Phone

+ 49 (0) 2206 95 900

Email

info@kukuk.com

Opening Hours

Mon - Sat: 7AM - 8PM

Kukuk News - Stay up to date!JOIN THE FAMILY

E-cars / Hybrid

The electrical components must already be examined when assessing accident damage to an electric / hybrid vehicle.

FUTURE-PROOF.

Only qualified personnel are authorised to carry out repairs on such vehicles. Due to the high-voltage system, electrically instructed personnel are required.

More info
E-cars / Hybrid

Damage appraisal

For new and used cars
We are there for you in the liability and comprehensive damage area!

PRESENT, TRANSPARENT & COMPETENT.

With an advanced combination of concentrated expertise and digital progress, we serve our clients with the individual urgency and attention they need, on the spot!

Your rights and advantages
Damage appraisal

Damage appraisal classic car

For racing and sports cars, classic cars and motorbikes - all special motor vehicles!

THE NETWORK COUNTS.

Since 1986, we have stood for what every motorist wants in the event of a claim: fast, transparent and competent service. We come to you or your preferred workshop and assess your vehicle on site.

For more info
Damage appraisal classic car

Certificate, value appraisal, damage appraisal

Certification and authentication

Tracking down counterfeiters with scientific methods from forensic technology

CONFIDENTIALITY.

- Scientific analysis of materials
- Clarification of the originality and authenticity of historical components
-scientific and objective tracking and evidence

For more info
Certification and authentication

Valuation report

Our top priority is an objective and detailed examination.

SPECIALIST EXPERTISE.

To this end, various forensic and scientific methods are regularly used during our examinations so that we can incorporate objective, scientific findings into our expert opinions.

For more info
Valuation report

Consulting

Everything about buying and selling, repairs, restorations, originality, value and market assessment.

ANYWHERE & ANYTIME.

- Restoration and repair support
- Vehicle condition assessment and advice on conservation, value enhancement and preservation of cultural assets
- Advice around Concours d'Elegance

For further advice
Consulting

GUIDE

From around the world

Kukuk News

The latest news, explanatory films, interviews and publications on the subject of cars!

Concorso d’Eleganza VDE 2023

The classic form of the event ended in 1952. In the mid-1980s it was revived, and today it is run by German manufacturer BMW. 

A magnificent place to work 

The spectrum ranged from rarities from the 1920s, a time when aesthetics started influencing car design in addition to functional considerations, to the spectacularly designed hypercars from the future. As part of the jury, we spend months before the event meticulously researching each car and documenting our findings. Obviously, we focus on the groups or cars assigned to us and exchange information among our jury group.

The ICE - St. Moritz 2023

The ICE St.Moritz is a very different event, a refreshing concours. A completely magical environment where drivers, collectors, and just plain car enthusiasts enjoy a late winter day in the sunshine, surrounded by the landscape and atmosphere that only St.Moritz, at the top of the world, is able to offer.

Retro Classics Stuttgart 2023

Visit RETRO CLASSICS®, the world's largest and most beautiful meeting place for lovers of automotive legends from days long gone as well as classic car gems of tomorrow. Exhibitors from many parts of the world will present precious rarities worth seeing from all eras of automotive history in an extravagant ambience.

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A passion that unites.

About us

 
For over 40 years, we have specialised in the scientific and objective examination of vehicles of all kinds, with a special focus on special vehicles such as classic cars and racing / sports cars. Expertise, passion, competence and transparency are our guiding attributes.

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Long term experience meets modern science and technology

Get to know our experienced team

working for you for over 40 years

Dipl.-Ing. Klaus Kukuk
Dipl.-Ing. Klaus KukukGermany's first publicly appointed and sworn expert for classic cars from the Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK)

Motor vehicle expert in the damage and classic car sector
Expert for vehicles with electric drive
High-voltage vehicles

Dipl.-Ing. Klaus Kukuk
Dipl.-Ing. Klaus KukukGermany's first publicly appointed and sworn expert for classic cars from the Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK)

Motor vehicle expert in the damage and classic car sector
Expert for vehicles with electric drive
High-voltage vehicles

Automotive Engineer Laura Kukuk
Automotive Engineer Laura KukukMotor vehicle expert and classic car specialist, lecturer at the TH Cologne

Lecturer at the Faculty of Automotive Engineering, Cologne University of Applied Sciences
Motor vehicle damage assessor, for racing / sports cars, classic cars and for vehicles with electric drive/high-voltage vehicles

Juror at various Concours events such as Concours d'Elegance Pebble Beach and Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este since 2017


Previously active

  • as a development engineer at McLaren Automotive
  • at B&F Touring-Garage with focus on engine construction under Peter Bazille
  • at HK-Engineering in the field of MB W 198 Coupé & Roadster
  • at Kremer Racing
  • at DP Motorsport
  • as Formula Student Team Leader

