Dealing Customs

Silver Star Cadillac does more than just sell cars.

by Adell Henderson

Due to the success of automotive makeover shows such as Pimp My Ride, Overhaulin’, and Unique Whips, even regular Joes are leaving car dealerships with thoughts of what they can do to give their whip more appeal. Although most car manufactures have been trying desperately to step up their game by offering more aftermarket accessories in their stock vehicles, Silver Star Cadillac in Thousand Oaks, California has long been ahead of the curve. “I always knew when the opportunity came I wanted to give the people what they wanted,” says Eric Ford, General Sales Manager of Silver Star regarding his longtime desire to trick out brand new cars and sell them out of the store.

Even with sales skyrocketing since ’97 due to the customized grilles, paint, interiors and wheel upgrades they began to offer, possible liability and warranty issues still made the higher ups at Cadillac nervous. “It took a minute for them to understand that I wasn’t hurting anything on the car,” explains Ford. “I’m not changing any suspension. I’m not changing the way the drive shaft is moving. All I’m doing is changing the wheel, tire and appearance of the car.” Eventually they got it. Point seen, money gone… adell henderson

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