Local group starts a classic car dealership
ASHEBORO — While new car sales are stalled by technology shortages, a new business in Asheboro is focused on vehicles that celebrate carburetors, manual transmissions and American steel. Carolina Classic Cars celebrated their business and showroom opening last week with a grand opening event scheduled for October 16.
Carolina Classic Cars bills itself as a classic car dealership and will offer traditional dealership service like financing, service and detailing. Car collectors Charlie Glass and Mike Allen have been in the classic car business together for five years and have a passion for fine-tuned, restored classic automobiles.
On Thursday, September 30, the company held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Carolina Classic showroom and business offices. Asheboro Mayor David Smith along with Asheboro City Councilmen Charlie Swiers and Walker Moffitt attended.
In an interview with North State Journal, Glass, the showroom manager, said the dealership would be focused primarily on American-made cars.
The company will provide service through Allen Automotive, which is adjacent to the showroom. Glass said they are working with several financing companies to provide multiple options for people wanting to buy a classic vehicle.
“We have 18 cars in the showroom right now,” said Glass. “Our target is to have about 20 cars in inventory.” They will also have a few project cars on their outside lot for sale.
Glass and Allen are partnering with owners Candace and Mike Bongiovanni to make the new business a reality. “Mike and I have been doing this for years on our own. We met Candace and Mike and decided to become partners with them,” said Glass.
When asked about his existing inventory, Glass said he was excited about the diversity of vehicles they have on site for the company’s grand opening on Sept. 16. “We have a beautiful 1937 Ford Coupe that has been restored and modified,” said Glass. “It has everything a new car has.”
Glass also highlighted a newer classic 1974 Jeep CJ. “Every nut and bolt on it is brand new. It’s show quality,” said Glass. The orange Jeep is listed as a complete restoration on the company’s web side “with absolutely no flaws.
The company plans to buy, sell, trade and consign vehicles but they are still looking for more inventory before their grand opening. Glass and Allen are headed to Myrtle Beach to prospect for new cars this weekend. “We buy at car shows and auctions. These cars are hard to find,” said Glass. “There is a lot of work in tracking them down.”
Carolina Classic Cars, located at 120 Spring Forest Road Asheboro.
