Hey guys,

I'm always looking for new business ventures and recently I 've had this urge to open an Exotic Car dealership.

I dont know about location yet, but I have a vision in my mind what it looks like.

Basically it wouldn't be you're run of the mill Exotics, all the cars would have some kind of mods done to them, ie. Renntech(MB), Gambella(Porsche), TechArt(Porsche), Koenig(Ferrari), Brabus(MB), Al Burtoni (Lambo). Etc.

I figure that people would rather buy, oh lets say.. KPV's Car over a stock 996 TT. How many unique cars do you see on the street? I dont see many. In the area I live in when I'm in Toronto we have ever car imaginable, Diablo's, Azures, TT's, DB7's, Vanquish, Arnage, 355's, 360's, 550's, (1) Enzo.

Etc.. I mean, there isnt a cheap car around here. And guess what? Not ONE has a single mod. I know because I know most of the owners.. There is one guy with a SL55 that has chrome AMG rims.

I think people would drool over these cars, and frankly most owners have no idea what mods are, how to do them, or where to get them.

What do you think? Is there money to be made?

 

Where are you located? I'm doing the same in NJ (more on this in the near future people )

CEC and ByDesign are some of the tough competition we face... there is always money to be made.

 

As far as your question I cant help you there, i think it sounds good.

But I did notice you said you were from Toronto---I am originally from Mississauga. Went to school in Louisiana, got married to an American, and now live in Minnesota....

Were abouts in Toronto are you?(most people arent from Toronto but only say they are for American's sake)

 

I would look for a model thats already some what established and waiting for someone/capital to take it to the next level. Starting from scratch can be done, just takes longer finding your way etc...

 

sgluck,

I'm in like downtown Toronto, its a section called Forest Hill, its like the wealthy area in Toronto, that and Rosedale.


Parker,

I'd love to see some pictures of the place when you get some. What are you thinking of carrying?

 

You have PM

 

Always nice to know another Canadian around.....eh?

 

Dabum. You live in a very nice part of T.O. You are not far from Downtown Fine Cars, which in a way is not bad. But to find a good place downtown for example is very hard. Look at DFC and the lack of space they have.

My opinion, you got to hit the burbs. well the nice parts anyway. Maple, Woodbridge has tons of money there. Maybe a little west of the Skydome on Lakeshore may have development oppurtunities. Richmond Hill ??

Since I am from T.O. also , I can help you get set up with the client and dealer networks when you are ready. Working for Heimrath anf Pfaff back in the day, I acquired a lot of connections.

Good luck.


Theo

 

It sounds like maybe you should become a rep for some of the companies you listed (Gemballa, Koenig...) and provide the parts and install rather than gamble on trying to move millions in modded exotic car inventory. Maybe have one or two Porsches, MB, Ferrari tricked out with those products on display/ for sale at the shop.

Kevin

 

Accomplice, thats a great idea.

I'm going to look into that aswell.

TSP,

Thanks! Forest Hill is a beautiful spot. You're right about DFC.. the showroom is tiny, but the location is pretty damn perfect. Its amazing though, even the Lambo dealership is WAY downtown near the Lakeshore off Bathurst.

Ferrari has a big dealership near ThornHill i think which could be a good area because its new and alot of money is moving in and around that area.

 

I think Thornhill is a very good area. You are not to far from Downtown or the other BIG $$$ areas further north.

Again, let me know if you need some help.


Theo

 

Dabum
good luck in your venture I always appreciate somebody lookin
to roll the dice in exotics. Be carefull about inventory though
most people like to buy cars from places that can service them
with factory techs. The mod idea on cars will give you an edge but alas, The market shifts daily on exotic cars in the thousands
PM me if there are any business questions - GOOD LUCK

 

Dabum,

I would do something similiar to what Segal Motor Car Company in T.O does....

that guy sells high caliber inventory out of a low overhead place. Go and check out his location, it is just one big covered structure with tons of nice cars....

I think minimizing overhead is the key. I don't think servicing is necessary unless you are a new car dealer for a specific brand.

Use the net as well....the right car, with the right mods will attract a customer by itself.

Good luck, and when you get going, I want some wholesale deals !!!!

 

TO be honest my brother owns a 2 dealership and I think for highline cars...the best bet is to get a warehouse for cheap money and go to the auctions and build a good inventory on "a good credit line" you have to be nuts to tie up your own money, and sell the cars via the internet ebay etc. There is no overhead like sales persons etc. and you can maximize your sales potential, because when its snowing in toronto...its sunny in florida, if you get the picture. A good example of this is Don L Leasing in ft. lauderdale florida..there online showroom gets over a million hits a week. while a small dealership might get 100 people driving in and kicking the tires. Also people buying cars online know what they want and are ready to buy immediatly. I sell aproximetly 4-6 cars a month, out of my boston apartment..in my free time. The most important thing is to get a dealers license in your state. GOOD LUCK