leather?So what are you guys now using for hides

I've ordered my hides for my 365 Boxer restoration from HvL (www.carinteriors.nl). Henk has bought the worldwide rights to the process Connolly used to use and can properly replicate the exact authentic hides, including imprinting patterns and all the VM colours. He has all the original Connolly samples as well. So if you want authenticity that's the place to go. Phenomenal results but obviously a bit more costly than other options.


Onno

 

Here's a pic of his samples.


Onno
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Please tell me how I can purchase these samples. I need to choose a leather for a fifties Vignale

 

You can order any kind of graining that you could order back in the day. For instance, you can ask for an 'old look' with blackened creases, which you could order back then too. Or let's say that you order VM3281, then you can have it completely smooth, with fine graining, moderate graining, heavy graining, etc... which everway you like it, just like then.

You can't. They are extremely rare. These samples were obtained when Connolly went bankrupt. So even Connolly does not have them anymore.

But what you can do is use these original samples to spec what you want.


Onno

 

Hi Everyone,
my Daytona's interior is currently done by HVL. The leather suppliued by Henk is absolutely identical to the original Connolly hydes used in the earlier times. Even under the mignifying glass there is no difference. HVL hyde is thicker and not very easy to stretch, i.e. you need a very good craftsman to do the work. The result if done properly is incredible, even the smell is like from the good old days.
HVL also supplies other materials used in the classic Ferraris.
Max.

 

What do the acronyms VM and HVL stand for ?

 

VM is a Connolly code for the leather type they used for vintage Ferraris, not sure what it stands for. I think it has something to do with the manufacturing process, there are also some non-VM codes used in vintage Ferraris, but not too many.

HvL = Henk van Lith, the name of the guy who does these quality interiors.


Onno

 

Yes, I didn't mean to imply it was for exclusive Ferrari use.


Onno

 

“VM”, for Vaumol. If you Google it you'll find lots of articles about the process and apearance.

 

I have some of Henk's samples. The ones I have are very close to the originals, which I also have. Henk will also surface (like the originals) and vat dye them. I haven't seen it yet in person, but he supposedly has replicated the VM 3218. That's the tan leather that looks dirty when new because of the black going through it. All the other reproduction 3218 I've seen hasn't come very close to the original. Of course, even the original hides varied batch to batch. Just because my original Connolly hide doesn't match a sample that Henk sent me doesn't mean it woudn't match (or more closely match) someone else's original leather. I will say Henk's stuff is very good. He has the best Daytona Hood reproduction I've seen. His webbing is very good. The quality of the leather is very good, etc. He also uses quality materials/foams inside the seat. Those that know of the stories of what they've found inside their seats when they take them apart will appreciate that statement. I only wish he was in the United States so I wouldn't have to send my interiors to Europe.

Steve

 

You could try Leffler Leathers in Kensington Melbourne. I think they stock or have access to the vintage connolly leathers for Australia. www.leffler.com.au

 

Hi Max,

I was at Henk's place 2 weeks ago, your car is coming out really great, henk and me will visit a friend soon who has an all original daytona which his father bought in the seventies from the 1st owner, the interior is still like it was delivered new from the factory , Henk wants the be sure of everything what he is doing the correct thing is.

 

I just received 21 hides from HvL for several restorations I have going on. Black, red and tan. I must say the leather is beautiful and should look fantastic when finished. I will admitt though that the tan does have that dirty look as original that I never cared for but Henk insists its as the original Connolly was. Everything I've ever bought from HvL has been first rate and as promised. Henk spends alot of time in research and money to supply only the finest and correct product. He really knows his stuff.
Norbert

 

Hi Toto,
thanks for that. I am looking forward to seeing the finished interior.

Hi Steve,
"I haven't seen it yet in person, but he supposedly has replicated the VM 3218. That's the tan leather that looks dirty when new because of the black going through it. All the other reproduction 3218 I've seen hasn't come very close to the original."........."I only wish he was in the United States so I wouldn't have to send my interiors to Europe."
HVL's VM 3218 looks excellent!!
Max.

 

Is it possible to date those sample books - for example what years the book saying 'leather by connolly' represents ?

 

Perhaps best to get in touch with him yourself?

http://www.hvl-autobekleding.nl/index.htm


Onno

 

I must mention that following on from this thread I followed up HVL regarding the VM Leathers for use in the Lusso restoration that I am currently completing. I have just received my leather in the original Pelle Nuvola (French Blue) and am very happy with the result. They are prepared in the original way i.e. painted on one side, original hide on the rear. The colour and aroma of the leather is very good with a slight shine to the surface. As you say above the leather is thicker than normal and will require more work to achieve the desired finish. Henk from HVL was very good to deal with and helped supply many of the other period materials to complete the interior. Anyone contemplating an original restoration should have a talk with Henk.

 

I hate to interupt this Connelly love fest, but the stuff is way over-rated in my book. B quality with an A+ reputation.

I always thought Bridge of Wier was superior by a lot.

Also, Spinneybeck, an Italian leather, is far nice than Connnelly. In fact, if my info is correct, Ferrari used Spinneybeck on its high end cars (America, SuperAmerica, SuperFast) erc.

 

Color records published for example in FML articles years back show almost all 400 SuperAmerica with Connolly VM hides, with a few exceptions noting Franzi, at least one Bridge of Weir, etc. 500 SuperFast similar, mostly Connolly. Do not have 410SA list at hand, but Spinneybeck does not come to mind as common. Pininfarina was likely the primary guidance on color and material for these cars, not necessarily Ferrari itself. (This is not a comment on comparative quality.)

 

I don't think there's a lovefest going on - it's what was originally in these cars and if I were to restore a classic/vintage Ferrari then that's what I would want, regardless of whether it was the best leather around.


Onno