ACI and ACI Storico present the Charter of Principles for the restoration, conservation and protection of automobiles
19.06.2024
“I have always perceived the profound responsibility of preserving the historical automotive heritage of our country: a collective treasure that tells stories of innovation, challenges, sporting victories and social evolutions”. This is what the President of the Automobile Club of Italy and ACI Storico, Angelo Sticchi Damiani, declared, illustrating the Charter of principles for the Restoration, Conservation and Protection of the Automobile, a fundamental document that reflects the values of ACI and ACI Storico.
“In an era in which – continued Sticchi Damiani – technological progress develops at exponential rates, it is increasingly essential to anchor our future to a solid awareness of the past. Every historic automobile preserved and restored is a chapter in this rich tale that we must protect and pass on.”
In his greeting message, the Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, spoke of the Charter as “an achievement of high symbolic value not only for historical motoring, but for the entire Italian culture”.
“From today – underlined Sangiuliano – works of art such as cars can be told and handed down to future generations through a document that finally recognizes their historical, cultural and identity value. Historic vehicles are therefore a special “cultural asset” – concludes the Minister – which deserves to be safeguarded in its original aesthetic and historical value”.
Ten principles of restoration enshrined in the Charter:
1. Thorough planning
Evaluation of the state of the car, to be carried out with the utmost precision, to identify the parts that need intervention and choose the methods that most respect the history of the vehicle, according to a conservative approach.
2. Respect for history and authenticity
In-depth research to acquire detailed information on the history and characteristics of the car, to determine the model, equipment, production date, any original paint, and significant events in which the car participated.
3. I use original or faithful to the original components
Identify and use original or original-equivalent components to ensure the authenticity of the car.
4. Careful and documented disassembly
Meticulous disassembly – photographically documenting each step and carefully labeling each component – to provide clear guidance for the subsequent reassembly phase.
5. Traditional techniques and craftsmanship
High-level craftsmanship skills and traditional manufacturing techniques, dating back to the production era of the car being restored, contribute to preserving the aesthetic and technical authenticity of the vehicle.
6. Compliance with the original specifications
Compliance with the manufacturer’s original specifications, fundamental both in the choice of parts and components and in the correct application of colours, materials and finishes in line with the specifications of the model and year of production of the car and in compliance with current regulations.
7. Balance between authenticity and functionality
Guarantee the safety and reliability of the car, updating critical components (brakes, suspensions, electrical system…) and carefully balancing the preservation of the original with adaptation to contemporary regulations and needs of use.
8. Quality control and road test
In-depth quality control – to verify the correct installation and functionality of each component – and final road test, to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions and the overall performance of the car.
9. Continuous maintenance and conservation
Detailed guidance on scheduled maintenance after restoration – to guide the owner in proper maintenance, protecting the car from the effects of time and use – and proper conservation practices – such as storage environment and correct use – essential to avoid future damage to the car.
10. Transparent communication with the owner
Transparency in communication with the owner and/or client. Regular consultation, sharing of key decisions and the active participation of the owner in the decision-making stages help to ensure that the restoration fully reflects both the requirements of authenticity and originality and the client’s expectations. At the end of the work, a dossier will be issued to the customer which collects all the information and processes used during the restoration. Finally, each restorer must keep a copy of the dossier of the cars on which he has worked.