RESTORATION SERVICES MALTON COACHWORKS
The
Trimshop
Automotive upholstery for classic, vintage, and prestige interiors. Hand-stitched. Precisely crafted. Built to last.
5
IN-HOUSE DEPARTMENTS
100+
MARQUES RESTORED
16
YEARS ESTABLISHED
1
SITE. ONE TEAM
BESPOKE & RESTORING
Crafted for the character of each car
With deep respect for original design and craftsmanship, we meticulously restore interiors and offer fully bespoke leather solutions tailored to each vehicle’s individual character. From hand-stitched leather seats and door cards to headliners, carpets, and weather equipment, every detail is crafted using the finest materials — combining traditional and modern techniques in equal measure.
Whether preserving factory originality or reimagining an interior with custom colours, hides, and finishes, our skilled team works with absolute precision and care. The result is an interior that enhances the value, comfort, and driving experience of your vehicle.
01
Leather Seats & Door Cards
Full leather seat and door card restoration or retrim using the finest hides. Period-correct patterns, pipings, and stitching replicated to factory specification or developed to your brief.
02
Headliners & Carpets
Headlinings replaced or restored using appropriate period materials — wool, vinyl, or Alcantara — with all fittings and trims reinstated. Carpets cut and bound to original templates.
03
Weather Equipment
Hood repairs and replacements for convertibles, including hoods, tonneau covers, and sidescreens. Fabric selected to match original specifications.
04
Bespoke Commissions
For owners with a clear vision, we execute custom interior commissions — bespoke colour combinations, contrast stitching, embossed details, and non-standard hides. Samples are provided before work commences.
THE TRIM PROCESS
An interior as considered as the car itself
The interior of a classic car is as much a part of its character as its bodywork or mechanicals. An ill-fitting trim, mismatched hide, or incorrect stitching pattern will undermine even the finest exterior restoration.
Our trim team work exclusively on classic, vintage, and prestige vehicles. That specialism means every decision — from hide thickness to stitch spacing — is made with the vehicle’s era and character in mind.
01 / ASSESS
Condition Assessment
Every project begins with a thorough inspection of existing materials, stitching, foam, and framework — photographed and documented before any work begins.
02 / STRIP
Strip & Template
Interior components are carefully stripped and original panels used as templates. Where originals are absent, patterns are developed from reference material and marque knowledge.
03 / MATERIALS
Material Selection
Hides, cloths, and trims are selected in consultation with the owner. Samples provided. For concours projects, period-correct materials are sourced from specialist suppliers.
04 /FITTING
Cut & Stitch
All panels are cut by hand and stitched to the original or agreed pattern. Piping, pleating, and detailing completed at this stage with absolute precision.
05 /COMMISSIONING
Fit & Finish
Completed panels are fitted to the vehicle, all ancillary trims reinstated, and the interior inspected in full before handover. Final conditioning applied to all leather surfaces.
CONNOLSING
Restoring leather without losing its soul
Connolising is the traditional and highly specialised process of restoring leather interiors to their original appearance, texture, and character — while preserving the integrity of the hide. Used extensively in classic, vintage, and luxury vehicles, this meticulous technique revives worn, faded, or damaged leather without compromising authenticity.
Colours are carefully matched to factory specifications or blended to suit aged interiors where originality is paramount. Connolising is ideal for seats, door panels, dashboards, consoles, and trim — offering a sympathetic alternative to retrimming.
It is the preferred method for concours restorations and for owners who value originality, craftsmanship, and historical accuracy above all else.
01
Factory-matched or sympathetically blended
Connolising is as much about colour as it is about condition. Each hide is hand-finished to match the original factory tone, accounting for the subtle shifts that decades of light, wear and care have introduced.
02
Original leather retained in full
The strength of Connolising lies in what it saves, not what it replaces. Where retrimming removes the leather that a car left the factory with. Original stitching, panel shapes and the natural patina built up over decades all remain intact.
03
Preferred method for judged restorations
At the highest level of judging, originality is everything. Concours panels reward cars that retain their factory components, finishes and materials — and an original interior, properly preserved, carries far greater weight than one that has been retrimmed. This is why Connolising remains the preferred method for concours-level restoration.
03
Sympathetic and significantly more efficient
A full retrim is a significant undertaking. It calls for entirely new hides, fresh stitching and the careful fitting of every panel — a process that, while sometimes the only option, asks a great deal in materials and labour. Connolising works with the leather already in the car, restoring rather than replacing.
SEAT REPAIRS
Seamless repairs that respect originality
Our seat repair service restores comfort, appearance, and structural integrity to worn or damaged seats while preserving the originality of your vehicle’s interior. From minor cosmetic issues to more extensive repairs, we apply specialist techniques to achieve seamless, long-lasting results.
Where originality is critical, repairs are carried out sympathetically to avoid unnecessary retrimming — helping preserve both authenticity and vehicle value. High-quality materials and flexible repair compounds ensure repairs blend naturally with the surrounding upholstery, retaining the original grain and finish.
Split, cracked and worn leather or upholstery. Damaged stitching and bolster wear. Burns, scuffs, and colour loss. Foam padding reshaped or replaced to restore proper support and seating comfort.
Ready to discuss your vehicle?
Tell us about your project — no obligation. Our team is happy to advise on any make, era, or scope of work.