A Family-Run Business

Elegance and Style was established in 1987 with the idea of presenting the most elegant and original vintage chauffeurs to brides and grooms across the Cambridgeshire area. Michael Elkins - E&S Cars founder - is a keen classic and vintage car collector (with his own collection of 20 classic cars) felt the enjoyment, elegance and nostalgia he gained from his vintage motoring would make a bride and groom's special day just that bit more special.

Twenty years later, we've grown from strength to strength as one of Cambridge's largest, most experienced and most reliable vintage wedding car companies. We've undertaken thousands of weddings and work on weddings both intimate and grand. We have build up a roster of highly experienced chauffeurs and we also have long established links with wedding planners and venues across the county. We're proud of our history and track record and feel we offer very competitive quotes for our wonderful carriages and the high-quality, personal service we provide. We very much look forward to speaking to you soon.

-- Michael, Christopher, Blake and all the team at Elegance & Style Vintage Cars


FAQ's



What will my booking include?


We currently offer two different packages depending on budget - a 'full service' or 'collection only'. With a full service package you are guaranteed at least three to four hours with the car if required during your day. We arrive at your chosen collection address 15 minutes before departure, then whisk you away along with any guests (the Austin Taxi and Rolls Royce Silver Shadow seats 4 comfortably, the Morris Isis seat 3 comfortably) for your special moment. Upon leaving the church or registry office we'll be best placed for the first series of photographs before taking you to the reception, on your first journey into married life. We are very flexible and many brides and grooms ask us to take the scenic route to enjoy that magic moment alone. We'll then position the car for more admiring glances and photographs before departing for the day.

The 'collection only' option is not available in high season due to demand (July, August & September) or weddings further than 10 miles from Cambridge. This option offers those on a tighter budget the chance to spend some time with one of our vintage carriages, but removes one leg of the journey - either the initial collection or the drive from church to the reception, giving you at least an hour with the car on your wedding day.

How does your booking process work?


Firstly we will confirm your specified date is free and issue you a quote. If this is agreed, a deposit will guarantee the date for you. We will issue a booking number and allocate your date to a driver and suggest undertaking a viewing of your car at your leisure at our show garage in Trumpington, Cambridge. Meanwhile an invoice would have been issued, followed by a receipt once full payment is received (our terms are 120 daysm). The week prior to your wedding we would expect you to be in contact with your chauffeur to confirm any specific details, and he will also be in contact with you. On the day, our drivers will arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to your requested time.

Will my hair/dress be affected with the roof down?


The Austin Taxi and the Morris Isis are huge vehicles, designed in their time for transporting the upper classes in absolute luxury and style. The rear compartments offer generous amounts of leg and headroom, and are well ventilated during the summer months. The Austin Taxi is a rare High-Top model, originally designed for passengers wearing top hats, and when the rear roof is converted down during those perfect summer days, no wind enters the rear section due to the cars design.

Are there any extra costs?


No. As long as you give us a very accurate journey quote at the time of booking, or as long as the journey does not change substantially, the price you are quoted covers everything. We provide ribbons, rose petals on the seats, a friendly and highly experienced and professional uniformed chauffeur and are more than happy to cater for any additional minor requirements you may have.

Can we use the car to take the Bridesmaids first and come back for a second trip with the Bride?


No, it is not our policy to do this unless previously agreed at the time of booking. Should your plans change during your wedding week (or even on the day!) we can often accommodate extra guests with one of our Mercedes S-Class cars. We do recommend considering a second car, as using one car for two or more trips can result in very long waits at the church for your family and other guests.

Do you do more than one wedding per day with any of the cars?


No, we meticulously plan our weddings, ensuring you have our full, undivided attention, and this would be against the philosophy of Elegance & Style.

Do old cars break down often?


No. Old cars are actually more reliable and much easier to maintain than newer cars due to there being much fewer moving parts. They are very simple machines and we have never had a breakdown in 20 years of chauffeuring!

But what if they do break down?


Should the worst actually happen, we would normally be in a position to let you know several days before the wedding, as we check and service every vehicle in the days prior to your big day. We have a policy of never booking out all of our vehicles, so we would definitely be able to offer you a replacement car. This has never happened in 20 years of service (touch wood!).

Do you provide champagne? Can we smoke in the car?


No, we ask our guests when enjoying champagne immediately after their wedding that it is consumed before entering the vintage vehicles. However the chauffeur is there to be of assistance, and can prepare the champagne that you have supplied yourself. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the cars

Do you provide flowers and other decorations?


No, we present the car immaculately turned out with traditional ivory ribbons. We feel that artificial silk flowers do not meet the standards we set ourselves. We have also found from experience that brides have usually planned their own colour schemes and often want flowers in and around the vehicles to reflect that. We work with you and your wedding planners/florists to furnish the car the previous day with your own flowers, should it be required.

Do the cars actually belong to you?


Yes, this is crucial to make sure we have a very high level of maintenance and perfect running order at all times. Michael is a keen collector and will no doubt be keen to show you his other cars while at the Garage @ 119.