Design & Innovation

3D Design

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See it before metal is cut

VBE Restorations pioneered the use of 3D design techniques to re-style vintage car bodies. Using state-of-the-art computer visualisation, we can offer on-screen alternatives before any commitment to fabrication is made.

We create digital examples of wings, body shapes and colour schemes, presenting the car in a 3D projection of its finished state — with you in control of the brief. A modified car can be shown in its correct original shape, or a bespoke design created to an exact specification before metal is cut. A powerful tool indeed.

Mod Cons

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Modern conveniences, invisibly fitted

Over many years Bentley drivers have wanted to improve certain aspects of their cars. Motorways, greater congestion, and the demands of wipers, indicators and powerful lighting have made these conversions very popular — all inconspicuous and reversible:

• Alternator. The original dynamo's 8–15 amps is inadequate for modern demands; a modern 50-amp alternator is a simple, low-cost answer. VBE offer two conversions — a pulley-driven arrangement off the cardan shaft, or a geared engine-driven unit on the bulkhead. Both are effective, inconspicuous and removable without trace.
• Clutch. A modern clutch conversion brings lighter pedal loads and smoother engagement. VBE engineers designed a kit for 3, 4½, 6½ and 8 Litre models using durable, readily available modern components — fitted inconspicuously, with no irrevocable changes and no need for frequent adjustment.
• Overdrive. Cruising at 65mph on modern roads means tiresomely high engine speeds. An overdrive provides a fifth gear for relaxed high-speed cruising. Overdrives once had a poor reputation for failure — VBE's stronger main shaft and top-gear-only lockout switch have eliminated failures on our installations over the last twelve years. Mountings require no drilling of original components and are completely reversible.