Help! Need to hire a classic American car for a prom.

[Rockettvr]

Hi all
Title says it all really. Probably not the right forum but I'm running out of ideas! Sons prom is in a couple of weeks (16 July) and he and a couple of his friends would like to turn up in style in a classic yank motor. However I'm having real trouble finding a company to hire from. Tried all the local ones I could find on the internet but none are able (willing?) to help they only seem to do weddings.
We are in Essex very close to the dartford crossing and the prom is only around 5-6 miles from home.
Any suggestions as to a company that may be able to help ? Don't mind if it comes chauffeur driven or self drive.
Thanks to all
Ron

[Roo]

The big problem with proms is that the car needs to be licensed by the local authority, the same as a taxi, and it's almost impossible to get done.

Try the aaci or amvo as someone may be local who can help.

[SheriffAds]

The problem will be hire and reward. You cannot hire someone who isn't licensed by the local authority and insured for that purpose and due to the rules imposed by the authorities it automatically excludes 90% of American or classic cars simply due to age. If someone does a prom and takes your money but is non of the above, then they are driving without insurance and if caught will face having their car seized.

However if you want something a bit different have a word with Lindsay at USA Cop Cars - tell him Adam recommended you. He is fully licensed and based in Kent. I'm in Essex and would offer mine but not being able to get paid for it doesn't really make it worth while for me.

http://www.usa-cop-cars.com/

[Ginja]

I saw these guys at an event somewhere as well, not sure if they do proms but could be fun

http://www.tvcarhire.com/a-team-van-hire

[SheriffAds]

You could also speak nicely to my friend Dave with a Starsky & Hutch Gran Torino

http://www.zebra3uk.com/

[sonicbloo]

I'm only insured for weddings, so I only do proms for friends/family and may accept token gifts of a crate of lager, or if they want to put fuel in my car.

A member of the Mustang forum did a prom last week and got pulled over by VOSA, the Police, and the council, who were doing spot checks for insurance purposes and asking questions about getting paid for taking kids to the prom. It was for a friend, so no harm done, but it was no doubt both inconvenient and embarrassing for the driver and the kids.

They've all got a job to do, and no doubt catch the odd 'rogue operator' which is a good thing. Your only hope may be that someone local will do it for 'free'. Unfortunately I'm at the other end of the country, or I would offer my services, after all it is good to help make someone's day and hopefully get kids interested in or inspired to own American cars.

[Upatdawn]

There ARE "plated" limos but under VOSA rules anything over 8 passengers for H&R requires a COIF, a CPC, a D1 licence (and DCPC) and an O Licence to operate legally, the days of the "self drive hire" scam are fading fast along with drivers that havent been DBS checked...

Under 9 passengers is a local authority issue but side-on seats are a no no

Even weddings get a bit leary, home-church = fine, church-reception = fine but the reception-airport/hotel is a grey area as are Asian weddings that go on for 3 days....

Edited by Upatdawn on Monday 7th July 21:42

[minime68]

Rockettvr said:

Hi all
Title says it all really. Probably not the right forum but I'm running out of ideas! Sons prom is in a couple of weeks (16 July) and he and a couple of his friends would like to turn up in style in a classic yank motor. However I'm having real trouble finding a company to hire from. Tried all the local ones I could find on the internet but none are able (willing?) to help they only seem to do weddings.
We are in Essex very close to the dartford crossing and the prom is only around 5-6 miles from home.
Any suggestions as to a company that may be able to help ? Don't mind if it comes chauffeur driven or self drive.
Thanks to all
Ron

Send me an email at [e-mail]. I may be able to help.