Restoration Budget Calculator

Total restoration cost from condition class and scope.

Current condition (2-6)

Target condition (1-3)

Shop labor rate ($/hr)

Vehicle complexity

Contingency (%)

Tab to move between fields

Total restoration estimate

$97,308.00

≈ 9 years of state college

Total labor cost$45,050.00

Estimated parts cost$36,040.00

Contingency reserve$16,218.00

Engine & drivetrain$12,240.00

Body & paint$32,130.00

Interior & trim$12,240.00

Total labor hours530

Estimated duration (months)3.7

How to Use This Calculator

Select current condition class (2–6) and target condition class (1–3).
Enter vehicle type and any known special requirements.
Review estimated restoration budget range for labor and parts.
Get multiple shop quotes — restoration costs vary significantly by marque and local labor rates.

How the result changes with Shop labor rate ($/hr)

Current condition (2-6): Starting condition per Hagerty scale. Condition 1 cars don't need restoration.
Target condition (1-3): Condition 1 (concours) requires far more labor in fitment, paint correction, and detailing than condition 2.
Shop labor rate ($/hr): Typical rates: $65-90 general, $90-130 marque specialist, $130-200+ concours-level shop.
Vehicle complexity: Exotic and rare cars have more expensive parts and require specialized knowledge.
Contingency (%): Budget buffer for hidden rust, unanticipated repairs, and scope creep. 15-25% is typical; 30-50% for unknown-condition cars.

Total restoration estimate: Complete estimated cost including labor, parts, and contingency.
Total labor cost: Shop labor across all restoration areas.
Estimated parts cost: Parts, materials, and consumables (typically 60-100% of labor for a full restoration).
Contingency reserve: Budget buffer for unexpected discoveries.
Engine & drivetrain: Engine rebuild, transmission, and related drivetrain work.
Body & paint: Rust repair, metalwork, bodywork, primer, paint, and color sanding.
Interior & trim: Upholstery, carpet, dash, trim, and interior chrome.
Total labor hours: Estimated shop hours across all disciplines.
Estimated duration (months): Calendar time at one full-time technician. Multiple techs can shorten this.

Identify Input Parameters
4 parameters
Current condition (2-6) = 4, Target condition (1-3) = 2, Shop labor rate ($/hr) = 85, Vehicle complexity = 1 = 5 input(s) provided
Calculate Total restoration estimate
Total restoration estimate = subtotal + contingency
97308 = $97,308
Calculate Total labor cost
Total labor cost = totalHours * laborRate
45050 = $45,050
Calculate Estimated parts cost
Estimated parts cost = totalLaborCost * partsMultiplier
36040 = $36,040