Palatine,
Illinois October 3, 2006 Exotic Car Share opened its
doors to over 175 Chicagoland auto enthusiasts and technology
buffs at the membership’s club and fractional
ownership firm’s headquarter campus. On display
were 14 micro cars from around the world plus 15 rare,
exotic and specialty cars from the Exotic Car Share
Collection. A lunchtime rain burst gave a short pause
to the fifteen-minute private drives, but gave time
to enjoy the custom creations from the Pasta Chef.
(Click
Here for a single PDF containing a full portfolio
of photos on the event.) |
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The
Micro Car Show was a huge draw, with some of the most
fuel-efficient cars (attaining up to 70 mpg) from around
the world including Italy, Spain, England and Germany.
Many commented on the Smart Car Convertible on display,
a vehicle not yet available in the U.S. and what many
say represents the future of automobiles.
“It was a wonderful contrast, seeing the Smart
Car with the absolute latest technology and comparing
it to the great classic 1961 Fiat 600 from the Giovanni
D’Avola Collection,” said George Kiebala,
the firm’s co-founder and CEO. “Having spent
summers in Barcelona growing up, I remember hearing
little Vespas and Fiats buzzing by and it’s what
started my passion for unique automobiles. We even had
a 1960 Fiat 600 Multipla, thought of as the original
mini-van with a super efficient 767 cc engine that produced
32 hp,” said George.
Members and non-members alike were able
to drive classic and exotic vehicles from the fleet.
Kiebala said, “The two new cars we just added
to the fleet, the Ferrari 355F-1 Spider and new 06 Corvette
Z51 convertible, were the most popular. Both cars have
6-speed paddle shifters and give our members without
manual transmission experience the thrill of driving
an exotic sports car.” The 1969 Mustang Mach 1
and the ’64 Corvette ran a close second, reconfirming
the popularity of the classic cars in the collection.
Kathy Kiebala, co-founder and CFO said
“the weather wasn’t a huge issue. It was
sunny and clear in the morning and just around noon,
the clouds came in, it poured but the sky cleared in
about an hour and the sun came back out. We were able
to resume the drives, and for those who left during
the rain we gave out over 25 rain checks for the free
private drives, so on one left disappointed, they can
come back any time.”
“A number of visitors took advantage
of the special discounted membership offer and booked,
as an example, usage of the Ferrari 355 F-1 for a wedding,
the new ’06 Corvette for a week’s vacation
and the classic ’64 Corvette Convertible for a
3-day weekend.” Kathy said the event was a huge
success. “I was happy to visit with so many members,”
she said and added “with over 680, it’s
hard to keep up with each one so it was great so many
could come out and enjoy the day with us.”
Ten raffle prizes were awarded adding
to the excitement of the day. The Ferrari Office Clock
and the Wine Country Gift Basket had the most entries,
but the classic and exotic car models all drew great
attention.
The Kiebalas were also happy with the
interest in their fractional ownership business Curvy
Road, and introduced their latest offering, a new Ferrari
360 F1 Spider along with a Bentley Continental GT. |
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| "We
pioneered the concept of time share for automobiles
with our Membership club in 2000, said George, “and
now are extending that concept to fractional ownership
so customers can enjoy the privileges of driving the
most elite automobiles at a fraction of the cost and
without the headaches.”
Private Drive Rain Checks were handed
out to many and the rain didn’t dampen the success
of the Exotic car Share Open House. All were able to
see the various fuel-efficient Micro Cars from around
the world, and many were able to drive their favorite
classic or exotic car from the Collection. Even a new
member’s 10 year old son wasn’t put off
when he wasn’t allowed to drive the new Z51 Corvette
– he got a ride and said he’d be back when
his feet could reach the pedals.
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