Vancouver Luxury Car Club is a novel concept that allows exotic car enthusiasts to drive whatever they want, whenever they want.
Exotic-automobile owners are well- known for their dedication to their favourite make of car. Some may be Porsche people, others Ferrari fanatics, but what they all have in common is a passion for the so-called exotic supercars. Regardless of the make or model, any type of exotic car always seems to catch their eye.
Those enthusiasts who happen to have the good fortune to live in Vancouver can now indulge their passion with a full range of exotic vehicles through a membership in the Vancouver Luxury Car Club, a new concept in luxury automobile ownership that opened this past June.
The premise of the Car Club is quite simple: why restrict yourself to one luxury vehicle when you can have your choice from among a fleet of 70 exotic cars?
Mark Cheng, the founder and CEO of Vancouver Luxury Car Club, has had a lifelong passion for exotic vehicles and has been an avid Porsche enthusiast and collector for the past 35 years. Previously an auto dealer, Cheng started this club for fellow wealthy car lovers who aren’t ready to commit to just one supercar.
The concept is new not just to Canada, said Cheng in an interview when the Vancouver club opened. “There’s nothing like this that I can find in North America and, in reality, nothing I could find in the Middle East or in Asian countries,” he said.
The club is private by design, with membership intentionally limited to just 50 people, to ensure a truly private and bespoke experience. Memberships cost approximately $66,000 per year, and while that is certainly substantial, similar clubs in the United Kingdom cost about $300,000 per year. “The price is hefty if you’re comparing it to buying a Honda Civic, but if you compare it to purchasing a Lamborghini or a Ferrari or a Bentley or a Range Rover, then it’s very reasonable,” said Cheng.
The club gives members access to all of those types of vehicles, as well as to Maseratis, Porsches and many more, including luxury SUVs and luxury sedans. Members can reserve and have access to any car they want whenever they want it and they can drive any of the vehicles in the impressive fleet 365 days or the year, with no blackout dates or complicated systems.
“You can book a Ferrari for three days and, after that, when you want to go up to Whistler you can take the Land Rover Defender,” explained Cheng. “You then might say, ‘Oh, I’ve got clients coming from overseas for my business, and I want to wine and dine them.’ So, you take the Bentley Flying Spur or the Mercedes S Class.”
Over time, the fleet will be renewed, with cars sold off and new vehicles added each year or so. Cheng noted that supercar drivers usually take their cars out for only 21 or so days per year and often want to get a replacement in a year or two, so having several to choose from — as a member of this new-concept automobile-ownership club — is ideal.
The Vancouver Luxury Car Club is perfect for those who are in the market for a supercar but can’t decide which type to choose. The booking system is straightforward and there are essentially no limits on car use.
As Cheng was quick to point out, members are responsible for gas and any tickets or fines they incur. But most of the major costs of automobile ownership, including taxes, insurance and maintenance, are taken care of by the Vancouver Luxury Car Club. If members live near Vancouver, a valet will even deliver the cars. Members can also pick up cars at the club’s luxury showroom and clubhouse, which also includes private boardrooms and leisure spaces, all designed to elevate the complete driving experience both on and off the road.
This venture is the latest in a series of business successes that have marked Cheng’s career. If it is successful, he may open similar clubs in Calgary and Toronto. His philosophy of success includes having a genuine passion for something, having vision, being hardworking and not being pretentious. “Always do what you say and do not overprice,” he stated.
For those who share his passion for driving, connections and curated lifestyle experiences, the Vancouver Luxury Car Club is the private community worth the wait.
INTERVIEW BY MICHELLE ZERILLO-SOSA
