Today we’d like to introduce you to Lee Little.
Hi Lee , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always had a fascination with cars. Especially the design and the look. Most cars can look clunky and non-descript, but others stand out and memorable and iconic.
I had three old cars and my wife told me figure out a way to make money with those old cars or they have to go. I mumbled under my breath and realized that this was a fight that I wasn’t going to win so I put those cars on a website and the phone started to ring. At first it was $500 per month, then $2,000 per month then it was beginning to be serious money. I live in Dripping Springs the “Wedding Capital of Texas”. I learned that my cars were being used for wedding getaways. I didn’t know anything about the wedding industry. But it was time to learn.
My wife said well “why don’t you put some energy into it and see where it goes”. So I got a list of wedding venues in the area and I invited the venues to come to my warehouse for “Wine and Wheels” happy hour. It was a big success. This kick started, ATX Classic Cars.
Since that day, over 4 years ago, we have participated in over 1,500 weddings. My cars have been on TV and in the movies. Major brands have use our cars for photo shoots and events.
I have been fortunate to take a hobby and turn it into a profitable business. Today, ATX Classic Cars has the largest inventory of classic cars in Central Texas for weddings, TV and film production, events and photoshoots. People love the classic cars and our near museum quality cars, make for a memorable event. www.atxclassiccars.com.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has the road always been smooth ? No of course not. Especially when you are dealing with a 60+ year old car. While it doesn’t happen very often, my cars have broken down on the side of the road late at night Since then, I have learned the importance make the cars as reliable as possible. I have a great mechanic who comes to my warehouse on a regular basis to work on cars. Maintenance is something I take very seriously and don’t skimp on.
The other issue I have witnessed which really isn’t an ATX Classic Cars issue, are weddings that just don’t’ run smoothly and the Bride or the mother of the Bride are upset. Most of the time its something minor that gets blown up and out of proportion. My opinion is people, especially the Bride and the Mother of the Bride expectations for the event are too high. Things are not going to run perfectly. A caterer might drop the ball, or someone doesn’t show up, it could be for any number of reasons. In m y opinion, stuff is going to happen and you just need to roll with it.
I must say that 99% of the time ATX Classic Cars is a small part of a magical and special day. Its fun.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
ATX Classic Cars is a woman owned, classic car rental business, located in Dripping Springs. We have the largest fleet of classic cars in Central Texas for weddings, photoshoots and events, movie and film production. Our fleet includes of four classic Rolls Royces and 10 classic American convertibles.
Our museum quality cars have participated in over 1,500 weddings, they have been on TV and in motion pictures. They have been used by over a dozen major brands for photoshoots and events.
We get calls from all over the state interested in our cars. What started as a hobby has turned into a business.
It has been fun is seeing the business grow and seeing people reaction when they see the cars. Many of our cars came out of museums. All are iconic with a story to tell, such as: how about a Rolls Royce designed for Queen Elizabeth. Or a first generation Mustang that was the most successful new car launch ever. Or how about the innovative Chevy Corvair with its air cool boxer style engine. Or event our two Cadillac Deville convertibles – the ones that Elvis Presley would drive. Today’s cars just don’t have the same flash and colorful background that the cars we have in our fleet have. The cars we have are some of the best the automobile industry had to offer.
Simply stated, the cars in our fleet are historical rolling pieces of art that we get to share with people.
Its fun and it makes for a memorable outing
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Get actively involved with the industry you happen to be in. Get to know as many people in your industry as you can. Don’t assume that people will just happen to find you. Join networking groups. Host events. Get your story out. Don’t just sit on the sidelines, get out there and let people know and see you and your services.
Pricing:
- Cars start at $895 for 2 hours and that includes a driver
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.atxclassiccars.com
- Instagram: atxclassiccars
- Facebook: atxclassiccars
- Yelp: atx classic cars
- Other: The Knot and Wedding Wire, ATX Classic Cars
Image Credits
Images provide by Lee and Carrie Little
