For almost 50 years RS Panels has steadily created a global reputation for quality and craftsmanship in the restoration of three of the greatest names in motoring history – Jaguar, Aston Martin and Ferrari
Perhaps the most sweeping and ultimate accolade to the quality and skills of the company was awarded by the Jaguar Heritage Archive magazine in 2006, when its editor, Francois Prins described the Nuneaton, Warwickshire, workshops as almost a time transported capsule of the experimental workshops of Jaguar’s Browns Lane site in the 1950s.
It is for their Jaguars that Bob Smith and his son, James, and a team of time served craftsmen are probably best known. Over the years RS Panels has made bodies for the C-type, D-type, XK-SS, and the Lightweight E-type, plus ash frames and complete bodies for the legendary XK 120.
In fact an RS Panels body now far outstrips the Jaguar originals for quality and craftsmanship. This is only to be expected. Originally Jaguar’s great pride was to produce iconic sports cars and high powered saloons at a fraction of the cost of their rivals. True hand beaten panel craftsmanship was not an option for Sir William Lyons
But in today’s classic car world their value has soared and the time served team of 22 skilled workers together with Bob’s son, James, has elevated their skills to levels which the original Browns Lane could only dream about.
RS Panels has been restoring the finest classic cars for over 40 years. The company’s dedication to quality and attention to detail is recognized and accepted the world over. Customer’s cars have consistently enjoyed top honours at major concours events over the past 25 years.
While the company is probably best known for its body and paintwork, total restoration of any Jaguar car to the highest level is being completed on a regular basis.
