In a secluded neighborhood just east of Los Angeles, California, sits a set of estates, which are separated by one common driveway. In between each of the two homes is one common driveway, but don't let it fool you as this is merely the entry way into a community of homes, all of which are mated to various garages which house high-octane fantasies of various automotive flavors.
Being very familiar with each of the cars, I take pride in knowing that I own the same models, but of course with different colors. My Ferrari 360 Modena is red, my Lamborghini Murciealago black and my Porsche GT2 a down-toned silver. Of course, the one significant factor varying our collections is the fact that I got my cars much, much cheaper as - unfortunately - they are all 1/18 scale and sit atop my fireplace mantle.
So as the owner dusted off a few of the cars, he gave us a rundown of the mods and is quick to point out that his garage has a subterranean pit (from which he can change his oil as if he were Jiffy Lube), a lift, as well as a full Snap-On tool box, all of which are in mint condition and barely used if used at all. Aside from the traditional rags, wipes, car care products and other rarities, one side of the wall holds a set of the stock 360 Modena rims and tires. It's funny, if the stock tires hanging were from a Honda it would look like a mess but since they were Modena stocks it looked more like art than it does rummage.
As I peruse the garage, I'm fascinated by the amount of toys that he's got. In one corner of the garage, there's a 125cc race bike, inside his home a 125cc go-kart and the speed demon also has a fleet of RC cars ranging in scale from 1/18 scale all of the way to the mamma-jamma units which are fast - and big enough - to take out the neighborhood cats and children.
So what does one have to do to afford such a fine collection of toys? Well, it's quite obvious that you need to make a boatload of money, but more importantly you have to have financial sense of security. The particular owner of these vehicles, whose name and picture will be left private upon his request, is a very humble and successful businessman who - along with his family - runs an exotic lingerie manufacturing company. Simply put, he is responsible for giving millions of women their sultry evening look and the man responsible for putting the romance and eroticism back into your love life.
But what's even more incredible is the fact that a man of such financial and automotive excellence is perhaps the most humble entrepreneur that we've ever met. Many times money brings ego and with ego the complication of human interaction, but not with this guy. Given the amount of money invested into his automobiles he would have every right to be cocky but he's not. His automotive collection also includes a Bentley Arnage as well as a CL55, S55 and an SL500 all of which were not pictured. He is a car connoisseur and a businessman with a flair for the best which is why his collection would not be complete without the addition of a Bentley GT Coupe, which, of course, is on the way.
Either way, this feature was intended to help assist dreams, while also providing inspiration to all custom car enthusiasts. It's the end result of a successful business career as well as motivation for other to follow in the footsteps of success and automotive excess. It just goes to show you that hard work and dedication can take you a long way - especially if you don't forget your roots!
TECH SPEX: 2002 Ferrari 360 Modena
* BBS Challenge Wheels* Gruppe M carbon fiber intake
2002 Lamborghini Murciealago
* Stock* This car was purchased a week before the shoot* Exhaust had not been installed yet
* Full GT2 suspension* CarGraphic Wheels * Color matched interior panels* Gemballa full body kit* Brembo brakes* Matching interior parts painted to match
* Stock* Does it really need anything? It's a Bentley!
* Full Sony Xplod sound system* OZ Racing wheels* Custom British flag decal on roof* Sparco seats* Suede rear seats
* OZ Racing Wheels* Gruppe M carbon fiber intake system* Hamann body kit* Brembo brakes* Customized by D2 Technik of Alhambra, California