Luxury vehicle display garages are becoming increasingly popular, as collectors want to showcase their exotic cars on their property while protecting them from the weather. Auto warehouses are terrific options in a pinch, but they limit access to these treasures. Luckily, with some imagination, planning, and investment, you can create a space that allows you to appreciate these exquisite autos every day. Read on as we reveal some of the most innovative luxury vehicle display garages in use right now.
Luxury Auto Gallery
When NBA superstar LeBron James purchased a home in the tony Los Angeles neighborhood of Brentwood, it wasn’t a surprise that the property had what the listing referred to as an “auto gallery.” According to My Domaine, James is known for having a “storied car collection that includes a Lamborghini Aventador, Porsche 911 Turbo S, and a restored 1975 Chevy Impala.” Any home of his would need the facilities to display and easily access these sought-after automotive treasures.
Of course, you don’t have to be in the NBA to create a luxury vehicle display gallery. Even a three-car, single-level garage can be renovated to perfection with the addition of marble floors, custom lighting, climate control systems, and rotating platforms, as well as upgraded ventilation systems for showing off engines. Of course, if you are displaying luxury automobiles on your property, you should increase your security. Experts tell The Spruce that installing a smart system with motion sensor lights and wireless keypads could be the way to go. Even starting by covering the windows or swapping your current garage door for a windowless version can help increase security. As a bonus, going windowless in your garage will also reduce the UV rays directed at your vehicles.
Remodel with Vehicle Lifts
If you are planning an above-ground garage remodel, you might want to include lifts and double-height ceilings in your new space. Hydraulic lifts allow you to stagger the display of your vehicles at different heights and take advantage of the vertical space available. When four or five cars are parked directly next to one another, it can be challenging to see the full beauty of these stunning exotic vehicles. Incorporating hydraulic lifts give you a much better visual. Also, while remodeling, talk to your designer about creating a bespoke lighting system. As designer Jen Stark tells The Spruce “‘many people don’t give much thought to it when they build or upgrade their garage, and the lighting can make or break a space.’”
The Car Bar
If you are considering transforming your current space into a luxury vehicle display garage and also want the room to feel like an upscale gathering spot, you are not alone. In car-centric cities like Los Angeles, so-called “Car Lounges” or “Car Bars” are among the most frequently added amenities in extreme luxury homes. As Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate reported, many of these homes have “glass-encased rooms ready to protect the most valuable of cars, as well as adjacent rooms with wet-bars and couches for entertaining while being surrounded by the very best.” In fact, when an estate on Bel Air Road in Bel Air, California, came on the market, it was discovered that an entire nightclub-like lounge had been built within sight of an extraordinary collection of 30 rare and exotic vehicles.
A Subterranean Addition
If you already have your dream home in place and have no desire to create a space that disrupts the current look of the house, think subterranean. By digging out a new lower level, either under the house, the driveway, or existing out-buildings, you can design a beautiful space that offers easy access to any luxury vehicles you are currently warehousing. The new level can have a number of possible entrances for auto load-in – from a winding drive to a glass elevator on hydraulic lifts. Once in the underground garage, the vehicle can be placed on an expansive turntable that allows for easy repositioning whenever you need to park or use one of the automobiles.
While building the space, consider putting in fire-rated glass partitions to protect your vehicles and the rest of your property. Once the partitions are designed, you can carve out an opulent retreat to relax while gazing out over your stunning collection. In fact, when subterranean display garages are added, it’s not unusual to see upscale amenities like home theaters, wine cellars, tasting rooms, and game rooms included in the extra space.
The ‘Supercar Capsule’ Display Garage
The brainchild of Italy-based designers ASZarchitetti and Dubai-based SuperFutureDesign, the ‘Supercar Capsule’ is a free-standing gallery that allows your luxury vehicles to be displayed as you would any piece of fine art. Whether you want to showcase the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe (the most expensive car ever sold at auction), a deeply prized Ferrari, or a pristine vehicle you’ve owned since your youth (or all of the above), a ‘Supercar Capsule’ will allow you to tell its story. The free-standing capsule can be completely customized and features a massive pedestal and transparent windows that can be treated to keep harmful UV rays from damaging the cars’ finishes. It’s climate-controlled and can include specialty lighting design. It can even be crafted with multiple layers, should you want to display more than one exotic car. Now, you just need to decide where on your property you want to put this extraordinary auto gallery.
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