The wizards at minimaster once again managed to convert a pile of rust into a beautiful classic. No expense was spared on the vehicle that was a replica of one of Norman's youthdom treasures.

As per our now well-trodden process, we stripped the vehicle down putting the salvagable parts safely into store, and sourcing replacements for those too far gone. This is now becoming an artform, and minimaster's list of contacts grows ever more fibrous as we root out rare mini and Riley parts.

Once the rust had been shot blasted and cut away, there was little left of the cockpit floor and boot floor. All of this had to be replaced, with new and repair panels and specially crafted patches. This is the norm for our body specialists. The result: a "good as new" shell ready for painting.

Once the body had been rebuilt, it was then profiled, primed, and painted in our new paint shop facilities. Only the best paint (ICI-based) was used, and it was painted to the same quality both on the underside and on top of the main body.

A good layer of paint was applied, then rub-back, then another applied - this process repeated three times to give a depth of colour and smoothness of finish that only premium models can expect. Once painted, the body was sealed with Waxoyl for further protection.

The synergy of having craftsmen to build and paint the body has been our aim. The result is the ability to create "better than new" bodies that provide a solid base for a vehicle and be in great condition in five or even ten years time. This is our ethos and approach; if you're going to the effort of stripping down and rebuilding, it is better to do it once and do it well.

With the body complete, the job was then to reassemble the vehicle. The engine and gearbox, running gear and suspension were all rebuilt or replaced to a new or nearly-new specification. Again, parts for the Riley are getting increasingly difficult to find much like Mk1 and Mk2 minis.

Finally the interior was refitted, and all the coachwork added to create one of the most beautiful Elfs in the region.

Norman has been taking every opportunity to use it, and has attended a number of shows. However, soon it will be put away for the Winter, protecting it from the viciously salted Cumbrian roads.