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Vintage Car Storage

For obvious reasons and peace of mind, security is high priority and of great importance to all owners of valuable cars. Wornal Business Park is a gated, secure site with strategically placed and discreet surveillance cameras.

In addition, Gentry Restorations has a comprehensive security system covering all areas of its premises, including door and movement detector sensors. If these are triggered for any reason, this activates external and internal alarm sirens. More importantly, the local police force is notified.

Following restoration, repairs or servicing work, owners often ask for their cars to be stored at the company's premises for either short or long-term periods. Gentry Restorations has accommodated these requests utilising its own, dedicated storage area. However, this facility isn't restricted to vintage Bugattis, any marque of car and even motorbike can be looked after.

Vintage Vehicle Storage

Below are the three most popular options Gentry Restorations offers as part of our 'standard' services. However, in reality, we can tailor any package to suit any owner's specific requirements. For all storage enquiries, feel free to contact the Gentry team for sound and professional advice.

STORAGE LEVEL 1 - £30.00 PER WEEK + VAT

The car is protected under an individual cotton cover and kept in a highly-secure, windowless, insulated building that enjoys minimal temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The battery can be disconnected or removed. Alternatively, it can be connected to a battery conditioner/charger if preferred. If the owner doesn't have their own battery conditioner/charger, these can be purchased for approximately £100.00 + VAT. Please be advised, this level is suitable for both long and short-term storage. If the car is to be driven periodically, the battery conditioner/charger option is highly recommended. At this level, the owner is advised and expected to check all fluid levels and tyres etc before leaving the facility. If the car is expected to be immobilised for a long period of time, owners should be aware it will probably need recommissioning before being driven.

STORAGE LEVEL 2 - £40.00 PER WEEK + VAT

The car is protected under an individual cotton cover and kept in a highly-secure, windowless, insulated building that enjoys minimal temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The battery is connected to a battery conditioner/charger (as mentioned in Storage Level 1). The car is inspected monthly for fluid leaks and tyre pressures checked. The engine is started once a month and run-up to operational temperature. In addition, all ancillary functions are checked and the wheels turned. Please be advised, this level is ideal for both long-term storage as well as for those owners who like to drive their cars periodically. Obviously, owners who choose this level of storage, will not have to check fluid levels and tyres before leaving the facility.

STORAGE LEVEL 3 - £50.00 PER WEEK + VAT

The car is protected under an individual cotton cover and kept in a highly-secure, windowless, insulated building that enjoys minimal temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The battery is connected to a battery conditioner/charger (as mentioned in both Storage Levels 1 and 2). The car is inspected monthly for fluid leaks and tyre pressures checked. The engine is started once-a-month and run-up to operational temperature. The car is then driven on dry roads for a minimum of 10 miles. During winter months, especially if the roads are wet or covered in ice/snow, the car will be put through its paces on the company's rolling road (at no extra cost). All mechanical and ancillary functions are checked, gauge readings noted and a monthly report emailed to the owner. Please be advised, this level is ideal for both long-term storage as well as for those owners who like to drive their cars periodically. Obviously, owners who choose this level of service, will not have to check anything on their car before leaving the facility.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Cleaning - before entering or re-entering the storage facility, cars can be cleaned externally as well as internally and the bodywork inspected visually - from £30.00 + VAT

Full Valet and Detailing Services - these can be arranged using tried, tested and trusted 3rd-party sub-contractors. This ensures all cars are immaculate inside and out, plus the paintwork is protected with a high-wax finish. The process not only leaves the car looking beautiful, it makes future cleaning easier. Other services are also available, from spot treatments to full Concours preparation - prices start from £100.00 + VAT for half-day/£250.00 + VAT for a full day's cleaning. Other services, including cleaning motorbikes - POA

Motorbike Storage - £15.00 PER WEEK + VAT

Worldwide Car Transportation - the company can arrange collection and delivery of cars to and from anywhere throughout Europe and the rest of the world - POA

UK Car Transportation - the company has its own discreet, enclosed and secure car transporter - POA

Labour Charges - for any work needed to be carried out within the workshop - £60.00 PER HOUR + VAT

Fuel - for Storage Levels 2 and 3 and any other problems - CHARGED AT COST + 10%

MOTs - the company always checks 'the basics' before presenting a car/motorbike for its annual test if applicable (e.g. seat belts, tyres, lights, windscreen wipers/washers and horn. The company makes a charge of one hour for a driver/rider to present the car/motorbike to the local MOT centre, wait while the test is carried out, then return it to storage. For peace of mind and emphasis on safety, it's recommended all cars/motorbikes in storage undertake such a test, even if it's not a legal requirement - £60.00 + VAT + THE PRICE OF THE MOT TEST (AT COST)

