While many find their way into the classic car arena because of a collecting parent, I found my way into this crazy world by way of a mother who wanted me to read as much as possible in my early years. Given the "encouragement" by my mother, you could generally found me at my local library repeatedly renting the same automotive books or raiding my local book store for the latest issues of my favorite collector car publications. If it flew, sailed, or drove- you could bet I had an interest in it from an early age. By the seasoned age of 12, my interests had firmly narrowed to historic automobiles.
Although passionate for the cars, the price of participation within the collector car community was a bit steep for a 12 year old to muster so I began collecting anything and everything having to do with the great cars of Shelby American. Over a 8 year span, I traded my way into owning a collection of Shelby American related literature and memorabilia which numbered in the thousands of items. I collected everything from the smallest, least significant items to the rarest and most expensive pieces of Shelby American memorabilia known to the hobby. Along the way, I managed to meet other collectors who were seeking the same sorts of items. Over time, I would begin to sell pieces to other collectors, always having my eye on the next item to acquire for myself in order to enhance my own personal collection. What started as horse-trading a few pieces with select friends became a business of buying and selling Shelby American literature and memorabilia which would consume most of my spare time during high school as well as college at The University of Texas at Austin where I received a Master's degree in professional accounting from the McCombs School of Business.
Though it seemed unattainable at the age of 10, I realized my dream of owning my first Shelby Mustang at the age of 22 when I purchased 1966 GT350 6S825. From that day forward, I have enjoyed owning, buying, and selling what I think are some of the nicest Shelby Mustangs in existence.
Now 27, I formed Vernon Estes Classics because I have a passion for classic automobiles and I wanted to find a way to make a living doing something what I love. Despit my age, you will quickly find through speaking with me that I am absolutely an "old man" at heart. Though the website might be well sorted and the pictures might be professionally done, this is not a large business. Vernon Estes Classics is unashamedly a "one man show". When you call the phone number listed on the website, the only person who is going to pick up the phone is me. When you reach out about purchasing or selling a classic car, again, the only person you will be dealing with is me. I pride myself on offering what I feel is the most personal service in the classic car industry and I only consider buying, selling, and consigning vintage automobiles which I would own for myself. I do not peddle junk and I don't deal in cars which lack a high level of quality, no matter how much financial gain can be made.
If you are currently looking to buy or sell a classic automobile, you have found the right partner for the endeavor. Through running this business, my goal has and will always be to establish long standing, personal relationships with my clients which go far beyond the cars we trade. After all, I have always found the most appealing aspect of the collecting sphere to be the people who participate within it.
Thanks for reading this introduction and I do sincerely hope that we can find a way to work with each other in accomplishing your goals in the classic car world. To contact Vernon, please reach out via the contact page here and I will promptly respond.
Kind regards,
Vern