Cat the machinist & kingsbury racing Shop

Restoring Classic Bentleys with Haas CNC

For Catherine Ruff, engineering and classic cars have always gone hand in hand. With her father’s MkII Ford Cortina as a constant backdrop and his passion for classic car shows shaping her childhood, she knew she wanted to be part of that world.

After completing a Level 3 qualification in engineering and an apprenticeship as a machinist, she was attending the Bicester Heritage Sunday Scramble and plucked up the courage to speak to Kingsbury Racing Shop’s owner, Ewen Getley, about possible opportunities. “Ewen offered me a job, and I was delighted,” she recalls. “It’s incredibly satisfying to see the final product in action—watching cars on track fitted with the parts I’d made is so rewarding.”

Now an indispensable member of Kingsbury Racing Shop team, Cat started by operating the company’s Haas TM-3P Toolroom Mill. As the machine shop expanded, a Haas Mini Mill was added, and with it, Cat’s expertise grew. “At the time, I was the only machinist and programmer, so I had to teach myself a lot. The Haas Learning Resources website was great – I could access training whenever I needed it. And there are hundreds of fantastic Tips & Tricks videos on the Haas YouTube channel.”

Combining Heritage and Modern Engineering

Based in Bicester, Oxfordshire – right in the heart of English motorsport – Kingsbury Racing Shop has spent the last decade restoring vintage Bentleys. From one-off components to full refurbishments, the team seamlessly blends modern precision with heritage craftsmanship to achieve the highest quality results.

But Kingsbury isn’t just about restoration – it’s about competition too. The team regularly races across Europe, including at Le Mans, with recent successes such as a win at the 2024 Portimao 24 Hours. This season, their campaign begins at the Pomeroy Trophy at Silverstone.

Expanding Capabilities with Haas CNC Machines

When it comes to manufacturing rare components, Cat employs a mix of reverse engineering and archival Bentley drawings. As a former draughtsman, Ewen is on hand to assist with modifying designs when needed. “We use Fusion 360 CAD/CAM for 3D modelling, producing everything from entire engines and gearboxes to brake components and even fixings,” explains Cat. “We also supply parts for newly built Bentleys continuation cars that replicate 1920s models, and we’ve recently started working on BMWs as well.”

To enhance their machining capabilities, Kingsbury invested in a Haas ST-25 turning centre. “I had never run a lathe before, but Haas provided a week of on-site training, which gave me everything I needed to start making parts. In the end, switching between the mills and the lathe is super easy – since the control is the same on all Haas machines, it’s just second nature now.”

The latest addition to the shop is a Haas VF-4SS vertical machining centre, equipped with a 30+1 high-speed side-mount tool changer, a 12,000 rpm spindle, and full 4-axis capability.

“We added a rotary table, allowing us to machine from a billet rather than a casting. This means faster production times and reduced manual handling. Our billet parts are stronger, more precise, and more reliable than cast ones. With no internal weaknesses, tighter tolerances, and better material properties, they last longer and perform better. Plus, we can quickly refine designs without needing to mess around with moulds.”

With the ST-25, Mini Mill, and VF-4SS under her control, Cat is now at the forefront of Kingsbury’s machining operations, while colleague David takes care of the Toolroom Mill.

Breaking Barriers and Looking Ahead

Despite working in a traditionally male-dominated field, Cat has always felt welcome. “Right from the start, I was made to feel part of the team. We’ve just hired another woman in the engine assembly workshop, which is great—it’s nice to have more diversity in the field.”

With Kingsbury’s machining capacity growing, it’s tempting for them to speculate on their next move. A Haas UMC-750 5-axis machining centre could open up new possibilities, making complex parts faster and with even greater precision. For now, though, Cat is focused on mastering the shop’s current lineup, switching between the mills and lathe while producing high-quality components for Kingsbury’s racing machines.

As for the future, there’s one goal that stands out; “I’d like to take an active role in assembling and testing the cars to complete the process from raw material to finished article”.