After several years of ownership, the client brought this stunning Ferrari 458 Speciale back to DBR Auto Detail for a full top-to-bottom Ferrari 458 Speciale restoration and preservation service. As a high-end detailing studio serving Murrieta, Temecula, and the Inland Empire, we specialize in protecting vehicles like this through advanced restoration methods like dry ice blasting, surface preparation, and ceramic coating protection. Ferrari 458 Speciale restoration requires attention to detail, experience, and the right tools for disassembly.
This wasn’t just a routine cleaning — it was a preservation-focused restoration, built to maintain the Ferrari’s original shape, value, and performance for years to come.
Engine Bay Restoration with Dry Ice Cleaning
We began with a complete engine bay restoration, utilizing dry ice blasting technology to remove years of grime, dirt, and contaminants from sensitive parts without risking abrasion or secondary waste. Unlike traditional cleaning methods, dry ice blasting uses compressed air and solid form CO2 (dry ice) pellets to clean thoroughly while being non-toxic, non-conductive, and highly efficient.
The belly pan was removed to fully access the underside of the motor and transmission. Every exposed surface — from carbon fiber panels to metal components — was meticulously cleaned and decontaminated using cold jet systems and precision dry ice blasting. Each carbon panel was then polished and ceramic coated to create a sealed, smooth, and durable protective layer.
By eliminating residue without introducing liquid or abrasive blasting, we preserved factory finishes while preparing the surfaces for long-lasting ceramic protection.
This level of care is what defines our approach to any Ferrari 458 Speciale restoration — protecting performance parts without compromising factory integrity. For more information on Dry Ice Cleaning check out the Cold Jet site for all of the technical details.
Suspension, Wheel Wells, and Undercarriage Cleaning
Next, we removed all four wheels to access the wheel wells, suspension, and undercarriage areas. These parts are often forgotten during routine maintenance, yet they are critical for preserving the integrity of vintage, exotic, and collector vehicles.
Our dry ice blasting process removed embedded grime, brake dust, and contaminants without damaging the delicate finishes. Surface preparation is critical here — proper cleaning ensures that when coatings are applied, they bond correctly and last through exposure to heat, elements, and road debris.
This detailed cleaning process helps maintain the vehicle’s exterior condition and protects against corrosion and wear — especially important for classic and exotic vehicles.
This deep cleaning process is critical in any Ferrari 458 Speciale restoration, where both aesthetics and long-term durability matter.
Paint Correction & Coating in this Ferrari 458 Speciale Restoration
For a complete Ferrari 458 Speciale restoration, no detail is overlooked — especially the iconic Rosso Corsa finish. After mechanical areas were restored, we turned our attention to the vehicle’s paint.
The Ferrari’s Rosso Corsa paintwork underwent a two-step paint correction, carefully eliminating fine scratches, swirl marks, and oxidation. This process restored a stunning, high gloss finish while preserving the clear coat’s original layer.
Once the surface preparation was completed, we installed our top-tier 7-year ceramic coating package, Cquartz Finest Reserve. Ceramic coatings form a protective, hydrophobic, and durable shield against UV rays, bird droppings, water spots, and road grime. Proper application ensures a quality finish that enhances gloss, makes maintenance easier, and provides long-lasting protection against the harsh California elements.
We always follow safety precautions, including using gloves and applicators designed for ceramic work, ensuring the coating layers bond properly and uniformly. We protected the finish with our professional ceramic coating service, designed for long-term durability and stunning results. Learn more about our ceramic coating packages here.
Glass Coating for Maximum Visibility and Protection
All exterior glass surfaces were polished and coated with a dedicated ceramic glass coating. This improves clarity, water repellency, and driving visibility in rain — while protecting the glass from mineral residue, water stains, and contaminants.
Dry ice blasting was used during surface preparation here as well, eliminating bonded contaminants without risking etching or scratching the glass surfaces.
Leather Interior Reconditioning
Inside the vehicle, we restored the original leather interior using our overnight leather hydration method. This specialized service deeply nourishes leather fibers, reducing creases, maintaining shape, and improving suppleness — critical for maintaining the originality of classic and exotic cars.
Interior restoration is often overlooked, but in restorations like this, it’s just as important as the exterior. Proper treatment maintains the ride’s character without creating an artificial gloss or oily residue.
About Dry Ice Blasting and Vehicle Restoration
In recent years, dry ice blasting has become a preferred cleaning process for restoration shops seeking non-abrasive, non-toxic solutions for sensitive vehicles. Unlike abrasive blasting or soda blasting, dry ice blasting leaves no secondary waste behind — only a clean surface ready for sealing or coating.
Dry ice blasting utilizes compressed air to accelerate dense dry ice pellets across surfaces. As the solid form of CO2 hits the surface, it sublimates instantly into a gas, lifting contaminants without adding liquid or damaging the material underneath. This makes it particularly suitable for restorations involving classic cars, vintage vehicles, and high-end exotics where traditional methods may be too harsh.
At DBR Auto Detail, we invest in commercial-grade cold jet equipment designed specifically for vehicle restoration, sensitive surface preparation, and engine bay detailing. Our dry ice cleaning services maintain the original character of vehicles while preparing them for high-end coatings, restorations, or preservation-focused detailing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes dry ice blasting better than traditional cleaning methods?
Dry ice blasting is a non-toxic, non-conductive cleaning process that uses compressed air and solid CO2 pellets to clean sensitive parts without causing damage. Unlike abrasive blasting or liquid-based methods, dry ice blasting creates no secondary waste, making it highly efficient and safe for classic cars, vintage vehicles, and exotic motors.
How does ceramic coating protect a vehicle’s exterior over time?
A professionally applied ceramic coating forms a durable, hydrophobic layer over the vehicle’s paint, shielding the clear coat from UV rays, dirt, brake dust, bird droppings, and other contaminants. It also helps resist corrosion and keeps the vehicle’s exterior smooth, sealed, and easier to maintain for years.
Is dry ice blasting suitable for engine bays and undercarriages?
Yes, dry ice blasting is ideal for detailed surface preparation in engine bays, undercarriages, and wheel wells. Because dry ice sublimates on contact and doesn’t introduce moisture, it’s safe for metal components, electrical accessories, and hard-to-reach areas without causing corrosion, residue buildup, or heat-related damage. For more information check out our Dry Ice Webpage on our website. You can also see how we removed years of grease on a 30 year old Porsche 911 Tranmission.
Quick Recap
Our goal with every Ferrari 458 Speciale restoration is to combine cosmetic perfection with real-world protection. Preservation detailing isn’t just about looks — it’s about creating a durable, long-lasting protective layer that keeps your vehicle’s paint, engine, and surfaces safe for years to come. With proper surface preparation and quality ceramic coating application, your vehicle stays smooth, sealed, and protected from contaminants, corrosion, and the elements.
Final Thoughts
This Ferrari 458 Speciale restoration wasn’t just a cleaning project — it was a full preservation and restoration designed to protect one of Maranello’s most revered models for years to come.
By combining advanced dry ice blasting methods, proper surface preparation, and premium ceramic coatings, we delivered a result that protects the vehicle’s exterior, engine, undercarriage, and interior from contaminants, heat, and environmental exposure.
If you’re located in Murrieta, Temecula, or anywhere across the Inland Empire and you value real preservation services — not just basic detailing — DBR Auto Detail offers the expertise, technology, and craftsmanship your exotic, classic, or collector car deserves.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and protect your investment the right way.
Updated 4/26/2025
