Where is the Purple Cortina based?

The car is based in the West Country and is available for weddings in Somerset, Devon, Wiltshire, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset - we will also travel to other areas - contact us for more info.

How much does it cost to hire the Cortina?

We price all of our bookings individually, so please contact us if you'd like to obtain a quote for your big day. As a guide - an average wedding, within a 30 mile radius of base, with two journeys and photo opportunities would cost around £225.

How do I book?

Call us, e-mail us or fill in our online contact form. We will then ask you for information about your special day and what you need for the booking to create a personalised quote for you. If you choose to accept the quote then a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total booking fee is required to secure our services. We will send you an e-mail confirming the booking. The balance should be paid by 14 days prior to the wedding.

How do I pay?

We accept cash or cheque payments - cheques for deposit payments must be cleared before the booking is confirmed. Cheque payments for the balance must be cleared before the event takes place. We also accept payments through Paypal - once you have accepted the quote we will e-mail you a link and instructions so that you can make the payment - Paypal payments are subject to a 5% booking fee to cover Paypal fees. You do not need a paypal account to make a payment as our Paypal account also accepts credit and debit cards.

Will I have time for photographs?

Of course. Photos are very important on the big day and some brides have used the purple colour of the car to co-ordinate with their outfits, the bridesmaids dresses, flowers and even the place settings. We understand that you want to look fabulous - we will give you plenty of time and will work with your photographer to provide the best angles and shots. If you haven't chosen a photographer yet, then allow us to recommend Faith Stone Photography - an award winning American photographer, based in West Somerset. Faith took a lot of the car portrait shots on this site and specialises in people on location - she can make you look like a film star! - check out her web site for more details and be sure to mention us if you decide to book her.

Will there be flowers in the car?

We don't provide flowers with the car, the rear parcel shelf is adorned with leopard skin cushions and the purple-fur trimmed Alpine speakers but there is a little room on top and if you wanted to bring your own flower arrangement to place there then please feel free to do so.

What colour bonnet ribbons do you use?

The price includes any colour bonnet ribbon that you would like - just let us know in advance.

Can I play my own music in the car?

The car is fitted with a Sony CD Player with high quality Alpine and Infinity speakers, located at front and rear. The stereo has a remote control so that you can listen to whatever you want for as long as you like - we can even put together a CD for you, on request, if you tell us your favourite tunes. Or bring a USB memory stick or MP3 player with your music on it and we can plug it in.

Does the chauffeur wear a uniform?

It isn't a traditional chauffeurs outfit with a hat, cos this isn't a Rolls Royce. Our chauffeurs wear a smart black, retro outfit, with a bit of glitter.

Is the car in good condition?

The car is in reasonable condition and very good mechanical order. It is not utterly absolutely immaculate like a Jaguar or a Rolls Royce, it has a tiny bit of rust coming through and a couple of scuffs and scratches on the bodywork - nothing major - and present in all the photographs you see on this website. The price of the service reflects the condition of the car. It is going in to have the rust and scratches removed at some point in 2009 season - so if you book now for 2010 you can get the car at 2009 prices.

Do you only do weddings?

Local licensing laws mean that we are only permitted to perform chauffeur driven journeys for weddings and funerals. If you are interested in hiring the car for a prom then let us know - if we get enough interest then we will consider taking out a special operators licence to extend our services. The car is also available for television, film, advertising, promotional work and music videos - again, please contact us for more info.

Can children travel in the car?

The car is not fitted with rear seatbelts, current legislation states that children over the age of three can travel in the back of a classic car without rear seatbelts, we regret that we are unable to take children below this age.

Is there much room in the car for my stuff?

Oh yes, the boot on this baby is like a flipping Tardis - you can get a lot of junk in this trunk! Just warn us if you plan on bringing luggage as we may have to take out some of our own junk to make room for yours.

Were any leopards harmed during the production of the seat covers?

The seat covers were already in the car when we bought it - part of the attraction I think - as far as we know they are composed from some kind of man-made fibre, here at Lush Motors we are vehemently opposed to the killing of endangered species for retro effect. In the unlikely event that you might wear a nylon suit or wedding dress, you may expect to receive a static shock or two.

What if it rains?

Ooh don't be so negative! No, seriously, you are just being a realist, we are in Great Britain after all - where you can witness snow, hail thunder and brilliant sunshine in the course of one August afternoon. We store several large umbrellas in the boot of the car and if the heavens open then it is the chauffeurs duty to ensure that you are protected from the elements whilst stepping from the car to your chosen location.

What if the car breaks down?

The car is maintained to a very high standard with regular servicing and specialist care. In the extremely unlikely event of a breakdown, we are members of an auto breakdown service and will attempt to get the car running as soon as possible or arrange alternative transport. If something unforeseeable happens to the car in the days prior to the event then we will endeavour to find a replacement classic vehicle for you, failing this a full refund will be offered. Customers are liable for any damage caused to the vehicle or loss of any property belonging to Lush Motors, either by themselves or any of the wedding party.

How do I cancel a booking?

Of course, we understand that some weddings don't happen - due to unforeseen circumstances or events. As stated above, the booking deposit is non-refundable but if you have paid the balance for the booking and cancel up to fourteen days prior to the event then we will refund this amount to you - cancellations must be carried out in writing - not e-mail - and confirmed by us or you will be liable for the full amount payable.

Do you do any discounts or special offers?

Special offers and discounts vary and will be shown in the pink left hand margin on the home page when available. We may offer discounts for mid-week weddings and out-of season events and these will be calculated in the price when we prepare your quote.