Personal Journey:
Peadar Kelleher’s life journey has been marked by a series of geographical and professional transitions, each bringing him closer to fulfilling his dreams. Originally from Ireland, he spent fifteen years in California, where he ran a moving company and a bar in San Francisco. Three years ago, eager to get closer to Ireland while avoiding its infamous rain, Peadar moved to the picturesque island of Mallorca. “Mallorca ticks a lot of boxes: climate, nature, people, food, and convenient flights to other destinations. It’s an island, but it’s very centrally located,” he says. For Peadar, life on Mallorca is a blend of all things good, providing the perfect setting for his new venture.
The Birth of a Retro Car Rental Idea:
The idea to start a retro car rental business came from Peadar’s work with a wedding company called White Hot Wedding two years ago. He was captivated by the classic cars they used for weddings. This fascination led him to import two of his vintage cars from California, adding two more he acquired locally to complete his fleet. Peadar’s passion for vintage cars runs deep: “I have always liked older cars, especially the aesthetics of vintage car design. To me, they are works of art and history, which need to be preserved.”
Classic Car Collection:
Peadar’s collection might not hold high monetary value, but each car is priceless to him for its design, beauty, heritage, and the stories it tells. Among his favorites is the VW Karmann Ghia, a German car designed as an affordable sports car by the Italian design house Ghia in the 1950s. He also owns a 1935 Citroen Traction Avant, recognizable from films set in the 1940s. His MG TD, a replica kit car from Silicon Valley, holds a special place as it was built in the 1970s, just like the first Apple computer. Another gem in his collection is a green convertible 1965 Seat 600D with cream leather seats, a pop icon of 1960s Spain.
Non just a rental:
Peadar’s business isn’t a typical car rental service; it’s more of an experience tailored to weddings, photo shoots, and film projects. His cars add a touch of elegance to wedding trips to old stone churches or rustic fincas. They are also available for film and TV shoots or magazine spreads, enhancing the already stunningly picturesque backdrop of Mallorca. For visitors looking to capture memories, Peadar offers short photoshoots with his vintage cars, perfect for Instagram-worthy moments.
Life on the Island:
Adapting to the slower pace of life in Mallorca has been a welcome change for Peadar. He enjoys relaxing with a cold caña in Plaza Mercat and taking short bicycle rides to the island’s stunning turquoise beaches. Peadar has also embraced local activities like playing Padel and hiking along the GR221 trail in the Tramuntana mountains.
Future Endeavors:
While content with his four-car fleet, Peadar is embarking on a new venture with his business partner: a ready-to-drink company called Poquet. They plan to release a line of craft canned carbonated drinks, including sparkling Vermouth, gin and tonic, radler, and a variety of hard seltzers made from organic fruits grown in Mallorca. Drawing inspiration from the booming hard seltzer market in California, Peadar aims to offer a healthier, fresher alternative to beer.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:
Peadar sees abundant opportunities for businesses in Mallorca, a small island that welcomes eighteen million tourists annually. His advice for those considering starting a business or moving to the island is to find a good gestor (a professional in Spain who specializes in managing and navigating administrative and bureaucratic processes.). Navigating Spanish bureaucracy can be challenging, so having someone to guide you through the process is essential, he says.
Images: Instagram @classiccarspalma
Text by Dasha Bikmansurova
