When a classic Ferrari 250 GT sells for over $20 million at auction, what are people really paying for? It’s not just the engine or the badge. It’s the car’s story, its history, and its originality. For the growing number of collectors here in Dubai, where the classic car market is hotter than ever, authenticity is everything. But here’s the hard truth: the biggest threat to that investment might be a well-meaning detailer who treats your classic like a modern supercar.

The fact is, the powerful compounds and aggressive polishing techniques designed for a 2025 model can permanently ruin the delicate finish of a vintage car. Most cars built before the 1990s have what’s called single-stage paint. It’s softer and reacts completely differently to Dubai’s extreme UV index and humidity. A standard approach doesn’t just polish this kind of paint; it can strip it away, erasing the car’s history and its value right along with it.

This is why we developed our “Time Capsule” philosophy. It’s not just a service; it’s a specialized form of car detailing that uses modern science to protect a classic car’s originality, not erase it.

The Preservationist’s Touch: Modern Science for Vintage Paint

Working on a classic car is less like a typical detail and more like being a museum curator. The first rule is to forget everything about modern, aggressive polishing. We’re dealing with single-stage paint—a finish that doesn’t have the separate, rock-hard clear coat found on today’s cars.

This is where science and a respect for the past come together. Before any polishing machine touches the car, we use a paint depth gauge to take precise measurements across every panel. This data tells us exactly how many microns of original paint we have to work with. We’re not guessing. The goal isn’t to make a 50-year-old car look like it just rolled off the assembly line. It’s to gently lift away decades of oxidation, reviving the original color and character without stripping away its history. It’s a meticulous process that a standard car detailing service simply isn’t equipped for.  

Sealing the Time Capsule: Advanced Protection for Classic Materials

Once we’ve carefully brought that original finish back to life, it has to be shielded from the very elements that make Dubai’s climate so harsh. This is where we bring in modern protective science, specifically chosen to be safe for vintage materials.

• UV Protection for Irreplaceable Paint: To fight back against Dubai’s extreme UV index, which often hits a dangerous 11+, we apply a professional-grade ceramic coating like Gtechniq Crystal Serum Ultra. For a classic car, its most important job isn’t just adding gloss; it’s the fact that it blocks 99% of UV rays. Think of it as a powerful sunscreen that prevents the sun from fading those priceless, original pigments.
• Shielding Original Chrome: The high humidity along the coast is a constant enemy of classic brightwork. While chrome itself doesn’t rust, the moment the thin plating is compromised, the steel underneath starts to corrode almost immediately. Our process involves gently polishing the original chrome to remove any pitting and then applying a dedicated sealant. This creates an invisible barrier that locks out moisture, preserving that mirror finish and stopping corrosion in its tracks.

More Than a Detail, It’s Curatorship

In the end, working on a classic car is an act of curatorship. It takes specialized knowledge, a deep respect for originality, and the careful use of modern science to protect and preserve. It’s about using paint depth gauges to make informed decisions and applying advanced ceramic coatings to shield a car’s history from the elements. That is the “Time Capsule” philosophy.  

Your classic car is more than just a vehicle; it’s an appreciating asset and a rolling piece of history. To make sure it gets the expert care it deserves, partner with fellow enthusiasts who understand what makes it special. Consult with the preservation experts at RMA PPF to create a bespoke plan that will protect your automotive icon for generations to come.