A Ferrari car restoration business set up by a Chelmsford man is racing ahead thanks to work from Essex-based car owners.

GTB Restorations has nearly doubled its number of projects this year.

The company also secured a prestige first in class win in the Ferrari Grand Touring category with a 250 PF at The Warren Classic and Supercar Show 2017, near Maldon.

The co-founder of the business is Chris Withers, who grew up in Chelmsford. His father, Hugh Withers, owned three hardware stores and had a passion for cars and racing which he shared with his two sons, Chris and Barry (who owned Chelmsford Auto Accessories).

Chris and his son Mike make up the senior team of master craftsmen who restore the Italian classics, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo and Maserati. The business intends to move up a gear as the market for meticulous, historical car restoration soars.

Chris said: “Without my father’s entrepreneurial spirit and his affinity for classic cars, our business would probably not be what it is today.

“Many people in Chelmsford will remember him – he was central to the work of the Essex Chamber of Commerce - and this specialist car business is part of his legacy.

“We think he would be proud to see the next generation keeping up his good work.”

GTB Restorations has recently moved into new premises near Stowmarket to cope with the uplift in new projects – focusing on cars from the 1950s to the mid 1990s.

Mike Withers said: “Ferrari has enjoyed a much higher profile this year than any other with the 70th birthday celebrations - including the grand-scale Lancaster parade this summer through Colchester.

“As a business we have seen added interest in classic Ferrari ownership and refurbishment with many owners finding outdated cars that they want stripping back down to their original best.

“The cars are highly sought after as investments as they bring solid returns across the board, with some changing hands more frequently than ever before.

“For owners, the Ferrari is the badge of honour. It’s a very personal thing and we appreciate how much these cars mean to the people who look after them for themselves and for future generations to enjoy.”

The UK is the second biggest market for Ferrari cars to the US. According to research into the nation’s car-buying habits, Essex is one of the counties with the highest proportion of the Italian motors.