|
 |
Phil Cooper learned his trade at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in his home town of Crewe. Joining the company as an apprentice in 1980, he began in the coach building department before moving on to the woodshop. In addition to being taught the full range of skills, Phil learnt the importance of exquisite wood in creating the correct ambience in the car.
Spotting a niche in the market, Phil left and started his own company in 1992. Instead of insisting on owners bringing their cars to him, with all the inconvenience this involves, he asks them to send the woodwork itself. This simple idea has proved to be a winner with more and more owners discovering the joy of expertly restored woodtrim without the inconvenience and just as importantly, without it costing an arm and a leg. Phil explains: "We arrange for Woodwork to be collected from the owner. By not having the cars on the premises we are able to contain our overheads making the work far less expensive for the owner."
The system works equally well for owners throughout the UK and abroad. Exquisite woodtrim is now delighting owners from as far afield as America and Japan as well as many European countries. Recently, P.W. Cooper completed a full woodwork restoration on a Bentley Continental Fastback, the owner wanting it to look original but in pristine condition. To achieve this, European walnut curl was used in preference to American. Phil always advises owners to leave the original veneer, repairing minor damage wherever possible, as reveneering usually entails restoring the entire set to get a perfect colour match.
|
|
