A metro Atlanta startup that’s less than a decade old has quietly grown into a go-to car brand for celebrities and the ultra-wealthy. With a clientele that includes Mark Wahlberg, Jennifer Lopez and Kevin Hart, Vintage Modern has hit on an idea that appeals to classic car enthusiasts and luxury-seekers alike—cars that appear vintage but have all the trappings of a modern automobile.
Founder Chau Nguyen said the impetus for creating this venture came from his own love for older cars, and the challenges he faced when trying to actually drive them. Nguyen found that he was not the only one in search of such a solution, and the company now produces 250 cars annually from its facility in Buford.
In an interview with WABE’s “All Things Considered, the founder said, “Our customers don’t want a classic car. They want a classic-looking car.”
Nguyen was recently named one of EY’s US Entrepreneur of the Year Southeast award winners, which he says is a testament to the pride and passion of the more than 150 employees currently working at Vintage Modern.
He spoke with WABE about the company’s rapid growth, how it turns decades-old designs into modern vehicles, and why he believes the future of classic cars lies in blending nostalgia with today’s technology.
Christopher Alston contributed to this report.