The Classic Route is run by Englishman, Chris Hatton.
We interviewed Chris to find out what drives The Classic Route.
Chris was born in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The son of a car collector, he studied Neuroscience at University, but never really had the chance to escape the car bug.
CH - “Some of my earliest memories are of barrelling down B-roads, grinning like an idiot in the passenger seat of one of my father’s sportscars. Looking back it was all terribly irresponsible, but great fun at the time. I suppose it was obvious that I’d end up working with cars sooner or later. I got involved in classic car clubs and motorsport at University. It was always classic cars that drew me, I don’t think I possessed a “normal” car until my daughter was born, and there’s still no question of my parting with my classic Alfa. Even after my studies when I was working at University College in London, I got myself a Saturday job at a classic car garage, just so that I could get my hands dirty.”
But what makes a research scientist want to quit it all and start his own business?
CH - “I have to admit that it might sound a little strange, but even neuroscience can become routine after a while, so I was looking for a new challenge. After our daughter was born, Laura and I discussed the possibility of moving down to Toulouse to be bit closer to her family. I saw this as the ideal opportunity for a radical change of direction. Toulouse is such an ideal base to visit so much of the South-West of France that the idea of organising tours and renting out interesting cars almost suggested itself.”
What makes The Classic Route so special?
CH - “I think it is quite simple. The team that we’ve put together has in-depth knowledge of every aspect of our business. We make a point of working up to a certain standard and not down to a certain price. We aim to provide the kind of service that we ourselves would like to find and offer a selection of vehicules otherwise hard to find in France. I believe that our clients appreciate that."