Case Study VXR220
At Allied Automotive, we often work on specialist vehicles where attention to detail is key. One of our recent projects involved a red Vauxhall VXR220, a rare and highly sought-after performance model, which had previously been repaired by a fibreglass specialist. The area of concern was the driver’s side sill, which had sustained damage and been partially restored, but the owner wanted to maintain as much of the original finish as possible while keeping the repainting area minimal.
Understanding the challenge
Fibreglass panels, like those on the VXR220, require a delicate approach. Unlike steel panels, fibreglass is more prone to cracking or distortion during repairs, and previous work can sometimes make refinishing more complicated. In this case, the prior fibreglass repair meant that the surface was not perfectly uniform, and simply repainting the entire sill would have been unnecessary and costly. The customer’s request was to keep the repair area as small as possible, which called for a precise and specialist approach.
Choosing a SMART repair solution
Given the circumstances, we recommended a SMART repair for the damaged sill. Using Small to Medium Area Repair Techniques, our team was able to focus exclusively on the affected section, carefully preparing and refinishing it without affecting the surrounding panels. This approach required meticulous surface preparation, including sanding and feathering the edges to ensure a seamless transition between the existing paintwork and the newly applied coating.
Colour matching is particularly important on a vibrant red like the VXR220, where even slight variations can be noticeable. Our refinishing team used specialist colour-matching techniques and advanced spray methods to replicate the original shade perfectly, blending the repair into the adjacent panels so that the repaired sill was indistinguishable from the rest of the car.
The result
Once complete, the SMART repair resulted in a seamless, high-quality finish. The repaired area maintained the integrity of the previous fibreglass work, while the colour and gloss matched the rest of the vehicle flawlessly. By keeping the repaint area minimal, we were able to respect the original bodywork and avoid unnecessary disruption, while still delivering a finish that met the high expectations of the car’s owner.
Why it matters
This job highlights the advantages of SMART repairs for specialist vehicles. When applied carefully by experienced technicians in a controlled environment like Allied Automotive, SMART repairs can provide exceptional cosmetic results, preserve the original panels, and offer a cost-effective alternative to full panel resprays. For rare cars like the VXR220, this precision and attention to detail are exactly what keeps the vehicle looking as it should.
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