Showroom

Aston Martin (and misc. other exotics) have a new Florida outlet in Sarasota. Been open for 3 months say the sales people.

I bought a newspaper on Monday and in the enclosed "Business Weekly" section was a color illustrated, well written cover story on a "Sarasota Studio". Located just a block south of Main St in downtown. (Turns out it is across the street from Trump's Sun Coast campaign HQ.)

Actually its a used car facility for the Dimmitt Auto Group whose main store is 45 miles to the north on the west end of the Gandy Bridge. Reason they located here? More than half their exotic customers are south of Tampa Bay...there are lots of moneyed folk in Sarasota and adjacent Gulf Keys.

The building is modern, showroom floor is spacious. There were 22 cars on the floor when I visited. Stock included a half dozen Astons, 8 Bentleys, 2 McLarens, a couple Rollers, a Ferrari and a Lambo.

Most are rag tops (it's Florida you'all), most 2014 or newer, all with very few miles. They were demos, lease turn ins and trade ins. There is a white AM Vantage roadster 6 speed with red lipstick GT with 65 miles on the clock.

Exotic Car Festival

This weekend it starts with an airport cocktail party Friday evening, followed by a Main Street Exotic show by owners and a few sponsoring dealers on Saturday, finishing with a rally on Sunday morning. It's a charity event , bring your wallet. Forecast is mid 70s all weekend, some clouds...no rain.