Welcome to Colin’s Classic Automobiles
Hi, I’m Colin Comer, founder of Colin’s Classic Automobiles. Cars have always been my passion. Over thirty years ago my friends and family were giving me the hairy eyeball because I was at the age where I was supposed to have a “real job.” Previous to this I had enough real-ish jobs to know they didn’t agree with me. So I started this business as nothing more than an excuse to always be around the cars I love every day. All these decades later I still can’t believe the plan worked, although I still get that hairy eyeball treatment from those that don’t understand old cars. Oh well.
A little background on those “real” jobs: From the age of 13 I’ve worked in every aspect of the industry, from high volume dealerships to specialty restoration shops. I’ve been factory-trained and certified on a wide variety of domestic and import makes, am an A.S.E (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) Certified Master Technician, and have completed PPG and Sikkens professional paint schools. I personally restored numerous vehicles and am proud to say my work and cars have won countless awards. Bottom line? As a result of this experience, I know what separates the truly fine examples from all the rest. Oh, yeah, years ago when I couldn’t make ends meet working on cars I also had a paper route, sold hot dogs, popcorn, and ice cream from carts, worked for a tree service, had a commercial snow-plowing business, and a towing company (AKA one $4,000 tow truck) where my specialty was trying not to get killed repossessing cars for a local bank. I believe all of these “professions” offered valuable life lessons. Like giving away hot dogs or letting the ice cream melt gets you in big trouble with the owner of the cart.
If it isn’t the best of the best I won’t put my name on it. Besides rigorous visual and technical scrutiny, I do the research so that I know whether a vehicle is what it purports to be: its true history, where its been, what’s right and what’s wrong, what’s supposed to be there, and what isn’t. I am incredibly proud of my reputation. After all, at the end of the day, what else do we have?
Small: On purpose. Colin’s Classic Automobiles is a small company. How small? If I hired one person that would double the workforce here! From my beginning in a two car garage to the current day my focus has always been on the cars. When you visit me you will see stunning cars, the best examples of their kind that exist. No cappuccinos, no pony rides for the kids, and no sales staff. As an old friend of mine used to say “you can’t beat boss to boss transactions.”
I take great pride in the condition of the vehicles I sell. However, I’ve personally never seen a 100 percent perfect car, so I will always show you everything I like and everything I don’t like. I also encourage and welcome rigorous inspections. A well informed customer is my favorite kind. Really. No pressure, no rush. I am proud of my cars and love showing people what sets them apart.
If you are looking for a particular vehicle, or looking to build a collection, I can help. Put me to work- email me and tell me what you’re looking for. I know where a lot of great cars are, and I maintain close relationships with the “who’s who” of the collector car world. This gives me access to many rare and hard-to-find vehicles that most people just never see. If it’s out there, I can help you find it. And once we find it I can offer full inspection, authentication, and collection building advice to help you make the move that is right for you.
Location, Location, Location. My facility is located just a few miles north of downtown Milwaukee , and just a short 15 minute drive from either General Mitchell International Airport (MKE), our major airport, or Milwaukee’s Timmerman Field airport (KMWC).
Please be sure to arrange an appointment before you visit, as the nature of this business means I’m usually on the road. Email me with a little notice and I’ll be happy to meet you and show you around. Plus we have killer custard in Milwaukee, if you want to see what ice cream made with eggs is all about.