Apprenticeship Roots
Early experience was shaped by traditional workshop practice, dyno work and deep familiarity with period fuel and ignition systems.
About Cherished Vehicle Services
Experience, engineering depth and a lifetime in cherished vehicles
Cherished Vehicle Services is built on decades of hands-on experience across vintage, classic, cherished and performance vehicles — from period carburettor and ignition systems through to modern engine management, standalone ECU calibration, restoration oversight and specialist preparation.
The aim is simple: thoughtful diagnosis, quality workmanship, clear advice and the right approach for each vehicle, whether it is a treasured road car, restoration project, competition car or specialist build.
Old-school understanding with modern capability
From workshop apprenticeship roots in the mid-1980s to worldwide tuning, restoration management and specialist support, the business is grounded in real experience rather than theory alone.
A background built from the mid-1980s
The journey began as an apprentice in an Austin Rover dealership, learning carburettors, ignition systems and dyno-based tuning at a time when practical mechanical skill and careful diagnosis mattered every day. That early grounding quickly developed into tuning 1980s rally cars, classic cars, American muscle and a broad range of specialist vehicles.
Continuous Learning
As electronic engine management became mainstream, professional training and technical study expanded into ECU systems, diagnostics and calibration.
Practical Experience
Work across road, rally, race and restoration vehicles created a rare mix of heritage understanding and modern technical capability.
From carburettors to engine management
Experience spans SU, Weber, Dellorto, Solex, Holley and Keihin carburettors, along with early injection systems such as D-Jetronic and K-Jetronic. As the industry evolved, that foundation expanded into modern engine management, standalone systems and OEM tuning environments.
Period Systems
Tuning and setup work for classic carburettors, ignition systems and mechanically sympathetic drivability improvements.
Standalone & Aftermarket
Experience with systems including AEM, Apexi, Autronic, DTA, Emerald, FAST, GEMS, MoTeC, Syvecs, Viper and Link.
OEM Calibration Tools
Broader technical work has included platforms and tuning suites such as EcuTek, Dimsport, Alientech and WinOLS.
Vehicle experience across classic, vintage and performance projects
Work has ranged from vintage and classic road cars through to specialist race and rally machinery. Examples include the 1927 Cowley, MG TA, TC and TD, naturally aspirated and supercharged classics, Porsche 911 and 912 models, Brabham F1 cars, Volvo P1800s and many more — through to modern Japanese performance cars and high-output turbocharged engine builds.
Restoration management with trusted specialist support
Restoration management is backed by a trusted network of independents specialising in metalwork, bodywork restoration and related specialist trades. Projects have included Porsche 911, BMW 2002, Ferrari California, Ferrari Dino, Lotus Carlton, Mini, MG, Rover and many others.
Discuss your vehicle, project or inspection
Whether you need diagnostics, tuning support, restoration guidance or a pre-purchase inspection, Cherished Vehicle Services offers knowledgeable, practical support built on decades of experience.