OK, I googled it... With the intrawebs at our fingertips, it seems like the thing to do... But I digress.
Found this:
Services - Restoration - Street Level Restoration - CPR Classic
"Sympathetic Restoration
Most of the restorations done by CPR, we would classify as high quality sympathetic restorations. The definition of a sympathetic restoration is that the work scope is limited to what each individual car being restored to this level requires. No attempt is made to rebuild everything in the car; rather, the focus is on the cosmetic aspects of the car. On every sympathetic restoration, condition of brakes, lights, motor and horn are inspected and repaired as needed, all fluids and filters are changed, and the engine is tuned and serviced.
The cost of a sympathetic restoration can vary greatly based on the client's wishes and can cost anywhere from affordable to as much as $150,000. These types of restorations are done based on the client paying for only the time and materials used."
and from here:
https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2013/...f-the-day-1950-chrysler-town-country-newport/
"Somewhere between fully restored and all-original is the sympathetic restoration, usually implemented to preserve as much of a car’s originality as possible, while preventing it from damage and deterioration."
More, this from a different field:
Field Drums (a/k/a Field of Drums): Sympathetic Restoration
" "Sympathetic restoration." Ah, the term may be what we all have been looking for. For quite some time, I've been wrestling with the fix-don't fix, restore/refurbish/replace dilemma. What exactly is the right thing to do to a vintage drum (or any musical instrument, piece of furniture, timepiece, or body part for that matter). Sympathetic restoration may sum it all up.
But what is sympathetic restoration? I have searched for a definition but haven't found one. Instead, the term used in context can shed some light on what it means.
In "
Restoring Classic & Collectible Cameras" By Thomas Tomosy wrote (p. 6): "
One must be aware of the kind of restoration he or she undertakes if keeping or increasing the value of the item is important. The term used in the antique furniture field is "sympathetic restoration." The term means bringing the piece as close to its original condition as possible, not only in appearance, but in the methods and materials used to restore the object."
A
watch collector described it as
a restoration that follows the spirit of the original watch.
An
antique clock collector wrote as follows: "
There are many disciplines involved in antique clock restoration that demand a knowledge of the history of the specific timepiece. Some of these include early carpentry methods, lacquering, dial restoration, silvering and gilding, wheel cutting and bushing, reconstructing broken or lost parts, cleaning and lubricating, dismantling and assembly and of course thorough testing. We use the appropriate professional for the work involved, and all work is performed by craftsmen possessing a high degree of competency in the skill required. They work with care, pride in their accomplishments and a real passion for antique clocks."
And, in "
Understanding the Art Market: Condition, Restoration and Conservation" one blogger wrote: "
Sympathetic restoration is crucial in any field. We deal in antique clocks and furniture and unless you restore sympathetically you can destroy the value of anything."
A
home remodeler wrote in connection with the term "
[w]e work hard to ensure that any work we carry out closely matches the original style of the property. This is very important when working on period buildings."
And an
article discussing the restoration of the Georgian Theatre Royal (England) notes, "
Theatre trustees were praised for the sympathetic and detailed approach to the restoration of the landmark venue."
Restore or Preserve?
In "
Classic Mustang Forum" (a website for car collectors) one contributor wrote of a car as "
ridiculously original". That term might sum up the goal of "sympathetic restoration". "
