In addition to watches, Samuel Dominique is also active in the classic automotive industry. Due to the love for engineering, cars have always been a major interest and therefore I have been expanding my portfolio with the restoration of classic cars. The main focus is on 4×4 icons as you can see in the project overview below.
Fiat Panda 4x4 Trekking 1994
The Fiat Panda 4×4 is the ultimate Italian 4×4 classic. Built to be lightweight and to be able to reach every mountain top, but without breaking the bank.
This particular model is a LHD with a 1.1L petrol (FIRE) engine. It has only driven 104.000 KM which is low compared to most offered for sale at the time of writing. The engine is very simple and reliable so the perfect car for adventures. The Panda has been imported from Switzerland. It was originally sold at a dealership in St. Moritz, the famous luxury ski resort destination. There it was used by a local guide to get through the rough mountains.
The project lasted for a few months and included a full technical restoration, new paint job in the original colour and an updated interior. Almost every part of this car has been renewed or revised. It has been lifted by 3 cm and the suspension has been changed for a heavy duty set. For future rallies, LED lights, a roof rack, mud flaps and lamp protection has been fitted. Protective aluminium plates, recovery hooks and fire extinguishers have been placed for safety. For the Sahara desert dust, a raised air intake has been installed as well.
In the meantime this car has been used for an extensive expedition through the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert. In addition, it will be a contender in the official 2025 PANDA RAID in North Africa.
Pictures of the project before purchase below
Land Rover Series 3 88' 1979
My first Land Rover restoration project was a 1979 Land Rover Series 3 with a 88 inch wheelbase. A left hand drive (LHD) with a 2.25L petrol engine.
Originally delivered to the Dutch army in Limestone and kept as low milage. The choice for a LHD petrol was due to the regulations of the Dutch government: you pay no road taxes and have access to the major cities (not allowed with diesel engines).
The project lasted approx. 6 months including the technical restoration and a new paint job on the body, interior and wheels.
Pictures of the project before purchase below
Land Rover 109 V8 (Stage 1) 1979
My fourth Land Rover restoration project is a 1979 Land Rover Stage One V8 with a 109 inch wheelbase. A LHD with a 3.5L V8 petrol engine that was originally developed by Buick in the 60’s. This car was originally delivered in the Netherlands in Inca Yellow and will be fully restored in this colour with black wheels.
“Stage 1” refers to the first stage of investment by the British Government in the company to improve the Land Rover and Range Rover product offerings to counter the aforementioned market challenges, and were a transitional development on the way to the coil-sprung Land Rover 90 and 110. The use of the Range Rover engine and drive train made it the only Series III vehicle to have permanent four-wheel drive.
The project is currently in progress and will including a technical restoration, new paint job in original colour, new interior and a custom crew cab layout.
Ongoing project - pictures will be uploaded in a later stage
Fiat Panda 1000CL 1991
The Fiat Panda always has been one of my favourite cars due to “working horse” nature and low costs. Combine this with a boxy design and a few good commercials and you get this very lovable car.
This particular model was a LHD with a 1.0L petrol (FIRE) engine.
Indestructible and just enough power to get up the Italian countryside hills. It had driven only 40.000 KM which is very rare for its age.
No pre-purchase pictures available
Land Rover Series 3 88' 1979
My second Land Rover restoration project was again a 1979 Land Rover Series 3 with a 88 inch wheelbase. A LHD with a 2.25L petrol engine.
Originally delivered in the Netherlands in pastel blue. The choice for a LHD petrol was due to the regulations of the Dutch government: you pay no road taxes and have access to cities (not allowed with diesel engines).
The project lasted approx. 15 months including the technical restoration and a new paint job on the body, interior and wheels.
Pictures of the project before purchase below
Land Rover Series 3 88' 1979
My third Land Rover restoration project was again a 1979 Land Rover Series 3 with a 88 inch wheelbase. A LHD with a 2.25L petrol engine.
Very unique to this car is the pick-up roof. This was very uncommon for a 88 inch Land Rover and had to be purchased together with a special lay-over galvanized bar. This way the pick-up roof also fitted the 88 inch body since the seating arrangement was different in a 109 pick-up.
Originally delivered to the French army in bronze green. The restoration included the wheels to be limestone and a full new body paint in the original bronze green. Also the pick-up roof was restored and will make this a unique and recognisable 88″.
The interior is also completely renewed. New seats from Exmoor trim and a full insulation kit make this Land Rover a very pleasant tourer without losing all of its off road capabilities. The roof was also insulated to reduce sound in the cabin.
The project lasted approx. 15 months including the technical restoration and a new paint job on the body, interior and wheels.
Pictures of the project before purchase below
