HCS is the future
for vintage cars
When you understand vintage car history,
you can define its future.
We're blessed to work on these unique period cars
which sculpted the car industry to where it is now.
Keeping this legacy alive is what we do.
Defining our future by knowing our past
Our business
Historic Competition Services is specialised in the restoration, renovation, recreation and preparation of classic cars. We have experience in the preparation of the world’s most exotic and specialised vehicles like race winning pre and post war grand prix cars, endurance rally cars and concourse show cars.
Other than restoration, we also offer a range of top-quality services to give your classic car what it needs: engine and transmission upgrades, gearbox design and manufacturing, engine component design and manufacturing including castings in aluminium or cast iron, aluminium bodywork repairs, engine building, servicing, rally and race support, transportation, car sales, etc.
HCS wants to make sure you can enjoy your car experience to the full without having to worry about technical problems. On top of that, our company also aims to be a place where classic car enthusiasts meet and share the passion for the art of engineering, where friends and customers are welcome to join in our great adventure.
Strong foundation
Julian Messent founded HCS in 2014 and has already more than 30 years of experience in the classic car business.
After finishing high school he took an engineering apprenticeship aiming to become a fully qualified B Tech Engineer. Once out of the classroom and onto the shop floor, he quickly learned from his masters that a degree would never be a substitute for experience. Therefore, he never stopped learning, studying, reading, experiencing and doing constant research which became his way of life. Throughout his career he designed and developed parts for almost every pre-war Lagonda. Julian is a world-renowned top pre-war engine specialist and general pre-war Lagonda expert and is widely consulted by collectors from far and near.
Experience
After Julian decided to create HCS in 2015, his aim was to surround himself with people who could add experience to his own and enlarge the automotive knowledge base even more. He has now formed a team of highly experienced people.
Join the HCS community
Meet the team
Gilbert Verhelst
Mechanic & Fabricator
Gilbert is already +40 years in the automotive (oldtimer) sector. He has seen and done it all. A valuable vessel of knowledge to HCS.
Jonathan Cresswell
Mechanic & Workshop manager
Our own walking, talking encyclopaedia. He manages the projects in the workshop, commited to uphold our high standard of workmanship.
Julian Messent
Founder & Engineer
Don't disturb him when he's in the zone. Brilliant things are about to happen. With +3O years of experience in the prewar sector Julian is a natural problem solver.
Tommy Vavro
Mechanic & Fabricator
Richard Williams
Mechanic & Fabricator
One of our most experienced mechanics.
His happy place is in the workshop but he isn’t afraid to do his magic at the side of the road to make sure the car finishes the rally.
Vladislavs Tjasko
Mechanic & Fabricator
'Vlad' for the people at HCS is another young gun. This kind hearted person also has lots of talent on the lathe and milling machine.Luc Vanhaute
Mechanic & Fabricator
Luc recently joined our team as a mechanic after working all his career at former bus builder Vanhooll in various departments, such as model development and construction.
He has a lifelong passion for classic cars and is now eager to do his job at HCS.
Thibaut Daemen
Mechanic & Fabricator
Thibaut is a young enthusiastic trainee who has acquired a taste for pre-war car mechanics during his final year of high school. After his internship, he will join the team as a permanent mechanic and is learning every day to become better at his job.
Vicky Cresswell
Office manager & Financial controller
Keeping our administration up to date. But not afraid to put on an overall and get her hands dirty when helping out on a rally. Say something about 'Morgans' and you'll get her attention instantly.
Patrick Dussolier
General Manager
As general manager, Patrick is able to use all his connections and love for classic cars to ensure HCS's daily rhythms and sails.
The positive note on which every day is started is what drives the management of HCS.
Karina Frantescu
Provides our social media support and design
She is a student with a lot of ambition and is always on standby
HCS is for
the Curious,
the Determined,
the Classic Lovers and the Racers
At HCS we bring quality work.
Connecting to our customers enables us to get the right insights of their car.
We solve problems only a handful of people in the world can solve, creating tangible impact on our customers' life.
We provide our customers with lasting memories, unforgettable rallies and new binding friendships.
