Automotive Artisans

Automotive Artisans was founded by Lee Irish, who began his career at Morgan Motor Company working on the 3-Wheeler and AeroMax coupe. He subsequently spent two years in Italy helping develop the Ferrari Portofino before returning to Worcestershire to establish his own car-restoration and coachbuilding firm. The company's first project, the R33, originated through enthusiast David Hutchinson, who set out to recreate the legendary Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 Stradale. The build was initially undertaken in partnership with Pristine Panel Work (PPW), and the R33 was originally intended as a one-off commission for a single customer. After approximately five years of development, the prototype was taken to its first public event where it won Best in Show. The overwhelming response led to the decision to produce a limited run of 33 cars under the Automotive Artisans banner. The R33 is a CAD-scanned replica of the 1967 Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 Stradale — widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cars ever made, with only 18 originals built. Automotive Artisans' version pairs the classic Scaglione-designed aluminium body with modern components including a naturally aspirated Maserati-Ferrari V8, a Porsche 911-derived gearbox, and adjustable Gaz coilover suspension. The car is fully road legal under the UK's Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) scheme and is priced from approximately £540,000.