Classic cars often merit a second glance when out on the road. For local dealership owners, that's good for business. The classic car industry has remained steady over the years, despite changes in inflation, interest rates and prices.
From his office in downtown Davenport, Kraig Klemme said these factors have had little impact on him helping get tires on the pavement. The owner of Klemme Klassic Kars, he's been in the car business for about 40 years. He learned the trade from his father, Dick Klemme, who started the business as a hobby years ago.
For a time, Klemme's was on Brady Street in Davenport, until 2011 when the location was purchased by the Davenport School District and turned into a parking lot for Brady Street Stadium. That same year Klemme moved down to 301 E. Third Street where it remains today.
The new space allowed for more walk-ins, and more cars. Right now Klemme estimates he has about 40 cars on the lot, but inventory changes often. He purchases cars from all over the country and ships them out globally.
Veit's Vettes & Collector Cars is pictured on Friday, September 13. Cary Veit, owner of Veit's Vettes & Collector Cars in Bettendorf has a similar story. He too learned the trade from his father, Edgar, who opened the original shop in Davenport.
Business boomed once internet marketing rolled around. "I've been doing it so long that I have sort of developed a list of collectors. I have a small list of brokers, and many of those people are in my database," Ve.