost forgot – if you want to learn how to create cars that have been described as: ‘Pieces of art’ (Irish Examiner, 2017), ‘Greatest thing since packaged peeled mandarin oranges’ (myself, 2018), and ‘Wow’ (recent customer, 2016), give us a call or email. We have a lot of work and only 9 hands.

Go easy on the chocolate. Have a lovely weekend now, goodnight, goodbye, and good luck!

Don't get too excited, ok, but I think I'm famous. Just waiting for the sponsorship deals to roll in now... I'd look good kitted out in some nice new gear. You know, a nice modest brand that charges five thousand euros for a T-shirt. They'll surely come knocking... surely.

While I wait, here's a snippet of our Irish Examiner piece.

1 - What are the most unusual and rare types of cars you have restored?
In Ireland, it's pretty rare to find, eh... rare cars! I could tell you about cars that have come in with no more than a wiper blade and a door handle, or a car that has matching engine and chassis numbers with a meticulous file packed with receipts and service records. But they're not the most interesting. What makes a car truly unusual and unique is the story behind it. The reason you bought it, the reason you want to restore it and drive it. We call that the "why".
We've recently had a few cars here that give you that warm fuzzy feeling. The last MG B Roadster we restored belonged to a guy who saw one as a schoolboy and decided that when he got older that that was going to be his car. No stone or screw was left unturned to make sure this car was perfect. It probably ended up being better than meeting his hero.
A rare car would be the Irish-built Morris Mini Traveller, which was spotted by a guy when he was young, and he kept tabs on it throughout its life and when the opportunity came to buy it he jumped at the chance.
The metallic red Austin Maxi is unusual, in that it wouldn't be everyone's first choice of car to restore, values are low and parts are incredibly scarce. But it was bought by a father for his daughter and him to work on. Sadly due to ill health, he was unable to restore the car. But now the car is finished, and there probably isn't another car with the same value. It's beyond priceless.
These are the types of cars that get you into the garage early to work on, that bring you that extra mile. We're talking about someone who still has their first-ever car. Absolutely no market value, but what it does have is that MasterCard value - priceless.
2 - Have you restored cars belonging to famous people - who were they and what cars did they own?
Honestly, I'd love to tell you, but we've got a strict "don't kiss and tell" rule here. So all I can say is yes...

3 - Is it only wealthy people who own classic cars, or can the man on the street afford them?
No, not at all. Any man, woman, or child in the street (or field if you're from the country - we don't discriminate here) can own a classic car. It's probably like having a pet, you've got bunny rabbits which are cheap to own and look after and it goes right through to having a pedigree puppy. It's all relative.
A classic car is an investment that you can enjoy, admire, and make other people envious of you with your full head of hair (or Homer Simpson strands) blowing in the wind as you zip around the bends in your 60's convertible.
The term classic car covers a hell of a lot of cars. From affordable Minis right through to auction house headliners like Astons and Ferraris. There are cars that people buy for nostalgia, cars that people want to show off, and cars that people just want to be able to tinker away with as a hobby. So classic car ownership really is for everyone.
Our advice would be to get out there, (everybody knows somebody that knows somebody that has an old car locked away gathering dust and rust) find a car you like, and do a little bit of research on parts availability, values... And then give us a call. We'll turn it into a car that you'll always look back at after you park it.
4 - What was the most challenging and difficult restoration work you have ever done?
There was probably one week where the guys in the workshop would keep doing this thing where they would take an hour off in the middle of the day to eat, which really killed productivity.
At this stage, most cars are the same. All have suffered from the changeable Irish weather of wet to very wet causing endless rot and a panels list that is just as endless. So when you get to the stage of having a car stripped out, rust cut out and you have what is effectively a metal version of Swiss cheese staring back at you, you can't really see how it could get much worse.
But it does! The hardest, and probably worst restoration is when somebody else has started work on the car and the chassis and structural integrity of the car has been compromised. A lot of cutting and chopping has happened before the person has realised they've attempted something beyond their skill set. Those are the nightmare situations and the ones we really don't like to see.
5 - If you had unlimited money, what is the classic car you’d buy for yourself, and why?
I hope you have an hour spare while I take out my wish list.
Obviously, there's a soft spot for MG A Roadsters, but that's a nostalgia thing. Who wouldn't want to be pulling up in an Aston Martin DB5 à la James Bond, or even a Ferrari 250 GT California. It's one of the most expensive cars in the world for a reason. There are Bugatti Type 57s, DeTomasos and the Delahaye boat tails, but I don't know if anything beats a Jaguar E Type series 1.

A piece from Classic Car Weekly:
... Yet 'Restoration' is one of the world's most ambiguous words, covering everything from some welding work and a budget respray to a comprehensive strip down and re-build.
A car's net worth need not preclude it from high-quality repairs, however, a non-specialist garage may hold a very different interpretation.
Many people are unaware that a quality restoration demands a considerable number of skilled man hours, and that balance must be established immediately between budget and the quality expectations. However, those who cannot resist low estimates risk entrusting the work to an ill-equipped outfit that is unable to attain a reasonable standard or even complete the work at all. Such false economy introduces a greater risk of customer disappointment.
“Around 5% of our work comes from picking up the pieces from other garages that have charged unrealistically low rates but have been able to complete the tasks, leaving owners out of pocket and with unfinished vehicles” Adam Dring, Classic and Vintage Restorations, Shropshire.
“Restoration should always be a partnership between owner and restore throughout the procedure, and constant trust and regular communication will prevent any issues from arising, especially after work is completed” David Barzilay, Classic Motor Cars.