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.
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.
この記事は Hot Rod の February 2017 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
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この記事は Hot Rod の February 2017 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
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