Automotive Engineer Laura Kukuk
Automotive Engineer Laura KukukMotor vehicle expert and classic car specialist, lecturer at the TH Cologne

Lecturer at the Faculty of Automotive Engineering, Cologne University of Applied Sciences
Motor vehicle damage assessor, for racing / sports cars, classic cars and for vehicles with electric drive/high-voltage vehicles

Juror at various Concours events such as Concours d'Elegance Pebble Beach and Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este since 2017


Previously active

  • as a development engineer at McLaren Automotive
  • at B&F Touring-Garage with focus on engine construction under Peter Bazille
  • at HK-Engineering in the field of MB W 198 Coupé & Roadster
  • at Kremer Racing
  • at DP Motorsport
  • as Formula Student Team Leader

Niclas von Glahn
Niclas von GlahnPhotographic engineer, motor vehicle expert, cameraman

Active in the company since 2020

Niclas von Glahn
Niclas von GlahnPhotographic engineer, motor vehicle expert, cameraman

Active in the company since 2020

Julian Brauner
Julian BraunerMaster of Motor Vehicles, Stud. Automotive Engineering (BA)

in the company since 2022

Student of automotive engineering at the TH Cologne

Julian Brauner
Julian BraunerMaster of Motor Vehicles, Stud. Automotive Engineering (BA)

in the company since 2022

Student of automotive engineering at the TH Cologne

Melinda Olma
Melinda OlmaOffice clerk

working in the company since 01.09.2003, apprenticeship as automotive saleswoman from 2001-2003

Apprenticeship as office clerk in the company from 2003-2005

Melinda Olma
Melinda OlmaOffice clerk

working in the company since 01.09.2003, apprenticeship as automotive saleswoman from 2001-2003

Apprenticeship as office clerk in the company from 2003-2005

Luisa Schmidt
Luisa SchmidtOffice clerk

Active in the company since 2022

Luisa Schmidt
Luisa SchmidtOffice clerk

Active in the company since 2022

Irena Sobota
Irena SobotaAccounting

in the company since 2021

Irena Sobota
Irena SobotaAccounting

in the company since 2021

Georgios Karakasidis
Georgios KarakasidisStud. Automotive Engineering (BA)

in the company since 2022

Student of automotive engineering at the TH Cologne

Georgios Karakasidis
Georgios KarakasidisStud. Automotive Engineering (BA)

in the company since 2022

Student of automotive engineering at the TH Cologne

Master mechanic Jürgen Schlegel
Master mechanic Jürgen SchlegelMotor vehicle expert and engine specialist.
Master mechanic Jürgen Schlegel
Master mechanic Jürgen SchlegelMotor vehicle expert and engine specialist.
Easy and Quick

Overview of our natural science services

We place the greatest value on: Professional competence, quality and transparency

Best Package

Valuation report

  • Extensive vehicle inspection and vehicle condition assessment according to assemblies
  • Market analysis and market value determination
  • Lacquer layer thickness measurement
  • Insurance appraisal
  • If necessary, endoscopy of the cavities and combustion chambers
  • Recovery value calculation
  • Insurance appraisal
Further information

Material analysis by means of spectrometry

  • Spectrometry, as a forensic scientific method of checking the originality and authenticity of a vehicle, has been used in our engineering office since 1986.
  • Dating of metallic materials
  • Non-invasive, mobile and can be used at any time
  • Comparative studies
  • Verification of year of manufacture and manufacturer period
  • Cooperation with sworn material analysts, chemical laboratories and universities
Further information
Best Package

Damage appraisal

  • Competent and technically trained automotive experts
  • Repair support and advice
  • Hull and liability damage
  • Detailed calculation of the repair costs incurred & agreement with the repair workshop
  • Determination of the vehicle value
  • Determination of replacement and, if applicable, residual value
  • Determination of the mercantile depreciation
Further information

Material thickness measurement

  • Ultrasound for coating thickness measurement of paint and metal
  • by means of eddy current, magnetic inductive or ultrasound method
  • Comparison of the values with the technical drawings of the vehicle manufacturer
  • Sheet metal thickness measurement for originality testing and safety
  • for determining the initial paint, filler and paint build-up and the quality of sheet metal, fibreglass and carbon surfaces
Info

History research

  • Certificate and data card procurement - Manufacturer
  • Contacting historians, type referees and clubs
Info

3D scan / model / X-ray

  • 3D scan for damage and repair assessment
  • Spare parts production
  • Supporting the restoration e.g. by making a tapping model
  • Comparative investigation and detailed assessment
  • Evaluation of repair and restoration
  • Material compaction recognisable
  • Embossing marking examination
  • Material failure e.g. cracks and blowholes in the material core
Info

Magneto Optical Method

  • Matching Number Verification
  • Revealing hidden digits, double strokes, grinding marks
  • For almost 7 years we have been able to NON-INVASIVELY examine embossed markings on vehicles and in 95 % of the cases we have a meaningful result.
Info

Endoscopy + weld seam testing

  • Visual and assembly-free inspection of individual components (cylinders and cavities in the vehicle frame) e.g. for corrosion and rust detection
  • Inspection of the cylinder to detect engine damage
  • Assessment of the condition of individual cavities
  • Non-destructive materials testing
  • Visual inspection: welding procedure, quality, positioning
Info

Oil analysis

  • Determine wear condition
  • Early problem detection before damage occurs
  • Estimation of life expectancy
  • Conclusions about vehicle condition
  • % wear determination
Info

We will be happy to advise you!

