Trolley Customers

Company History

Cable Car Classics Inc. started in 1993. It is a company firmly grounded, with 25 years of experience. A family company with great history behind it.

A company that has worked hard and persevered over many years, and has perfected their artistic craftsmanship and workmanship in the Transportation Industry.

The dedication and handwork has grown this unique transportation business to include a variety of vehicles that cater to various transit markets. Tourist agencies & Operators, Cities, Municipalities and Large Bus Manufacturers.

Family companies that last and stand the test of time are those who thrive from their enormous work ethic, the perfection in their product and the pride they take in their valued customers.

Matt Etchell, President, from an early age was involved in metal and wood working shop. His father Robert Etchell and uncles were entrepreneurs in various trades and Matt was like a sponge at a very early age to soak up much knowledge from his industrious Englich-German family!

Matt’s thirst for knowledge, building mastery and computer abilities with AutoCad helped him to design and build not only Motorized Cable cars in San Francisco but eventually more innovative Trolleys throughout the  United States.

When he opened his own manufacturing plant in Healdsburg, building other Themed Vehicles he evolved into working with large Bus Manufacturers, creating various Bus Trolleys that you see on our website today.

Matt became a builder by trade and then met his wife Jacklyn Wright- Gridley, a realtor who sold his first built house in Healdsburg. Her family owned the Motorized Cable cars in San Francisco, a company called Cable Car Charters Inc. Jacklyn & Matt rode on one of her grandfathers Motorized Cable Cars on hers and Matt's very first date here in Healdsburg at her brothers wedding!

The long time contacts from the Gridley family side in San Francisco helped create many future opportunities for Matt, such as the Whales Buses in Hawaii where there are many Motorized Cable Cars running around Oahu today.

Though Matt’s father, Robert Etchell Sr. is no longer with us or Matt & Jacklyn’s grandfather, Arnold S. Gridley they still believe that they are both with them daily in ‘spirit’ cheering them on, in all their endeavors, today and for the ones yet to come in their future!

In the past 10+ years Matt’s brother Greg Etchell has joined Matt as a partner. Greg’s vast German knowledge of many things, such as Computers, Electrical, Mechanical and Technical skills, have complimented Matt and the company overall. Greg is also our Mendocino County Fire Fighter and Hero!

Initially we started building motorized Cable Cars, then expanded and added other Theme Vehicles, and now we've grown world wide with various bus manufacturers, transforming their bus fleets to look like new Trolley Buses! These buses are admired greatly by Cities and Communities alike!

Locals and tourists admire them and enjoy riding them! These vehicles have created a sense of fun to all who ride them and a sense of pride in any City, County, or State they reside in! Want these in your community? Allow us to help bring these beautiful buses to you! We will be happy to customize your buses for you in your location! We can work with public transit hospitality and tourism entities in your area. Call us today and ask us how we may help you.

Ben Post & Matt Etchell

Matt & Jacklyn Etchell 2017