Most customers own British cars and looking to get their vehicles ‘show ready’
Published in the March 19-April 1, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Staff Report
Photo by Marty Cheek
Bill Hiland in his On The Road Again showroom.
When classic car aficionados in the South Valley want to have their vehicles brought back to top running shape, they go to Morgan Hill’s On the Road Again.
Morgan Hill Life recently asked owner Bill Hiland about his unique business which is a mixture of automotive shop, museum and social center for car buffs.
On the Road Again is a full-service classic and British automotive shop. How would you describe the repair and restorative services you provide your customers?
We are a full-service shop because we have everything the customer might need under one roof. For example, we have a “green” paint booth, and seven repair bays, and a staff of five experienced auto craftsmen with, collectively, over 150 years’ experience with classic cars. Repairs can include anything from a tune-up to an engine rebuild to insurance repairs on classic cars. Restorations can be partial — interior upgrade — to a complete, frame-off show-quality job.
You are known for top-end automotive work. How would you describe your customers and the service they seek from you?
Our customers are primarily owners of classic British cars –MGs to Jaguars to Rolls Royce. They enjoy their cars and want to drive them. Many also want to show them in various levels of car shows and events. They are looking for show-quality, reliable work and advice from us to get their cars “on the road again” but also show-ready. They are looking for experienced auto craftsmen, great customer service, and a clean shop that respects the value of their cars.
You create value for your clients by providing social events such as your monthly pub nights. Why do you create this opportunity for socializing among your customers?
We value our relationships with our customers and want to provide a friendly venue for introducing new customers to the shop. Our pub nights provide a unique opportunity for our customers and other classic car enthusiasts to meet and share their experiences and have some fun together. It brings together a diverse group, including people who enjoy sunny Sunday drives, to customers looking for Concours-winning show cars and classic car collectors.
On the Road Again sponsors the annual British Fall Classic in downtown Morgan Hill and gave over $5,000 in money raised last year to Community Solutions. Why should local residents attend the upcoming British Fall Classic event and what might be new at this year’s car show?
Local residents should attend the event because it provides a unique opportunity, not available anywhere else in the Bay Area, to see an array of classic British cars from daily drivers to Pebble Beach Concours-winning vehicles and even a classic British motorcycle. There are no fees to attend this interesting event and the whole family is welcome. After last years award-winning show with over 175 British cars, we are hoping this year the 2014 British Fall Classic will feature more vintage race cars as well as more classic British motorcycles.
Your showroom is much like a automobile museum. What was the philosophy in your displaying your classic cars in this manner?
It showcases the quality of our work and, being a collector ourselves, it gives us an opportunity to share our cars with others. It also allows our customers to show off their cars while in the many stages of the restoration process.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
Location: 16840 Joleen Way, Morgan Hill
Contact: (408) 782-1100 or ontheroadagainclassics.com
