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Car Share Clubs: The Ownership Alternative

Jennifer Hall

October 1, 2005

Since its opening in 2003, Parc Ferme has separated itself from the larger clubs by maintaining an iconic collection of classics only cars such as a 1972 Ferrari 246 GT Dino, a 1966 Aston Martin DB6, and a 1973 Jaguar E-Type Roadster. The club also maintains the most exclusive membership cap: no more than 60 drivers. Founder Philip Moir takes pride that his club attracts successful clientele: “About 60 percent of our members work in the financial sector and 13 percent live outside of the European Union.” Parc Ferme has maintained a 100 percent membership renewal rate and allows clients to take cars abroad.

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Classic Car Club Manhattan has an Aston Martin, too.  (Click image to enlarge.)

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Still, car share club owners promise domestic access will soon be more available for Americans. Two new clubs have already opened this year in the United States. Classic Car Club Manhattan, the club’s first United States franchise, launched in July. With a starting fleet of 18 automobiles, the American branch of the European club chain will focus on local membership and the club experience. Philip Kavanagh hopes the new location will “make living somewhere like Manhattan a bit more bearable.” Members receive 24-hour access to the private clubhouse in Hudson Square, invitations to club events, and tutorials with professional racecar drivers at the track. The club plans to open 10 new franchises in major metropolitan locations across the United States by the end of 2006.
 
Out west, the Private Collection first appeared in January of this year with exclusive access to the world’s most expensive cars. Ron Van Horssen will store nothing valued less than $150,000 at his club’s showroom at Scottsdale Hangar One in Arizona. Among his first fabulous four-car fleet, Van Horssen remarks that the Vanquish has a sound that is otherworldly and loves the driving dynamics of the Ferrari Maranello. But like a glowing father, he refuses to pick a favorite. “They are like children. I can’t choose one.”