Our new state of the art 12,000 square foot facility provides customers with a premier destination to store their specialist vehicle. We have a capacity for 130 cars, with other bays available for preparation work. The facility is fully managed with each car provided with a soft breathable Classic Additions and C-TEK battery conditioner. Naturally our buildings are protected by state of the art security and fire alarms.
We cater for a range of clients, from those with individual cars, to those with more vehicles who require a comprehensive collection management concierge service. Whether it's a cherished Mini or a concours grade F40, all vehicles will receive the finest levels of care and attention to ensure your pride and joy is maintained to preserve its value and condition.
We offer a bespoke service managing the routine maintenance and servicing of your car to ensure your vehicle is ready to be used whenever you require throughout the year. Talk to us about your specific requirements and we can tailor a bespoke package to reflect your needs.
Storage Process
1. Your Car Arrives
Whether collected by our team or delivered by you to our brand-new Great Tey facility, your car is now within our secure environment.
2. The Handover Bay
Unlike many facilities, our inspection and preparation area is fully on-site. Under the direct supervision of our Operations Manager, Richard Eniffer, your vehicle is moved into the dedicated assessment bay to begin its transition into our care.
3. Maintenance Wash
Storage is only as good as the surface beneath the cover. If required, the vehicle undergoes a storage wash to remove road salts and grit.
4. Pre-Storage Inspection
Our thorough pre-storage inspection ensures your car is stored correctly from day one. We document the general condition, check tyre pressures, vital fluids and perform an initial health check on the battery.
5. Transparent Reporting
Communication is key. We share the results of our inspection with you directly. If anything requires attention—from a low fluid level to a more significant maintenance item—we will provide a clear quote for any work to be carried out on-site before the car is tucked away.
6. The Acclimatisation Phase
To ensure no moisture is trapped against the paintwork or within the chassis, we allow for a 24-hour "air-dry" period. This allows the car to reach a stable temperature.
7. Photographic Documentation
Prior to moving to its dedicated bay, your car is photographed to document its condition. We can provide these images to you for peace of mind so you can see exactly how your vehicle is being looked after.
8. Brake & Engine Cycle
Before final positioning, we perform a controlled brake cycle to remove any surface oxidation from the air-drying process. This also allows the engine to reach full operating temperature one final time, ensuring oil is circulated and the exhaust system is clear of moisture.
9. Positioning In The Hall
Your vehicle is moved to its dedicated, spacious bay. In our environment, we store cars with the driver’s window slightly ajar to facilitate airflow through the cabin, and the handbrake is left off to prevent the pads from binding to the discs.
10. The Finishing Touches
We "tuck the car in" using a Classic Additions Supersoft breathable cover—widely regarded as the industry gold standard for paint protection. Finally, we connect a C-TEK battery conditioner to maintain a trickle of power, and place a dedicated oil drip tray if necessary underneath as a final safeguard for our pristine facility floor.
At Colne Car Storage, we understand that a modern supercar requires a different care regime than a pre-war classic. That is why we don’t believe in "one size fits all." Prior to arrival at our Great Tey facility, Operations Manager Richard Eniffer will work with you to create a bespoke maintenance schedule that suits your car’s specific needs. While every plan is unique, our standard care includes:
Daily / Site Supervision
Your vehicle remains protected under its Classic Additions Supersoft cover to prevent any environmental contact. Richard performs a comprehensive daily site walk-over, manually inspecting the facility to ensure the environment remains secure for your vehicle.
Weekly / Technical Checks
Precision is in the details. Once a week, we perform a physical check of your C-TEK battery conditioner to ensure the charging cycle is optimal.
Bi-monthly / The "Active Storage" Cycle
Every 60 days (or at an interval agreed upon in your bespoke plan), your car undergoes its active maintenance check:
- Visual Inspection: The Supersoft cover is removed for a full body and interior inspection.
- Engine Exercise: The engine is started and brought up to full operating temperature to ensure seals remain lubricated and the exhaust system is cleared of moisture.
- Movement: The vehicle is moved within the facility to rotate the tyre contact patches, preventing flat spots and ensuring the braking system remains free.
- Reporting: Once Richard has personally approved the check, the car is tucked back into its bay, and a status update is available for your peace of mind.
Beyond Storage: Total Peace of Mind
Owning a performance or classic vehicle should be about the drive, not the logistics. Our additional services are designed to take the burden of maintenance off your shoulders. Whether it’s routine upkeep or cosmetic enhancement, we manage the entire process through our network of trusted specialists, saving you time and ensuring your vehicle receives expert care.
Service & Maintenance
We take the hassle out of the "admin" side of ownership. We can coordinate and oversee:
- Servicing & MOTs: Arranged through your preferred main dealer or our network of vetted independent specialists.
- Mechanical Logistics: We manage the bookings, deadlines, and quality control so you don't have to.
Vehicle Transportation
Movement is handled with total discretion and security. Covered Trailers: We provide fully enclosed transportation to ensure your vehicle remains protected from the elements and road debris during transit to and from our facility or your chosen specialist.
Cosmetic Excellence
Keep your vehicle in concours condition with our professional finishing services:
- In-House Detailing: Our specialist in-house detailer is available for everything from a maintenance wash to full paint correction.
- Paint Protection Film (PPF): High-grade stone chip and scratch protection applied by our expert partners.
- Wheel Refurbishment: Restoration of alloy wheels to factory-fresh standards.
- Paintwork & Body: Professional paint repairs and bodywork managed via our trusted coachworks partners.
