Classic car accessories sit on a spectrum between function and authenticity. Get it right and they enhance the car's character. Get it wrong and they look out of place and reduce value.
Here are the ones that stand the test of time.
Chrome trim and bright work
Chrome brightwork is one of the defining features of most 1950s through 1970s classics. Bumpers, window surrounds, door handles, grilles — keeping these in good condition makes a significant difference to how a car presents. For cars with damaged or pitted chrome, specialist re-chroming services can restore originals. Correct replacements are available for some models.
Period-correct carpets and floor mats
The right carpet specification — material, pile height, colour — is one of the details concours judges look at. For many models, correct carpet sets are available from specialists. Use them rather than generic alternatives. Rubber over-mats are practical for everyday use and protect the carpet without altering the look.
Original-specification gauges and instruments
Instrument clusters are often damaged or non-functional on older classics. Specialist gauge restorers can rebuild originals to working condition. Replacing instruments with non-original aftermarket gauges is a common modification that reduces authenticity. If originals can be repaired, repair them.
Seat belts
If your car didn't originally come with seat belts — or has belts that are worn, frayed, or no longer retract properly — replacement is important both for safety and presentation. Period-correct inertia reel belts are available for most classics. The belt presenter covers and guides are the parts that fail most often; we stock replacements for several Mercedes models.
Interior wood veneer
Wood veneer inserts in dashboards, door cards, and centre consoles degrade over decades. They crack, peel, and fade. Correct replacement veneers — matched to the original wood species and finish — restore the interior to how it looked from new. This is one of the most impactful interior improvements on any car that was originally specified with wood trim.
A note on modifications
Modern upgrades — Bluetooth radios, LED interior lighting, aftermarket steering wheels — are popular but reduce authenticity. If you want to retain originality and value, keep them reversible or avoid them altogether. A period-correct radio that's been updated internally to receive modern signals is a better choice than a modern head unit that looks wrong in the dashboard.
If you need specific trim components to restore your car correctly, check our catalogue or ask us directly.