Two friends who first met at mountain biking 20 years ago have started and are now rapidly developing a successful classic car dealership in Eastbourne.
Miles Hardy, 34, and Chris Phipps-Lowe, 33, set up HPC Classics on the White Knight Industrial Park, Hammonds Drive, Eastbourne 18 months ago, along with their business partner Francois Calvino.
They started with one small unit but have already expanded by taking over two further units on the same estate.
The future is looking very bright for HPC Classics, which specialises in high end prestige, classic and supercars.
It focuses on brands including Jaguar, TVR, Aston Martin, Alfa Romeo, Alpina, Fiat, BMW and many more.
Its key offerings are:
· Buying, selling and sourcing classic and prestige cars
· Commission sales
· Full restorations
· Services and repairs
· Race and track preparation
· Performance upgrades
· Welding and bodywork
· Valeting & Detailing
They also build amazing vehicles from scratch, and soon will be offering classic electric vehicles as well, using the latest technology and will soon have their first mini available to buy.
Miles said: “It all started when Francois decided he wanted to buy a very special classic Lancia.
“He asked Chris, who was already working in the business of classic cars, for some advice. Chris immediately said to him that he’d need to speak with Miles, who knew the market, from one brief meeting a plan was formed…
“Francois suggested we put together a business plan and before we knew it, we had an empty unit on the industrial estate.
“We made it very professional and clean in very quick time and customers were blown away with it. Word quickly spread.”
Six months later, needing more space and the trio bought out JAGtechnic as a going concern. It had two units opposite. They chose to keep all of the staff and equipment, using Jaguar’s dealer level software & tooling. They also use only genuine Jaguar parts.
Miles said: “We have invested heavily in what has become three units. We’ve bought more equipment and we feel we treat our staff very well, and they have all responded positively.
“At the centre of everything we do is our first-class customer service. We welcome people to pop in, have a coffee and a chat to see for themselves we offer.
“Key to our success is the experience of everyone working for HPC Classics. We share many, many years of vast experience in the business, and we are all passionate petrolheads, that’s also been a major part of why we are so successful.
“We can do what other garages can’t, and we like to think that we have taken what we offer to the next level.
“If someone walks in and wants a specific car, then we can source one. It’s all about the customer.
“We have a very much open-door policy. We organise events for local enthusiasts and quite often they go out for a drive in what becomes their dream car.
“Everyone who works for us is a classic car enthusiast, and that is really important to the service and customer care we deliver.”
We work closely with the East Sussex TVR Club and the JEC who also hold many great events in the region.
HPC Classics & JAGTechnic are striving to support all car lovers, from modern performance and supercars, track and race cars all the way through to post-war classics. If you have a car needing some TLC, or fancy an upgrade, why not get in touch with them on the details below.
HPC Classics can be found at Unit 11 & 12 White Knight Business Park, Hammonds Drive, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN23 6FB
Go to Classic Car Sales, Restorations & Servicing | HPC Classics
Email miles@hpcclassics.co.uk