And make you an individual offer.

Call usWrite to us
What our customers think

References and feedback

Our clients value our work. We make sure that we help every client and offer our extensive expertise in a tailor-made way.

K. Meier300 SL expert opinion

And many thanks again for the perfect SL 300 appraisals

Dipl.-Ing. Anja KlieseExpert opinion

The absolutely highest quality classic car appraisal I have ever seen came from you! Very detailed and informative.

Hans-Jörg BrockmannValue appraisal purchase

I am enthusiastic about your work. It is nice to see that there are still people who enjoy their work.
I would be happy to take the bound copy in advance.
I thank you for the professional work.

Stephan König, URZDamage appraisal

I have really never experienced such consistently good appraisals, let alone appraisals that do not deviate from my calculation even in the slightest. Hats off - it is a great pleasure to work with you!

Ulf ThomasValuation report

I have had many reports in my hand in my life but I have never seen this - so elaborate and detailed. I am impressed!

Harald Schmitz, rewacoValuation report

Thank you very much, the expert opinion is super good😊.

Marcus Görig, RM SothebysAuthentication / Expert opinion

A really great expert opinion. I like the comparison pictures. Really strong!

Holger BadstuberValuation report

Thank you very much.
Great work !!!

Burkhard MüllerValue appraisal + consulting

Thank you very much for your helpfulness in the matter of my vehicle.
Thank you again for your effort.

Frank HeidenreichFerrari Dino Valuation

I wanted to thank you for sending me the expert opinion on the Dino. The hardback copy looks really great, and is very well laid out.

Beatrix Badura-YilmazElectro Physics

We would like to thank you again for the cooperation this year. It was really something new and we had a lot of fun.

Memminger Fine Convertibles1302-Cabrio expert opinion

We have never had such a detailed and well-prepared appraisal in our hands and will show this to our prospective buyers and customers. As a thank you and appreciation, we will send you documentation on the Beetle. You can be sure that we will recommend you to others.

Werner BurgmerVintage car appraisals

The way you examined a Mercedes impressed me and made me curious. In between, we spoke briefly and I asked you to look at my vehicles as well.

Christian DelfsValuation report

Really great work! I am thrilled!

Martin GattingerClassic car appraisal

Ms. Kukuk is a competent and friendly appraiser with a high level of knowledge regarding the restoration and maintenance of classic cars. She carried out the appraisal professionally and with a great deal of expertise.

Carl SimonsClassic car -claims handling

Thanks to the intensive commitment of the coordinators on the part of Kukuk, the process worked out wonderfully - for this I would like to express my appreciation and great thanks.
With kind regards

AWARDED Based on 9 ratings
Jens Kielmann
Jens Kielmann
Klaus Kukuk is a super surveyor who helped me very quickly and well with my flood disaster last year, where three of my classic cars were up to the roof in water. Thank you
Kai Schwanke
Kai Schwanke
Great family business! Competent, punctual and reliable! I can only recommend!
Karl Albert Denk
Karl Albert Denk
Ms Kukuk was supposed to evaluate a car for me to buy in Cologne. She did it perfectly within 24 hours. I have rarely experienced such a good service and the expertise was meaningful and understandable. I can only recommend the company Kukuk to others with the best of consciences.
Karl Meyer
Karl Meyer
Klaus & Laura always super, don't despair ask Kukuk
Andreas Weissenseel
Andreas Weissenseel
Kukuk knows what, investigates, researches, everything with the help of the most modern (and partly to be developed!) technology...and puts it all into an understandable and comprehensible form. You can't get it for €fifty...but do we expect top gastronomy for that? Besides, his expert opinions are reliable....for insurance companies, in court. Do you know anyone better?
Tobi Olma
Tobi Olma
Very very good appraiser with a great team. Everyone is very friendly and always ready to help. The team is always up to date. Highly recommended, happy to come back. Keep it up
Raoul W
Raoul W
Prima appraiser technically very competent very friendly staff prima from me 5 stars
Marita Börsch
Marita Börsch
First port of call for accident damage. Competent and uncomplicated

Hourly wage survey

You are also in the classic car business and we would very much appreciate your participation in our survey!

There is no representative survey of hourly rates, especially in the area of classic and special vehicles. The DEKRA survey on hourly rates does not meet the specific requirements of classic cars. We have therefore decided to conduct an annual survey of representative classic car specialist businesses.

Join in!
Follow our daily business!