Automotive Restoration Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis By Vehicle Type (Classic Cars, Muscle Cars, Vintage Cars, Luxury & Sports Cars, and Others), By Restoration Level (Full Restoration, Partial Restoration, Mechanical Restoration Only, Interior Restoration Only, and Exterior Restoration Only), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global automotive restoration market is expanding due to rising demand for preserving classic vehicles. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are 890,000 classic cars in the market waiting to be restored. People looking for genuine restored cars and 3D printing as a resource for hard-to-find parts are encouraging the growth of the classic car industry. North American markets gain from an extensive infrastructure, since the U.S. Department of Commerce confirms that there are 1,640 licensed restoration workshops in the region. All of these factors together help raise the market, welcoming both seasoned collectors and people who are entering the car restoration industry.

Automotive Restoration Market Driver

Rising Enthusiast Interest Drives Demand for Classic Car Restorations

Constant growth in the demand for classic car restorations moves the market forward. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 890,000 classic cars are being restored these days, reflecting how much enthusiasts like them. Besides, the Department of Commerce shares there are 1,640 licensed repair workshops in North America, which promotes the market’s growth. By displaying at events, restorers increase the knowledge and new ideas in the field. Special programs funded by the government, such as 32 vintage vehicle preservation programs in the U.S., are also part of it. So, the favorable conditions motivate hobbyists and professional restorers alike to help increase the size of the market.

Automotive Restoration Market Restraint

High Restoration Costs and Limited Part Availability Restrain Market Growth

The costs to repair and availability of parts are making it more difficult for the market to expand. The annual report issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation states that 5,300 required permits point to the added challenges from regulations. The NHTSA points out that many people hesitate to upgrade as it costs much to get rare parts and skilled workers. It is also challenging to fix environmental problems since rules for emissions differ widely among regions. As these get in the way, consumers who cannot pay higher prices are missing out, so the market does not expand as quickly as the high demand for restoration could suggest.

Automotive Restoration Market Opportunity

Electrification of Classic Cars Unlocks Sustainable Growth Opportunities

Working on classic cars with electricity is a smart and sustainable chance to expand. $45 million in grants for restoring historic vehicles is being funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. There are 680,000 classic vehicles that can be restored in Japan, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism. People in emerging markets are enjoying increased earnings and are becoming more enthusiastic about cars. Combined with technological progress, these trends make the market steady and attractive to both main-stream and environmentally aware people.

Segmentation

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Key Industry Trends
• Overview of Regulatory Scenario across Key Countries
• Key Industry Developments
• Growth Opportunities in Emerging Markets

Analysis By Vehicle Type

By Vehicle Type, the Automotive Restoration Market is divided into Classic Cars, Muscle Cars, Vintage Cars, Luxury & Sports Cars & Others. 

The market is expected to be heavily influenced by Classic Cars due to their past importance and huge fan base among collectors. As of the U.S. Census Bureau’s report, 890,000 classic vehicles are currently being registered for restoration in the U.S. Muscle Cars are predicted to grow greatly, thanks to the high number of fans and their presence at car events.

Analysis By Restoration Level

By Restoration Level, the Automotive Restoration Market is divided into Full Restoration, Partial Restoration, Mechanical Restoration Only, Interior Restoration Only, Exterior Restoration Only. 

The Full Restoration segment is predicted to hold the largest share, since it thoroughly restores the cars to ensure they are just like before. Partial Restoration is becoming more popular among people who want to fix specific problems without spending a lot.

Regional Analysis

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Based on geography, the market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America controls the automotive restoration market mainly due to its powerful car culture and well-built infrastructure. The region’s 1,640 licensed workshops are operated by 13,800 certified technicians certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, says the U.S. Department of Commerce. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are 890,000 classic vehicles that are licensed for restoration, demonstrating how hot this hobby is. Programs such as 32 vintage vehicle preservation programs by the National Park Service help boost the industry. This interest is increased by events like the SEMA Show, so North America stands out as the main place for restoration services and innovations in the industry.

The automotive restoration market is mostly supported by Europe’s abundant automotive culture. The European Automobile Manufacturers Association indicates that in Europe, there are 760,000 vintage cars registered for restoration. Due to outstanding craftsmanship and efforts to maintain heritage vehicles, demand for such cars has gone up, and there are now 74 guilds and associations helping to grow the industry. It is estimated that the European Union allocates €18 million each year for cultural restoration of cars (European Commission), which demonstrates strong support by the institutions. Thorough tests and rules (over 100,000 each year, European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation) ensure that classic vehicles are of high quality, which is important for Europe’s restoration industry.

The Asia Pacific area is showing promising growth in the automotive restoration business. There are 680,000 classic cars in Japan that can be restored and fixed (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism). Antique car restoration is encouraged in China by grants set up by the Ministry of Science and Technology, which supports market progress. As more people have extra cash and want classic cars, the market is growing quickly in China and India. Around 1.2 million restoration parts are sent from the region each year (General Administration of Customs of China), which means the supply chain is expanding. Thanks to 27 state-run training courses offered by the Japan Patent Office (JPO), Asia Pacific is set to make a big contribution to the world restoration market.

Key Players Covered

The report includes the profiles of the following key players:

• American Auto Restoration (U.S.)
• Automotive Restorations Inc (U.S.)
• Hahn Auto Restoration (U.S.)
• Collector Car Services (U.S.)
• Precision Restorations (U.S.)
• Farland Classic Restoration Inc (U.S.)
• Innovative Restorations Inc (U.S.)
• Armadillo Auto Restoration (U.S.)
• Classic Car Restoration Club (U.S.)
• Rod Authority (U.S.)
• Vintage Air (U.S.)
• Ringbrothers (U.S.)
• Mcburnie Coachcraft (Canada)
• Alaniz Customs (U.S.)
• Icon 4x4 (U.S.)
• Socal Speed Shop (U.S.)
• Bruce Canepa Design (U.S.)
• West Coast Customs (U.S.)
• A Restoration (U.S.)
• Kindigit Design (U.S.)
• Detroit Speed (U.S.)
• Easy Rod Custom (U.S.)
• Classic Revival (U.K.)
• Hagerty, Inc. (U.S.)
• Rk Motors Charlotte (U.S.)
• C&N Classic Car Restorations (U.K.)
• Classic Motor Cars (U.K.)
• E.C.D. Automotive Design (U.S.)
• Rm Sotheby's (Switzerland)
• Muscle Car Restorations, Inc. (U.S.)
• Finch Restorations (U.S.)
• Schad Originale (Germany)
• Canepa (U.S.)
• Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera S.R.L. (Italy)
• Auto Storica (Japan)
• Garage Yoshida Co., Ltd. (Japan)

Key Industry Developments

• In June 2023, Classic Industries introduced a new collection of restoration parts, such as the 1967 Nova SS Trunk Lid Molding, to give customers what they need in terms of quality products.
• In May 2023, SEMA’s Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), aimed to improve standards and hosted several events for likeminded enthusiasts and workers.