Some of Italy’s Finest Classic Cars Under One Roof: Classics beyond Alfa Romeo

Since Alficina was established, we have developed a reputation for being specialists in classic Alfa Romeo Restorations. We get contacted by clients all around the world for our services. Although we specialise in Alfa Romeos, our well-experienced restoration technicians can restore a wide variety of Italian classic cars. We have recently had a large influx of different Italian classic cars entering our workshops and joining our ever-expanding portfolio. Here are a few of the classic cars we have worked on over the past few months- 

One of our most recent additions to the workshop is this Ferrari F355. The F355 is one of Ferrari’s most celebrated modern classics. With its 3.5-litre V8 engine and razor-sharp styling, it represents a pivotal moment in Ferrari’s 1990s resurgence. Today, the Ferrari F355’s immobiliser system is well known for reliability issues. We are replacing the ageing unit with a modern, more dependable system without compromising originality. Alongside this, the F355 is undergoing a full belt service, a vital task for this Ferrari’s cam-belt-driven V8 to ensure long-term reliability and help protect the engine from potential internal damage. The full belt service is being conducted alongside the annual service. 

Along with the Ferrari F355, we have a Lancia Fulvia in our workshops for a post-storage recommission. After the owner purchased the classic car in Italy in Autumn last year, it was transported to the UK and is now undergoing a thorough post-purchase recommissioning at our Alficina workshops to return it to a safe, reliable and enjoyable driving condition. The Fulvia has a strong reputation for sharp front-wheel-drive handling, compact proportions and its distinctive narrow-angle V4 engine. This series 2 benefits from a wider track, stronger bodyshell, five-speed gearbox and larger brakes. However, like most dormant classic cars, it requires attention to its braking system, suspension and steering, including addressing seized components, worn bushes and tired joints to restore this Lancia’s character. Due to the Fulvia’s unique engineering, specialist tools and knowledge are essential, and with our expertise, we can carefully bring this Lancia Fulvia back to its former glory.

An ongoing long-term project in our workshop has been a 4tipo restomod upgrade on a Maserati Merak. This V6 mid-engined GT shares its silhouette with the Bora, but offers a more agile driving experience. Often overlooked historically, it has become an increasingly appreciated modern classic. This Maserati Merak is undergoing a range of comprehensive upgrades, this includes performance enhancements to the engine, paired with a modern ECU-controlled fuel injection system, improving drivability, reliability and tuning precision. In addition, we are installing a CAN -based electrical system to allow a clearer integration of other components, such as the electronic handbrake. A hydraulic system and a modernised heating and ventilation system are also being installed to help improve the Marak’s usability.

Another iconic classic car currently in our workshops is a Ferrari 196 S Dino. This 1950s Ferrari has a front-mounted 2.4-litre V6 engine and was produced for sports car racing with a tubular steel frame and lightweight aluminium coachwork. This Dino was produced during Ferrari’s transitional period, just before the company moved to producing mid-engined competition cars in the 1960s. This Ferrari 196 S Dino has come into our workshops for some mechanical and electrical work. The mechanical and electrical work on classic cars produced in this era can require sensitivity, something our skilled restoration technicians are well-equipped to handle.

In addition, we have a few more Ferraris in our workshops, including a Ferrari 330 P4, which is currently undergoing a full coachwork restoration in our metal workshop. Along with a Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona race car, which was bought in for fine-tuning on our state-of-the-art rolling road dyno.

A project that has recently been completed and left our workshops is a post-storage recommission on a 1971 Fiat 500. The Fiat 500 is one of Italy’s most recognisable automotive icons. Although the Fiat 500 is small, it’s packed full of character, making it stand out in the automotive industry. A post-storage recommission is critical for small-capacity classics. After an extended period off the road, issues typically arise in their braking systems, fuel delivery, ignition components, seals and rubber parts. To avoid damage on first start-up, the Fiat requires a systemic inspection. Additionally, a Fiat Spider has recently been in our workshops for work following an engine bay fire.

Our two sister businesses further broaden the range of vehicles we work on, each specialising in a different corner of the classic car world. P&K Thornton is our sister business, which focuses on classic British cars, particularly specialising in Jaguars. In addition, our new business, Speedshop44, is our performance enhancement business focusing on future and modern classics between the 1980s and 2010s. Thanks to the diverse vehicles also arriving through our sister businesses, we’re proud to handle a broad and ever-changing mix of classic cars in our portfolio, which is a true test of our team’s versatility and depth of knowledge.

If you are interested in having your classic car repaired, restored or serviced at Alficina, please contact us with confidence! Call us on 0115 926 2266 or email us at info@alficina.com.