The economic downturn has been hard on some businesses and disastrous for others, but Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Dallas exotic car rental business, says his business has seen a less than 10 percent profit reduction this year. However, that doesn’t mean it’s easy to make a profit in the business of exotic car rental.
Sturgeon explained to the Star-Telegram that operating costs can be pretty significant for an exotic car rental business. The initial purchase cost of an exotic vehicle is the first hurdle, with many cars costing in the six figure range. Then there’s maintenance.
“A scraped wheel can be a couple of thousand on one of these cars,” Sturgeon said.
But for Sturgeon, the business is also a pleasure. He loves exotic vehicles, especially the Bentley Continental GT. For auto enthusiasts, getting behind the wheel of a Bentley can be a dream come true.
“Cars have been my whole life,” Sturgeon said. “It’s probably 90 percent of my fun and less than 10 percent of my business.”
Sturgeon’s Dallas exotic car rental business is unusual in that they own all of their exotic vehicles. For most exotic car rental companies, the exotic car inventory is largely borrowed. Owning the vehicles give Sturgeon an edge when it comes to making sure vehicles are available and well maintained.
Surprisingly, the Dallas exotic car rental business hasn’t taken a lot of economic hits. Sturgeon said they have lost one Lamborghini when it was totaled, but otherwise, the cars are returned in good shape. The engines in the exotic vehicles can be disabled remotely, and speed reports are also available.
For exotic car enthusiasts, exotic car rental can be a great deal. When an oil change alone can cost $1200, a couple of days of exotic car rental don’t seem all that expensive. In general, the cost of maintaining and insuring exotic cars can be astronomical, and for many people it just makes more sense to rent a Lamborghini.
Sturgeon’s company also features automotive dream tours in DFW and throughout Texas. Participants in these tours can drive a Lamborghini and several other exotic cars over some of the most beautiful back roads in Tarrant County. And a price tag about $1200 is pretty reasonable for the chance to drive several exotic vehicles.
“I think the price is good,” said Sturgeon. “Everybody is always just blown away by how much fun it is. It’s quite a treat.”
Many people may not be aware of the alternatives to owning an exotic car. It’s a dream that just seems out of reach for many people, but Sturgeon is in the business of making that dream come true.
“I don’t think people think we exist,” he said. “I just don’t think the average person knows you can rent a Ferrari in Dallas.”
Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.
