Carjoy

Working together towards reliable classic car enjoyment

Dear customers, classic car enthusiasts and visitors,

At Carjoy, we would like to share our vision and experience after decades of working on classic cars, with a particular focus on Matra models. We do this not to enter into discussions, but to make expectations clear. After all, we all share the same goal: a reliable classic car and, above all, a lot of driving pleasure.

An important starting point is that we are dealing with cars that are often more than 40 years old. Classic cars are technically complex and consist of many systems that must function together. Think of the engine, fuel system, cooling, ignition, gearbox, clutch, exhaust, electrical system, chassis and interior. All of these components have their own age, wear and sensitivities.

Classic cars require realism

In practice, we regularly see that after solving one problem, another point of attention becomes visible. Sometimes this even happens shortly after delivery. This is not an exception, but a well-known phenomenon with classic cars. Solving one weak link can expose another link that has not yet been renewed.

How someone experiences this differs from person to person and is often related to technical knowledge and expectations. For some, this is simply part of owning a classic car, while for others it can be stressful. What we almost always see is that when a classic car eventually drives well, the driving pleasure more than makes up for everything.

Carjoy: experience and care

Carjoy was founded in 1988. Since then, quality, craftsmanship and customer focus have been central to our work. We always strive for clear communication and a proper solution when questions or problems arise.

The way people communicate has changed significantly in recent years. This is precisely why we believe it is important to be transparent about what you can expect from us and what we expect from you. Open and direct communication with our workshop is essential.

Technical knowledge, costs and expectations

A crucial question with larger jobs is: what can you realistically expect, both technically and financially?

Working on classic cars requires time, specialist knowledge and often custom work. High-quality parts are scarce and expensive, and the work cannot be compared to maintenance on modern vehicles. As a result, the actual costs and required time are often underestimated.

If you have extensive technical knowledge, you usually understand well the possibilities and limitations of a classic car. If you have less technical knowledge, it is especially important to ask questions in advance. We are always happy to explain what a repair involves, what will and will not be replaced, and what costs are involved. This is not a formality, but necessary to prevent misunderstandings and disappointment.

In practice, we notice that problems after a repair are sometimes immediately linked to the work performed, while in reality they are caused by other components that were not renewed. With classic cars, this is a known and unavoidable phenomenon.

Practical example: a rebuilt (bare) engine block

To clearly illustrate this principle, we use a rebuilt “bare” engine block as an example. This is a common and recognisable situation, but the underlying point applies just as much to other major repairs and rebuilds.

A standard rebuilt engine block consists of:

• a fully rebuilt bottom end with rotating components

• a rebuilt cylinder head

• new timing components

• a rebuilt oil pump

• correctly adjusted valve clearances

Components such as the starter motor, alternator, carburettor(s), ignition, sensors, wiring loom, cooling system, intake and exhaust system are not renewed in this configuration. These parts are transferred from the old engine.

This means that the operation of the rebuilt engine depends largely on these existing components. If, for example, the carburation, ignition, cooling or electrical system is not functioning optimally, this can also cause issues with a rebuilt engine.

A rebuilt engine block resolves internal mechanical wear, but it does not automatically eliminate all existing peripheral issues.

Warranty and responsibility

We provide warranty on the parts we supply and the work we carry out, as clearly stated on the invoice. This warranty does not automatically apply to other components that have not been replaced or rebuilt.

If, after a repair, another component that was not replaced fails, this can understandably be experienced as disappointing. However, this does not mean that there is an error in the work performed or that it falls under warranty.

That is why it is important that:

• the invoice is read carefully

• agreed actions are followed, such as oil changes or retightening cylinder head bolts

• in case of questions or problems, contact is made with us first

With new parts, minor follow-up actions may be required, such as tightening hose clamps after several heat cycles. This is part of the use of new components and falls within normal maintenance.

Classic cars and operating conditions

Classic cars are more sensitive to storage conditions and environmental influences than modern vehicles. Storage in damp environments, limited use and modern fuels containing ethanol can affect components such as braking systems and carburettors.

Regular use, proper storage and suitable fuel significantly contribute to the lifespan and reliability of your classic car.

Finally

Owning a classic car means consciously choosing technology with character and history. It also means accepting that this technology requires more attention, maintenance and sometimes additional costs.

We ask our customers to adopt a realistic attitude towards classic cars, both technically and financially. Problems may arise that are unrelated to recently performed work. This is not an exception, but part of classic car ownership.

We do our utmost to work on your car with care, craftsmanship and experience, and we communicate as clearly as possible about what you can expect. Clarity prevents disappointment and forms the basis for good cooperation.

That is our vision at Carjoy.