Richard Del Curto, owner of Elegant Express Limousines Company,
Inc., fell in love with cars at an early age. It was this love for
the automobile that eventually led him to buy his own
limousines.
Richard Del Curto, owner of Elegant Express Limousines Company, Inc., fell in love with cars at an early age. It was this love for the automobile that eventually led him to buy his own limousines.
“I collect cars,” Del Curto said. “It’s something I’ve been doing since I was a teenager. I currently have five cars, a truck and a limo.
“I got my first driver’s license when I was 14 years old. When I was 16 years old, I bought a 1950 Ford which I designed customization for. By the time I was 18, the customization was finished. It was considered one of the top-10 customized cars in the nation during the 1960s. I showed it all over California. Pictures of this car still show up in magazines.”
Del Curto bought his current limousine in 1995 while he was looking at another automobile to buy.
“It caught my eye because it was so unique.” he said. “It’s not the typical black or white most limousines are. It’s a stretch limo, but the body is a fawn champagne color with a chocolate brown top. It looks really striking, not like all the other limos out there.”
According to Del Curto, when he bought the limo, the dealer told him it was formally owned and used by the actress Katherine Hepburn. Del Curto said he would like to confirm that interesting tidbit, but hasn’t taken the time to research the history of the vehicle.
“It’s such an unusual and elegant car,” he said. “It looks like something she would own. I’d love to find out if it’s true, but I just haven’t taken the time to properly research it.”
Because he is the owner and operator, Del Curto has spent hours behind the wheel of this luxury car.
“At one time I had two limousines,” Del Curto said. “I employed part-time drivers to help me cover all the business. One of the drivers working for me is a woman. I think that clients tend to be better behaved when a woman is behind the wheel. You get two or three couples with a full bar in the back or a car, and after they have a few drinks, things can get interesting.”
This unique limo seats six to seven people and has been used to transport . people to weddings, parties, proms, graduations, picnics and the airport.
“You name it, I’ve probably driven for it,” he said. “Years ago, I even drove the mayor of San Jose around. I’ve taken people to the wine country where they can sample wines yet don’t have to worry about driving home. I’ve been hired by companies to take out-or-town employees on tours. I’ve gone to Monterey, Candlestick Park, theaters in San Francisco and up and down the coast.”
The name Richard Del Curto may be familiar. Not only is Del Curto a long-time Hollister resident, in addition to owning Elegant Express Limousine Company, Del Curto has been in the insurance business for the past 32 years. He also owns a catering business, which provides meals for everything from small parties to company gatherings of up to 5,000.
“When people contact me regarding renting our limousine service, I tell them to get quotes and shop around,” Del Curto said. “I’ll do everything I can to undercut other rates. I can do this because I don’t have a high overhead.
“I always try to do a little more than is called for. If it’s someone’s birthday or anniversary, I might pick up balloons or champagne. I’m easy to deal with and enjoy people.”
For more information about Elegant Express Limousines Company, call 636-4665.
