Welcome to Gateway's Car Museum

“You don't have to be a millionaire to own a classic car,”says Jake Feldman, who consigns cars at Gateway Classic Cars in Alpharetta, one of 18 showrooms across the U.S.

Many cars have been in families for several generations; and they have sentimental value way beyond their dollar value. According to Jake, every car has a story behind it—like one of his favorites, the 1965 Chevelle with a manual transmission in the Alpharetta showroom. Its owner has kept it in mint condition, unlike most others of its vintage. It's fully restored, too.

Jake views every car in the showroom as part of an art collection, and Jake and others at the showroom are curators of the collection, which includes Classic, Super and Muscle Cars.

In chemical sales before joining Gateway four months ago, Jake has loved cars since he was three years old, when he could point at the cars and name them. He grew up in South Orange, New Jersey and Johns Creek, Georgia, where he worked in a small car dealership during his high school years. Jake recalls stories of the red 1974 Jaguar XKE his grandfather bought years ago.

Unlike a typical car dealership, Gateway is a non-pressure place where customers are treated like family. “We are helping people find a new toy, one that they've been dreaming about for years.” In fact, many people come in to browse with their families to share the experience. Jake and Gareth Leima, who also consigns cars, have some customers who have collections with over 50 cars.

Jake and Gareth have the monthly responsibility of attending and staffing a table at Caffeine and Octane at Atlanta's Perimeter Mall. This event is the largest car show in North America attracting 2000 vehicles and 15,000 fans, Gateway Classic Cars is one of its sponsors. Car lovers from all over the United States arrive early on the first Sunday of every month and leave when the mall opens at 11 a.m.

Other members of the Alpharetta team are Tracy, Garth, Shannon and Jason, the manager.

On the last Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. To 12 Noon, the Alpharetta showroom sponsors Caffeine & Chrome, where car lovers can browse the cars and enjoy donuts and coffee. Mark your calendars for March 30, April 27, May 25, June 29, July 27, August 31, September 28, October 26, November 30 and December 28. The showroom is located at 1870 McFarland Pkwy, #300, Alpharetta, Ga 30005. For further information, go to www.gatewayclassicars.com.