About us
A fully equipped workshop to restore and conserve our important motoring history, alongside the sale of exceptional historic vehicles and automobilia.
Julian has more than 40 years’ coachbuilding experience, preserving some of the world’s finest vintage automobiles.
He is passionate and highly knowledgeable about the detail of pre-war motorcars, and his work to conserve and restore them has earned him a superb reputation in the world of historic vehicles. In 2019, West Dean College of Arts and Conservation invited him to bring a fabric-bodied 1928 Austin Seven to the college as an example of conservation practice.
Around him, Julian has brought together a highly skilled team, so that traditional metal fabrication, timber framing and expert paint and finishes can all be carried out in one workshop. The business was incorporated as Julian Parker Limited in 2015 and works from Hillsdown Farm, on the edge of the Ashdown Forest in East Sussex.
As well as the workshop, we sell a small number of carefully chosen motorcars and veteran bicycles, and Julian’s collection of veteran and vintage automobilia, a familiar sight at Beaulieu, is now available to buy online.
The team
Founder, historical and fabrication specialist
Jules trained as a coachbuilder and has more than 40 years’ experience. He leads from the front, always in the workshop alongside the team, and is fanatical about originality; he has travelled across Europe simply to study rare forms of transport. Away from cars he will often return to the workshop to make sculpture of his own, and has exhibited at the Royal Academy and at Goodwood’s Festival of Speed.
Specialist metal fabricator
Ricky joined in 2017 after 17 years with a specialist vehicle restoration company. A highly skilled fabricator, he works hand in hand with Jules on the metalwork and is involved in most of our projects.
Specialist carpenter, ash frames
Antony trained as a toolmaker before moving from metal to wood: sixteen years of bespoke architectural joinery, then cabinet making. At Julian Parker Ltd he combines that craft with his hobby of restoring old cars. Most cars built before the 1940s have an ash frame, so his skills are needed on almost every project.
Paint and ageing specialist
Kevin’s knowledge of paint and patination is second to none. Like Jules, he is a detail man: stabilising old paint and bringing it back to life is his particular skill. He has worked with classic and vintage cars all his working life and restores his own in his spare time.
Recognition
In their words
“With their care, sympathetic consideration and vast experience, I am delighted with the result of their work and can recommend them with the highest regard to produce exactly what you require with no surprises.”
“Julian and his entire team are a pleasure to work with. The specialist knowledge held by Julian and his team ensures outstanding attention to detail. I always felt that I was a ‘special’ customer.”
“Impressive classic car restorers, especially pre-war. Very tidy workshop and the restoration work is sympathetic, and not over the top.”
Visit the workshop
We are delighted to welcome visitors by appointment. Call Julian, or send us a message.