John Kerfman’s other car, as his bumper sticker might brag, really is a Rolls-Royce.
Kerfman, co-owner of Classic Rollz Limousines, Ltd., New Lenox, has a fleet of them, in fact, geared up to chauffeur brides and bridegrooms in style.
“We’re the only company that has all original cars built by the Rolls-Royce company,” Kerfman said as he prepared a gleaming white Silver Cloud for display at a bridal fair. These British cars-from the 1950s and 1960s-didn’t roll off a basic assembly line. Many Rolls-Royces were custom-built to a customer’s individual specifications. All are luxurious.
Early automotive coach builders even signed their creations, affixing a plate inscribed with their names inside the car. The coach builders followed in the footsteps of 15th- and 16th-Century carriagemakers, Kerfman said. There aren’t a lot of extra Rolls-Royces on the market.
“They make more (General Motors) cars in one day than Rolls Royce ever made,” Kerfman said. “You have to go searching for them.”
The cars that make up the fleet come from all over the country, with former owners ranging from automobile dealers to farmers. One four-passenger, black-and-cream Sedanca deVille (a type of Silver Wraith) appeared in the movie “Batman,” Kerfman said.
If the Silver Cloud is booked ona particular day, riders can choose to cruise in a Silver Shadow or a Phantom Five. The Rolls-Royces feature soft upholstery and carpeting, and the drivers-clad in tuxedos, caps and gloves-add to the atmosphere. Helium balloons are tied to the famous Flying Lady radiator ornament, and a “Just Married” sign is affixed to the back. Inside the car are champagne chilling in a silver cooler and a set of crystal goblets.
“You’ll always have the memories,” Kerfman said of a ride in a Rolls.
The memories are good for him and his crew of part-time drivers, too. “You’re working with people on one of the happiest days of their lives,” he said.
Demand has grown since he and his partner, Joe Dunigan, started the business almost seven years ago, as more and more brides and bridegrooms opt to travel in blissful luxury.
The cost of a three-hour wedding package ranges from $350 to $425, depending on the vehicle chosen.
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For more information, call Classic Rolls Limousines, Ltd. at 708-479-7999.
