By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse
Ilkley-based Agenta Audio have an impressive track record of reviving a range of radios for customers and their cherished cars.
Working from a purpose-built workshop company owner, Colin Armstrong, serves customers around the globe delivering top quality restorations and upgrades involving modern digital connectivity.
Colin explains: “We take your original car audio and re-engineer it, whilst retaining its essential period correct qualities.
“Many of our restorations involve stripping the radio right back to its chassis, then assessing the parts needed and sourcing, carefully reassembling and finally testing.
“I also provide a bespoke operating manual for each radio to guide the owner through its upgraded functionality.”
In 2020 Colin’s expertise brought the Salvage Hunters Classic Cars team to his Ilkley base. They commissioned Agenta Audio to restore an original Continental Edison radio from a 1972 Citroen DS Super 5 as part of a TV makeover of this iconic car.
The R43 radio was custom made for the DS model and Colin was able to upgrade the electronics and add modern technology. This included fitting Bluetooth connectivity giving hands free telephony, voice control and audio streaming.
“It was great fun working with Paul and the Salvage Hunters team and playing a part in getting the DS back into top condition again”, said Colin.
One of Colin’s more unusual projects involved fitting a period correct radio into a 1961 Isetta 300.
The owner had carefully restored this rare three-wheeler and needed Agenta’s expertise to rebuild and fit a sixties-made Blaupunkt Bremen radio. In addition to upgrading the radio unit with AM/FM and stereo functionality, Colin fitted a chrome faceplate and reproduction ivory finished knobs.
In another project Colin sourced a rare 1972 Philips RN22712 stereo radio cassette for the owner of a 1971 Lotus Elite and carried out a full audio service and restoration.
In this model the audio unit came with a recording feature that could record from the radio and make voice recordings using an attached microphone – very cool for the time!
Colin has also worked on original radios for VW Campers whose owners see a top spec audio system as integral to their touring lifestyle.
These are just a taste of Colin’s recent projects. To find out more click www.agentaaudio.com
For me it was a real pleasure to spend time with Colin and get an expert insight in an area of car restoration I’d never looked at before. Many thanks Colin.
To find out more about Agenta Audio’s car radio services go the website or if you would like to discuss your restoration needs ring Colin on 0113 8800303.