Carla's Classic Cars

Carla's Classic Cars is a classic car dealership at 447 Oakshade Rd in Shamong, New Jersey, a township in Burlington County. Its website describes the business as a place for collectors and first-time buyers alike, with a curated inventory and what it calls a full suite of personalized services. The business does not publish a founding year or the names of its owners, so this profile sticks to what the company states on its own pages.

How the business works

Carla's operates as a dealer and also takes cars on consignment. Vehicles on its inventory pages are split into current stock, incoming cars and sold cars, which gives shoppers a way to see what has recently moved. Because some listings may be consigned by private owners, it is worth asking on any specific car whether it is on site or stored elsewhere before planning a trip, and who holds the title.

What it sells

The stock is mixed rather than focused on one marque. A recent look at its current inventory page, which at the time said it had 62 vehicles for sale, turned up a 1933 Cadillac LaSalle, a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette, a 1977 Corvette, a 1965 Chevrolet Malibu, a 1969 Camaro, 1970 and 1971 Chevelles, a 1972 Blazer, a 1975 Cadillac Eldorado and two BMW Isettas from 1958 and 1959. There is also a modern Bentley GT on the list. Cars in that range suit buyers who want a driver-quality American classic, but also those who like something unusual. Inventory changes constantly, so treat this as a snapshot and not a promise of what is on the lot today.

Several listings carry an estimated monthly payment on the card, which gives a rough idea of what financing might look like before a buyer talks to the dealer.

Buying from Carla's

The company's site lists financing through four lenders it recommends: J.J. Best Banc and Co, Woodside Credit, Collector Car Leaders and LightStream. It says it takes trade-ins when a buyer wants to swap a car, and that it arranges door-to-door shipping. As with any dealer purchase, get the VIN, title status and service records in writing, ask for a detailed walk-around video if you cannot visit, and consider an independent inspection before you send money.

Consigning a car

Carla's says that consigning a classic with it costs the owner nothing. Its consignment page promises "no hidden fees, no upfront costs", says the dealer and the seller agree on a price the owner would be happy with, and states that the company spends tens of thousands of dollars on global advertising. It also says it handles shipping and offers buyer financing and trade-in options to help close sales. These are the company's own descriptions, and the written consignment agreement is what governs the deal, so owners should read how the price, the sale terms and the end of the agreement are set out before handing over a car. Our overview of consigning a classic explains the usual fee structures and what to ask.

Reputation

We did not find a Better Business Bureau profile, or a Google or Yelp rating with enough reviews to cite, for Carla's Classic Cars, so there is no review score to report here. That is common for a smaller or newer dealer and is not a mark against it, but it does mean buyers should do their own checking: ask for references, look at recent sold listings, and compare its cars against similar ones elsewhere. The dealer's cars also appear on ClassicCars.com and on the Fourbie Exchange marketplace.

Visiting Carla's Classic Cars

The dealership is at 447 Oakshade Rd, Shamong, NJ 08088. Its website lists hours of 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday, Saturday by appointment only, and closed Sundays. The phone number on the site is (856) 719-9200. Call ahead before driving out for a particular car, especially on a Saturday. If you are comparing options around the region, you can also browse classic cars for sale in New Jersey from other sellers.