Take 5 With Troy Ladd

Eight years ago, HOT ROD wrote about Troy Ladd just as his Hollywood Hot Rods shop was gaining prominence and establishing itself as a thriving business. Now it’s well established, a thriving business and producing cars like its “Mulholland Speedster” practically from scratch. But it’s still in the same old, slightly ramshackle, small building in Burbank, California.

- John Pearley Huffman

HRM] What has surprised you most about the hot rod–building business? 

TL] I could have never imagined the evolution of what I started then until now. It was year two when I talked with you before, and it was a passion and a hobby that I really wanted to turn into a business—you just hope for survival. I never comprehended growing to the point where we’re known and have actually impacted the industry. On the other side, it’s the evolution of the art. I didn’t realize how my artistic vision would develop over the years.

HRM] How many are working at the shop? 

TL] Seven at the shop. Plus me, plus an office guy. So there are nine total.

HRM] Are you making more money selling T-shirts or building cars? 

TL] We’re one of the very few shops that makes money building cars— building hot rods. A lot of shops have paint businesses or sell things like front ends. Or they have someone with money backing them. We literally survive and make money just building cars, period. T-shirts and stuff like that are nice little bonuses. That’s how I get paid sometimes with that ancillary money.

HRM] When someone commissions a car, that’s almost like entering into a marriage, isn’t it? 

TL] I prioritize the art. I have to make a living, but I don’t do business with people that have personalities I can’t get along with. Just because you have money doesn’t mean you’re going to get a car from us. We have to have a relationship. I’m a partner in the car. There’s a lot of time, energy, and passion that gets invested in a car that doesn’t show up on an invoice. It’s about trying to build the best thing we can build, and that’s what excites me.