Service and Maintenance - there is nothing the company cannot overcome when it comes to solving problems with cars/motorbikes. If an owner's car/motorbike requires a service, repair or general maintenance, the company can provide an estimate/quotation upon request - Labour rate of 60.00 PER HOUR + PARTS + VAT

Rallies and Race Preparations - this is part of the company's heritage and it has prepared and supported cars that have participated in such activities in every continent of the world. If this is an owner's passion, the company can provide an estimate/quotation to prepare any car upon request - Labour rate of £60.00 PER HOUR + PARTS + VAT

Trim and Upholstery - with the company's experience as specialist restorers of vintage Bugattis, all trim and upholstery problems can be overcome. If an owner's car/motorbike requires specialist attention, the company can provide an estimate/quotation upon request - POA

Owner's Pick-Up and Drop-Off - for owners who might want to deliver or collect their own car/motorbike themselves or, simply turn-up and take their car/motorbike for a drive/ride; the company can arrange pick-ups and drop-offs to/from various stations within the local vicinity (Oxford, Bicester and Haddenham and Thame Parkway) - POA

Vehicle Administration - if an owner prefers to nominate the company as the 'registered keeper' of their car/motorbike, all DVLA correspondence will be handled by a highly-competent administration team. The company will take care of all DVLA administration requirements regarding MOTs, SORNs and Road Tax if applicable. A one-off, annual administration charge is made for this service - POA

Air-Bubble Type Shelters - unlike many competitors offering car and motorbike storage, the facility at Gentry Restorations is windowless, sound, dry and closed to the elements. In addition, it's insulated and therefore enjoys minimal temperature fluctuations throughout the year. As a consequence, the company does not believe there is a need to use individual air-bubble type shelters within its storage area. However, if an owner prefers to use one, this can be accommodated. These shelters can be purchased outright in advance or, built into the regular storage charge. Please note, prices vary depending upon the size and quality required - POA

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Access and Use of Cars or Motorbikes - the normal hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 08.00hrs to 17.00hrs. If an owner requires access to the storage facility outside of these hours, a minimum of 48 hours advanced notice is all that's required. Provided this notice period is given, no charge will be made for this element of the service.

Payment Terms for Storage - normally owners are invoiced every 4 weeks (28 days) in arrears. However, other arrangements can always be accommodated.

Payment for Additional Services - depending upon the requirements, some services will require payment in advance. Some services might necessitate stage payments and others can be paid for upon completion of the work specified/ undertaken. All quotations will clarify this before commencement of any additional service work is undertaken.

Insurance and Security - all cars/motorbikes are stored in a fully-alarmed building. The site is totally fenced and the electronically-controlled gated entrance is monitored by surveillance cameras. The storage building itself has a comprehensive security system with additional surveillance cameras, door and movement detector sensors. Finally, it also has a DualCom alarm, which is a landline and mobile communication system. If this is triggered, the system notifies the management team (who live within 10 minutes of the site) and the local police force.

Tight security is one thing but insurance is another. When placing your car or motorbike into either long or short-term storage, you should retain your own insurance and inform your insurer it's being stored. You must ensure that, whilst your car or motorbike is in storage, it and its contents are insured for fire, theft and accidental damage. Please note - most insurers offer reduced premiums for 'laid-up' or 'storage-only' cover.

Furthermore, if a car/motorbike has an extraordinary value, or any special conditions for it to be insured, then it's imperative you let us know. If required, we will try to arrange insurance cover at the best rates available, subject to a completed proposal being accepted. 

Warning - as with all insurance policies, the devil is in the detail. You should not assume your current policy, or a motor trader's policy, covers your car/motorbike for storage on remote premises, or for transportation purposes. It is essential you notify your insurance provider you intend to store your car/motorbike, or have it transported, by a specialist company. This advice isn't given to solely protect us, it's very appropriate because many companies offering such services, don't have the appropriate levels of insurance in place to adequately cover your car/motorbike. 

For even more comprehensive information regarding the company's storage facilities click here https://www.gentryrestorations.co.uk/centralcarvault/

For all storage requirements and enquiries, feel free to contact the Gentry team for sound and professional advice.