Imagine for a moment that you are taking your annual getaway.  What better way to put the final touch to that vacation than to couple it with the ultimate driving experience?  Yes, fractional ownership is now available for those exceptionally elusive cars.  I’m going to show you a new way to hit the open road—classic/exotic timeshare car clubs!  

These clubs provide the average Joe or Josephine, the ability to get themselves in the cockpit of an otherwise unattainable dream car.  Even professional racers such as Mario Andretti also use timeshare clubs to try out different cars. 

If you are reading this article it stands to reason you are a car buff and that being so, you probably have a sweetheart in your garage or you're planning to put one there at some future point in time.  Folks, there is a great deal more to owning an exquisite, high-end or custom, tricked out vehicle than you might realize.  The hidden costs are stifling when you consider maintenance, full coverage insurance, detailing and environmentally controlled storage.  Many of us know the specs on every muscle car Chevy ever put out, or the exact package accommodations that match up with the, RS, SS, Z, or any combination thereof that match those designations, but have you ever had the opportunity to drive all those beauties? 

Memberships to timeshare clubs are quite enticing. There are variations in the type of memberships at different price levels. Some clubs have a point system in place, allowing members to upgrade to a more suitable driving allowance if they have burned through their allotted points. With others, you pay by day as you drive.  Each offer a variety of classic or exotic cars, all well maintained, gassed up and ready for a road trip.  Some clubs offer members national and international accommodations as well. 

Rick Gaan of Club Sportiva in San Francisco has a joint project going with EuroSportiva based in Munich and is able to accommodate members while they are overseas. Rick uses the point system for his club and finds it works best.  After recently taking ownership of Club Sportiva in November 2008, he merged the two different membership levels into one allowing a wider accessibility to the cars for everyone to enjoy.  To give you an idea of how the point system works, Rick explained that he values his vehicles from 1,000 to 11,000 points adjoining his treasures from a 1969 Jaguar XKE to a Ferrari F430 or a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder.  Keep in mind that there are many options in between those extremes, such as Saleen Mustangs or  Porsche 911s.  They also offer discounts on points as an enticement to drive for a three day weekend.  Imagine needing an enticement to climb in to a mint condition exotic or classic car!

Rick is adamant about the differences between car club timeshares and classic/exotic car rentals.  Mentality is the biggest difference.  He feels that the time and effort he and his fellow car club enthusiasts take to care for the fleet when they are driving a car equals the manner of “pride in ownership” they feel you won’t find if you were to simply rent.

The prices of memberships do vary.  You may choose to start with a $250.00 five year membership if you live in the Midwest, as priced by Exotic Car Share.   Don’t let this price tag fool you; the entitlements of this club are unlimited mileage (except for the Lamborghini), free tank of gas, free pass for tolls, and 24/7 roadside assistance. George Kiebaba of  Exotic Car Share and Curvy Road and George explained that between the two companies they have roughly two dozen vehicles for  members to drive with just a reservation. George and his partners were the first to market car time shares.  He modeled the concept after yacht and jet timesharing and formed Exotic Car Share with vehicles in the $50 - $100K range.  When members demanded more of a high-end vehicle, he and his partners opened Curvy Road to showcase the $100 - $250K class of ride. Both clubs also have a point system in place which can be earned through specials and promotions and referrals and gift certificates that give points that can be used for drive time.  

All clubs offer ways to reach out to their not-so-local participants.  They will even transport vehicles for members to enjoy while vacationing. Clubs are fanatical about primping and detailing the fleet.  Each vehicle is checked before and after a drive, and any scratches, dings, dents, knocks, pings, problems are addressed immediately. 

There are many other benefits of membership, including road rallies to local hot spots, poker and cigar nights, and driving academies, but simply browsing the showroom for new additions and hanging out with other members can in itself be a treat.

Clubs don't hesitate to bring you up to speed before they send you out on your drive in the company of 500 or more ponies.  Most clubs even send offer a detailed DVD on the marquee and history of the car and its ownership, as well as a checklist or booklet of all the particular risks, quirks and nuances of your selected ride.  AND you get a free tank of gas!  Return the car empty—it’s no problem.