Built from a love and passion for military heritage. Adventurous, committed, and persistent. We have grown into the go-to address for restorations of historic military heritage, specializing in armored vehicles and tanks.
Living heritage with character. Restorations carried out with respect for history.
Decades of hardcore craftsmanship gained through hands-on work with heavy military equipment.
You define the mission. We select and build the vehicle that fits it perfectly.
In 1976, Ivo Rigter Sr. restored his first Jeep together with family and friends, sparking a growing passion for historic military heritage and more advanced restorations.
Restoring an original Jeep body marked the start of a new chapter focused on sheet-metal techniques and the pursuit of authenticity. The Jeep “Daisy” became the symbol of BAIV’s eye for originality.
Trips to Normandy and meetings with veterans deepened the restoration passion. The purchase and restoration of a Harley WLA and an M5 half-track marked the next steps in BAIV’s growth.
International trips, motorcycles, and restorations of armored vehicles and tanks defined these years. Ivo Jr. joined the effort, turning the hobby into serious restoration work for others.
BAIV was officially founded in 2011 by four partners. In 2012, the Chamber of Commerce registration followed, along with the first workshop location in Maarheeze.
Various projects were carried out, but it soon became clear that the chosen structure had no long-term future. BAIV shifted toward full professionalization with the mission of becoming a world-class restoration company.
BAIV expanded its team and facilities. In 2019, it received recognition as a certified arms dealer (Categories 2, 3, and 4) and earned its first HSE safety certification.
As the company grew, BAIV relocated to a new facility in Nederweert. The move and build-out resulted in a modern workshop officially opened in September 2021.
With modern techniques, a larger team, and the founding of Tracks & Trade, BAIV evolved into a globally recognized restoration specialist with nearly 240 completed projects.
BAIV continues to restore historic vehicles using craftsmanship, modern technology, and a driven team of specialists. Every vehicle tells a story, and BAIV ensures that story keeps moving.
At BAIV, it’s about far more than engineering alone; it’s a place where friendship, shared passion, and true teamwork come together. What began with a small group of friends united by their love for military heritage has grown into a close-knit international team that works side by side in the workshop, and stands shoulder to shoulder at commemorations and events.
Every restoration is a collective mission. Everyone’s knowledge, experience, and craftsmanship merge into a single effort. The team learns from each other, strengthens each other, and shares the same motivation: bringing vehicles with history back to life. That bond feels like a second family; one driven by trust, enthusiasm, and an olive-green heart for mechanics and the past.
For owners Ivo Sr. and Ivo Jr., the social aspect is the true heart of the company. Experiencing things together, creating together, and taking pride in the results together; that’s what makes BAIV unique. Here, they don’t just rebuild vehicles; they build friendships and memories that last.
Persistent and dedicated adventurers. Colleagues who gladly roll up their sleeves to bring extraordinary historical finds back to life.
Ivo Rigter (Sr.)
Founder & Owner
Ivo Rigter (Jr.)
CFO & Co-Owner, Sr. Engineer / Project Manager
Margot Mertens
Finance & Administration
Joël Daniels
Team Leader and Sr. Restoration Technician
Ben Williams
Restoration Technician & Sales Engineer
Vincent Kooijman
Sr. Restoration Technician
Adrien Jouno
Heritage Parts Design Engineer
Wouter Litjens
Restoration Technician
Hans Stouten
Certified Arms & Weapons Specialist (554244)
Eddy Huijerjans
Sr. Restoration Technician and Quality Engineer
Tuur Schreurs
Restauration Technician
