An exquisite collection
I have great pleasure in being able to share these three exceptionally rare and beautiful cars, I have the great privilege of access to them to detail as part of an ongoing routine.
These cars are owned by a client whom I would consider a true connoisseur. Owned for the love of what they offer – their dynamics, their character, their jaw dropping looks and stunning performance. This is the first time all three cars have been put together, and my client was kind enough to allow me to photograph them.
Due to certain constraints, I took with me a trusted assistant, Andy, to ensure the required work could be carried out in a timely fashion. The aim of the day was to carry out some paintwork enhancement to the daily driven Ferrari, with the other two cars receiving a dust down and a coat of wax.
We started with the Ferrari, as it needed the most work.
This is a Ferrari 612 Sessanta. It is one of only 60 examples in the world, and believed to be one of only 4 in the UK. Made for Ferrari’s 60th anniversary celebrated in 2007, it boasts some sought after additions compared to the regular Scaglietti. The power output of the engine rose from 530bhp to 612bhp and huge carbon ceramic Brembo brakes are fitted to help with stopping duties. Inside, supple leather is wrapped around carbon fibre shelled seats, a special commemorative plaque sits on the centre console, and the glass roof is Electrochromic. This means it’s opacity can be adjusted at will by turning a dial.
Viewed outside, the two tone paintwork really helps to show off the car’s long, lithe lines to their very best. The 612 is a big car, but it is also very elegant and perfectly proportioned.
Following the usual routine of a pre soak, rinse, gentle wash with a lambswool mitt and another rinse, this removed the loose dirt. With the car still wet, we used a clay bar to remove contaminants bonded more securely to the paint. The car was in generally excellent condition, having been regularly cleaned and waxed by myself, but following a trip to the dealership where it was washed in a less careful manner, the straight blue paintwork was showing signs of marring and lights swirls.
Using a rotary polisher with a light polish we were able to remove the marring and restore gloss and depth to the finish. As seen below, to the right of the panel gap had been polished, to the left it was untouched, the marks still visible.
Whilst we were working on the Ferrari, my client moved the next car out of the garage ready to be worked upon, Andy grabbed this shot of me in action.
I continued to work on the car, finishing with Swissvax Cleaner Fluid before a coat of Swissvax Best of Show wax was applied. The wheels were treated with Autobahn wheel wax, glass and shuts cleaned, along with the exhaust tips. Inside was vacuumed and wiped down.
Next up, the thug of the group! This is a Ford GT Heritage Edition. One of 200 made worldwide, it was the final edition run up to the end of the GT production. Painted in the famous Gulf colours, it represents the colour scheme used by World Championship winning GT40’s in 1968 and 1969 at Le Mans. In this case, if the colour doesn’t get your attention, the exhaust note certainly will! Fitted with straight through pipes, the 5.5 litre supercharged V8 erupted into life startling both of us with it’s sheer violence. At tickover, the whine of the blower is drowned out by the offbeat throb of the big motor, rumbling away like a seismic event. It can only be described as spine tingling.
After a wipe down with a soft cloth and Swissvax Quick Finish, the paint was gently clayed to ensure it was contaminant free, then Swissvax Cleaner Fluid was used to again prepare for the Best of Show wax. Autobahn went onto the wheels. Tyres dressed with Pneu.
Onto the last of the trio, and for me probably the most beautiful car to look at. Only 500 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione’s are being made worldwide and they were all sold well before the first customer took delivery. Taking a moment to appreciate the finer details of this fine machine, it’s easy to see why. The body is made from carbon fibre, then mounted to a steel spaceframe chassis. Compared to the other cars, the Alfa looks quite small, with it’s short rear overhang and pert tail. Inside, the attention to detail is exquisite, largely carbon fibre with an amazing woven leather covering the seats, the Alfa crest expertly embroidered into the bolsters.
As far as my work was concerned, I’d already carried out a Protection Detail upon it’s arrival with my client, and it had been tucked away in a Carcoon ever since, so now removed it was dusted down and waxed again in the sunshine.
With the work complete, my client manoeuvred the cars into position to give me the opportunity to take some photographs. I went a bit overboard, but it isn’t very often the opportunity to indulge in a photo session with these cars together comes along.
Testimonials
“I would definitely recommend anyone to use Shine On regardless of marque, Paul is a genuinely nice bloke who has the rare attributes of actually loving his job and doing it to the best of his ability (bordering on OCD). I personally plan to use this service at least every 8months to keep the cars looking at their best.
And to top it all off…..even my wife commented on how and I quote ‘amazing’ it looked, that testimony alone is worth its weight in gold!
Andy (M3 and Battle Bus!)”
