Why do some shops take years for a restoration?

[steve shea]

Poor business model? Disorganized? Slow subcontractor work?

Some shops are one in one out. Others have multiple projects and work from car to car. Some sole proprietor. Others with large crews. A year seems like plenty of time. But I know of many multi year restorations. I've been in the hobby for a long time and can say this is not new. Long before the current popularity of Porsches. And, I do not mean the type of shop that take on a restoration as a favor or filler work like some collision shops do. I mean dedicated high profile restoration shops.

The worst 911 I have seen, the silver 70/71 S that Alan UK did, was done in a very timely manner. The car looked gorgeous when finished. I'm not questioning the quality of work, most all of the shops do beautiful restorations. Also this is for really nice to be driven restorations. One level below concours. Not many here want to dust off the suspension it seems.

I guess I've seen too many Overhaulin' shows. Heh Heh! My friend Billy Doyle of four Cam fame, when all parts are machined and plated and ready, will assemble a roller crank and do cam timing etc. in a comparatively reasonable time. I know, same church, different pew. But there are VERY few 4 cam builders world wide and many resto shops. I'm going through a painfully slow restoration now. I know it will be great when done, but it kind of takes the fun out of it. And I am a patient person with other things to do.