Welcome to Vine Place - Sports & Performance

I established Vine Place in 1988 to supply North East England’s car enthusiast’s vehicles that I found interesting, along with after sales service that I myself would be happy with. I was a youthful 21 at the time and hoped that this would turn out to be a viable business. As a lifelong car fanatic my purchasing criterion was, and still is “Does it interest me? Would I personally be happy with its condition?  Is it worth the money?” 

While my original business plan could hardly be classed as sophisticated, the company has, in a low volume market, sold over eight thousand vehicles and established itself as one of the leading retailers of Japanese domestic model cars (imports), with customers throughout the UK and Europe.  Thankfully this indicates that the basic business fundamentals of honestly describing a good quality product and backing it up with some decent after sales service still work in the 21’st century.

Over the past 20-odd years I have met and befriended scores of interesting and enthusiastic petrolheads, both customers, staff, and some fantastically knowledgeable and gifted painters, engineers, parts suppliers and exporters, all of which have helped keep a constant supply of fascinating, exciting cars flowing through ours hands.  During this time I hope I have established the Vine Place name as synonymous of a small company that stands out, both by taking great pride in the selection, description and preparation of its cars and the care it takes of its customers.

Today over 65% of our sales are from clients that never visit our premises. The internet has evolved so much that our website offers HD quality photographs, video and a detailed description of our cars. On request we can further photographs, video and describe the cars in greater detail. Should the car be suitable we can then take a (refundable) deposit of £250 before delivering for £199 nationwide. Please see the delivery section of the website for full details of this service. Go ahead and browse the stock pages, hopefully there will be something there that we both find interesting........

Thanks for visiting our website

David Rowe – Vine Place Ltd