Course in Restoration of Collectible Prototypes
Online 300-hour course in restoration of collectible prototypes. 6 modules covering the Turin Charter (FIVA, 2013), the FIVA Technical Code and Artec Studio. Assigned tutor and enrolment open.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Analyse the historical and technical value of a prototype as a unique piece.
Document the condition of a prototype using photogrammetry, scanning and condition records.
Apply the minimum intervention and reversibility criteria of the Turin Charter.
Select materials and techniques compatible with the prototype's original components.
Reproduce missing parts through reverse engineering without misrepresenting the vehicle's identity.
Plan the safe commissioning of experimental mechanisms.
Design the display, custody and transport conditions for the restored prototype.
Who it's for
- Prototype restorer wishing to specialise in Restoration of collectible prototypes.
- Conservator of automotive heritage wishing to specialise in Restoration of collectible prototypes.
- Documentation technician for historic vehicles wishing to specialise in Restoration of collectible prototypes.
- Technical manager of a private collection wishing to specialise in Restoration of collectible prototypes.
- Reverse engineering specialist in unique parts wishing to specialise in Restoration of collectible prototypes.
- Vehicle authenticity consultant wishing to specialise in Restoration of collectible prototypes.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter private car collections.
What you'll work with
- Turin Charter (FIVA, 2013)
- FIVA Technical Code
- EN 16095 (condition reports for movable cultural heritage)
- EN 16853 (conservation process: decisions, planning and execution)
- EN 15898 (conservation of cultural heritage: terms)
- EN 15946 (packaging for the transport of cultural goods)
- Spanish Historical Heritage Act 16/1985
6 modules · 300 h
1.1What distinguishes a prototype from a production model1.2Design, test and competition prototypes1.3Documentary value of the unique piece1.4Risk of losing information when intervening1.5Mandatory prior research1.6Sources: archives, photographs and testimonies1.7Identification and authentication1.8Legal framework and ownership1.9Ethics of restoring unique pieces1.10Workshop: historical file of a prototype
2.1Photogrammetry and three-dimensional scanning2.2Manual dimensional survey2.3Recording of materials and finishes2.4Paint and layer analysis2.5Identification of period materials2.6Manufacturing and assembly marks2.7Cataloguing of parts2.8Digital project archive2.9Heritage documentation standards2.10Practice: complete survey of an assembly
3.1Conserve, consolidate or restore3.2Minimum intervention and reversibility3.3Distinguishability of added material3.4Criteria of the restoration charters3.5Decision to leave in the as-found state3.6Documenting what is not intervened upon3.7Decision committee and its usefulness3.8Communication with the owner3.9Recording every decision taken3.10Practice: memorandum of intervention criteria
4.1Period light alloys4.2Magnesium and its risks4.3Early fibreglass and resins4.4Structural wood and plywood4.5Historic fabrics and leathers4.6Period paints and lacquers4.7Reversible adhesives4.8Manufacturing missing parts4.9Reproduction versus conservation4.10Practice: intervention on a difficult material
5.1Deciding whether it should run again5.2Conservation of non-functional assemblies5.3Documented dismantling5.4Irreplaceable parts and their protection5.5Manufacturing sacrificial parts5.6Fluids and their compatibility5.7First start-up of a historic piece5.8Risks of driving a prototype5.9Recording hours and use5.10Practice: commissioning plan
6.1Preventive conservation conditions6.2Transport and handling6.3Insurance and valuation6.4Display and its impact on the piece6.5Maintenance in the collection6.6Publication of research6.7Relations with museums and archives6.8Common errors and irreversible losses6.9Documented real cases6.10Final project: restoration project for a prototype
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the programme with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Artec Studio, Geomagic Design X, SolidWorks, Agisoft Metashape, CollectiveAccess, in free, academic or evaluation versions. The case studies are based on real procedures for photogrammetric survey of bodywork, a workshop for restoring unique pieces, and controlled commissioning on a test bench. Assessment is continuous, module by module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Analyse the historical and technical value of a prototype as a unique piece.
Document the condition of a prototype using photogrammetry, scanning and condition records.
Apply the minimum intervention and reversibility criteria of the Turin Charter.
Select materials and techniques compatible with the prototype's original components.
Reproduce missing parts through reverse engineering without misrepresenting the vehicle's identity.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical regulation reading.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme consists of 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours a week on average, compatible with full-time work.
You will work with Artec Studio, Geomagic Design X, SolidWorks, Agisoft Metashape, CollectiveAccess. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor will indicate the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma on passing continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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