The growth of exotic car rentals in the United States is one of those curious artifacts of the recession. Once a very small niche market, exotic car rentals are now available from some of the larger rental companies, at least in larger cities. Americans are discovering what the Europeans have known for a long time: you don’t have to spend a fortune on fine automobiles to drive one when it matters most.
The reasons for the growth in exotic car rentals are also rooted in the fact there are so many exotic car models from which to choose. Before Henry luxury car rental Ford’s development of the assembly line, that made it possible to assemble simple designs efficiently and quickly, all cars were hand-built in small shops, and only the wealthy could afford them. As robotics, computer-aided design, and just-in-time manufacturing techniques now make it possible to build custom models or even unique cars on an assembly line, exotic cars can be built competitively, with high-quality components and skilled labor devoted to hand finishing.
Aside from the quality aspect, a car is exotic because it is, like a race car or military vehicle, designed for a narrow range of specific purposes. While many exotics are now within the price range of the middle class, it can’t be your only car, and possibly relegated to third or fourth car, or pushed off the budget entirely. But, you still want to drive one. Enter exotic car rentals.
American culture is so much a car culture that exotic rentals make sense as just another vacation indulgence, like going to a fine restaurant or five-star resort or hotel. What better way to tour the coast highway or the neighborhoods of the rich and famous than in a sports car with the top down? Exotic rentals can turn your vacation into a fantasy adventure. Even without leaving home, exotic car rentals can add spice to a special occasion-anniversary, birthday, reunion, or just a weekend getaway to nowhere.
Exotic car rentals are an alternative to the usual boxy fleet car when traveling, but there are some important differences to consider. First, the rental agency won’t just check your driving license-they will also check your driving record. Many exotic car rentals, besides being more expensive than the average car, are also high-performance vehicles, with as much horsepower as an eighteen-wheeler. Not only do they accelerate like a jet fighter catapulted from an aircraft carrier, they can quickly attain more than twice the posted highway speed. Responsible drivers only, please. Sticker shock awaits the unprepared, as well. Exotic car rentals typically run at one percent of the purchase price of the vehicle, per day. Since most sports cars and ultra-luxury sedans cost more than $100,000, the rental fees may be in excess of $1000 per day. But, if getting there is everything, the cost is comparable with other luxury adventures, and provides an experience you may cherish longer than memories of other, more passive trips. And, you are in the driver’s seat.