Jeweller David Barlow expected a perfect re-spray job to be done on his £200,000 Lamborghini, especially as the work was being done by the Italian manufacturers themselves.

But the 40-year-old classic car enthusiast, who has four shops in south London, including Walsh jewellers in Purley Road, Purley, was upset when he saw the yellow paint had variations in shade, making the rare Diablo SE30 useless for the many rallies and exhibitions he takes it to.

He was then told he would have to fork out £20,000 to put it right.

Croydon County Court ruled that the bill should go to Acton-based HR Owen, the specialist firm which arranged for the car one of two right-hand drive versions in this country to be sent to the Bologna factory.

HR Owen had denied liability, claiming that Mr Barlow, of High Street, Nutfield, was responsible as he had made the decision that the car should be handled by Lamborghini.

But expert David Brooking said the paint finish had been below factory standard, and told Judge David Ellis areas of the bare metal re-spray where differences could be noticed.

Mr Barlow said he took the car to HR Owen for servicing and a few other minor things, and when it was taken out by an employee it was involved in a crash on an approach road to the A40.

He did not have confidence in HR Owen doing the repair work, so contacted Lamborghini which agreed to carry it out and give it a full re-spray.

"When I heard the car was ready for collection, I visited the factory on September 21, 2001, and I wasn't satisfied with the standard or repairs done. I made a second visit and there were still problems with it. The paint sprays did not match," said Mr Barlow.

William Nathan, the then divisional director of HR Owen, said: "We accept that we had liability to make good the damage caused by the crash. I told Mr Barlow right from the outset that we would repair the car."

Finding for Mr Barlow, and awarding him costs, Judge Ellis said: "It was the perfect solution for the car to go back to Italy. No one thought they would not do a good job."

He said it was the responsibility of HR Owen to pay the £19,880 for another re-spray, which will be carried out by a British firm as well as paying interest.