LUX Spring 2018

30 SSR Classic is a family owned company created in 2013 by two generations of car lovers with a long experience in the car business. We sat down with Sergio Rodrigues as we look to find out more about the revolutionary car restorer. SSR Classic offers classic car full or part restorations. Just some of the many services that the firm provide include wood frame restorations or replacements, engine rebuilds, mechanical repairs, servicing, welding, M.O.T. repairs, paintwork, electrical and interior trimming. Typically, Sergio and the team work with successful business people and classic car collectors who enjoy driving classic cars. For many of SSR Classic’s clients, this is more than a hobby, as driving classic cars is a real passion of theirs. The company also provides official certification from the best luxurious brands like Rolls-Royce, Mercedes, Jaguar, and others, so that the customer is guaranteed that they are acquiring an original classic. Sergio tells us how the business always aims to provide the best possible service to its clients, explaining that when working with SSR Classic, clients always receive a memorable experience, enticing them to go back for more. “Here at SSR, we try to ensure that every client has the best experience that they can with the classic car, and help them reconnect with the car from their youth. For that, we have a small team that works on a specific car each time, making sure we follow the original instructions when first made by the car manufacturer. “Additionally, we also internationally source the original components of the car, meaning that each car restoration is a long and detailed process. Innovation is achieved through the process organisation in place and the equipment installed.” 1802LU06 Amajor advantage of the company is that all members of staff are passionate and dedicated towards providing the best service. Sergio is keen to highlight that having a small team is beneficial, as it means everyone is able to communicate with each other, and work together to fulfil the overall mission of SSR Classic. “Benefitting the company is the fact that our team is small, enabling us to have the advantage of being able to communicate and exchange ideas with each other on a daily basis. We try to involve everyone in the process, so that we all feel responsible for each restoration that takes place. Staff have the chance to meet the clients directly, and become aware of their needs. “Furthermore, the team are proud of their work and the final product that is achieved. This is our ultimate goal: an excellent service for the client making sure that everyone is accountable for that.” Providing us with an overview of the industry at present, Sergio explains what major developments and challenges have been affecting the firm, before commenting on how the business has adapted to these issues. Sergio highlights the issue of sourcing original parts of cars as a major challenge for the firm. “Essentially, restoring classic cars is a niche market. It requires a certain amount of expertise and investment in order to operate in this business. We have a reasonable number of collectors in Portugal but also some abroad that look for our services. Currently, we are at our full capacity, meaning that we do not have many competitors or the ones that exist are not able to offer what we do. The restoration process takes time and perhaps the most challenging thing we face is the sourcing of the original parts from the major car brands. Our suppliers are from all over the world and sometimes transportation and taxes surpass the cost of the equipment being acquired.” Overall, there is clearly a lot to look forward to for SSR Classic, as Sergio and the team look to capitalise on its ongoing success and build reputable partnerships which will be of great benefit to the firm in the future. Turning Back Time in the Motor Industry Drive Contact: Sergio Rodrigues Address: Zona Industrial de Lordelo, Lote 30, 3730-130 Vale de Cambra, Portugal Phone: 00 351 919042222 Website: www.ssrclassic.com/en/