Member Spotlight: Caprice Cars
Family, Honesty, and First-Class Service: The Story Behind Caprice Cars & Adelaide Chauffeur & Tours
Long before launching Caprice Cars Chauffeured Vehicles and Adelaide Chauffeur & Tours, co-founders Ilona and Jeff spent their early careers mastering trade and service industries, ranging from windscreen fitting and general insurance to car detailing, paintless dent repairs, and running Gossip Box gift hampers.
In 2005, they made the leap into business ownership, officially entering the professional transport world in 2012. Today, Caprice Cars Chauffeured Vehicles and Adelaide Chauffeur & Tours operate as a dedicated family enterprise run straight from home, supported by their two teenage boys and a loyal Maltese x Poodle who keeps guard during the day.
Treating Clients Like Family
In an industry increasingly dominated by mass rideshare platforms and automated bookings, Ilona and Jeff take a distinctly personal, hands-on approach to chauffeured transport and local touring across South Australia.
Relationships Over Numbers: Every client is treated like family. Instead of automated, impersonal trips, passenger care is built on trust, clear communication, and personalized service.
Above and Beyond: Their core mission is delivering an exceptional travel experience at a fair, honest price point, consistently exceeding client expectations whether for corporate transfers or custom regional tours.
Navigating Industry Changes with Resilience
Reflecting on two decades in business, Ilona notes that while the landscape continuously evolves, core principles remain unchanged.
Over the last 5 to 10 years, operating costs, particularly fuel and vehicle insurance, have risen sharply, while corporations explore varied travel options and rideshare alters passenger habits. Despite slipping industry standards and evolving government regulations, Ilona and Jeff maintain that genuine quality and personal rapport always win out.
For them, the benefits of running a home-based family business far outweigh the hurdles:
The Perks: Freedom to be your own boss, avoiding early childcare costs, saving on daily corporate commutes, and having the flexibility to adjust schedules as family needs arise.
The Realities: Balancing long hours, maintaining work/life boundaries, navigating city traffic, generating constant leads, and tackling industry red tape.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Business Owners
With over 20 years of hands-on entrepreneurial experience, Ilona offers straightforward, practical advice for anyone thinking of launching their own venture:
Get the Structure Right Early: Gather all necessary information before launching, ensuring you choose the right legal and tax structure for your situation.
Spend Smart: Allocate funds strictly to essential business needs first; non-essential upgrades can wait until revenue stabilizes.
Outsource Strategic Weaknesses: Focus on your core strengths and delegate or outsource tasks where others hold greater expertise.
Stay in Your Own Lane: Treat competition as healthy, but remain focused on your own quality, honesty, and standards rather than worrying about what others are doing.
Exclusive NWBA Member Offer
$100 off any set 8-hour tour booking booked before 31st December 2026 with a 12 month booking period.
Connect with Ilona & Jeff
Whether you need executive transfer services across Adelaide or a tailored local tour, Caprice Cars Chauffeured Vehicles and Adelaide Chauffeur & Tours are ready to look after you.
Caprice Cars Chauffeured Vehicles: bookings@capricecars.com.au | 0418 112 999
Adelaide Chauffeur & Tours: bookings@adelaidechauffeurandtours.com | 0407 609 752
