Stephen Perkins – Arrive Drive/Fleet operations

Born Oxford 27/01/1956

Stephen is one of those talented all-rounders who is just as happy making final preparations to a rally car before hire as he is just fixing any car issues. As well as logistical duties, he will also clean a car to an inch of its life, then next minute he is on test drive! He is not just a valued member of the team, he is a versatile and talented operator who brings calm and experience to the role.  

After leaving school, Stephen started his career in the motor trade, beginning in the parts department and working his way up to become an ATA Accredited Vehicle Damage Assessor.

He describes working for HERO-ERA for the past five years as a ‘privilege.’ Having been a classic car lover and owner of an old Ford Escort for over 30 years, he believes this job was a perfect find for him and as he says; “I was delighted to be given the opportunity to work here.”

Stephen continued; “HERO-ERA run classic car rallies all over the world, and my role is to prepare and look after the cars before they are sent off. I make sure everything is working properly and that each car is equipped with all the essential spare parts and equipment needed in case of a breakdown. With some of these cars being many decades old, it can certainly be a challenge, especially when everything has to be securely packed into some of the smaller cars without interfering with the driver or navigator!”

Stephen married his wife in 1983 and they have two grown-up daughters and four grandchildren. He is absolutely in the right place to indulge his passion for historic cars and then share with others as he says; “My love of cars is something I'm lucky enough to share with my family. One of my granddaughters is currently doing a mechanical engineering apprenticeship and has definitely inherited my passion for cars. She loves coming to see the cars in the showroom and, a few years ago, Tomas (Chairman, Tomas de Vargas Machuca) very kindly lent us the Rolls-Royce to take her to her prom — a very special memory for us all.

“I feel very lucky to have a job that combines my passion for classic cars with the opportunity to help customers enjoy some amazing adventures around the world.”