A passion for perfection

On the outskirts of Brummen, a small town in the Netherlands, lies the remarkable company ‘Gallery Aaldering’. The name suggests an art dealer, and in many ways this specialist in high-end classic cars is exactly that. Before any vehicle takes its place in the showroom as a gleaming work of art, extensive work has taken place in the workshops to restore each car to optimal condition, both aesthetically and mechanically.

Aaldering has been a true family business since 1975, buying and selling classic and vintage cars with genuine dedication. Across four floors, around 350 vehicles are on display, while a Grand Café and dedicated spaces for business events complete the experience. In total, the company maintains a stock of approximately 450 cars, each with its own story, history and distinctive character.

A technical masterpiece

Preparing a car for its future owner involves far more than a superficial inspection or simply adjusting tyre pressure. Every vehicle is meticulously inspected by technicians in the company’s two workshops, with any deviation from the original specification carefully restored in full detail. Jerry Trentelman, workshop manager, explains the challenges he and his team face on a daily basis. 

“Every classic car has its own peculiarities that you need to understand in order to bring it back to its best condition. Because the original designers invested such a high level of attention and craftsmanship into these vehicles, we as technicians are dealing with a significant degree of complexity. You could almost call them over-engineered, which in itself makes them technical works of art, especially when it comes to prototypes.” 

Jerry Trentelman fine-tuning a classic car component. Precision and experience are essential to restore original performance.

At the same time, this complexity is precisely what makes the work engaging. Trentelman continues: “During repairs, you might be working with a handful of small rings, springs and pawls that need to be assembled into a functioning switch. It takes considerable experience to fully understand different makes and models. Based on my own experience, I can often ‘feel’ with my elbow how to fine-tune a specific engine or component under the bonnet. There’s no software support here. And if a part is no longer available and cannot be sourced anywhere, I simply make it myself.”

Interflon

Aaldering expects the same level of expertise and specialisation from its suppliers of parts and consumables. “We use standard Interflon products such as the universal grease Interflon Fin Grease for general lubrication applications, and the dry lubricant Interflon Fin Super, which penetrates even hard-to-reach areas to lubricate, clean and protect. For a specific challenge, Interflon also delivered a bespoke solution in the form of additives that enhanced the properties of standard engine oil exactly where required.” An ideal solution for a unique challenge.

Go to the website of Gallery Aaldering