The Beverly Hills Car Club isn’t exactly in the 90210 zip code. \u00a0In fact, they’re about 30 minutes east… without L.A. traffic. \u00a0But old is gold at this specialized classic car dealership, and we recently had the chance to sit down with their Sales Manager, Sean Porrazzo.<\/span><\/p>\n

PSM:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0When and how did you get started in this industry?<\/span>
SP:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0I\u2019ve always had a fascination with classic cars. \u00a0Alex Manos, the owner and founder of Beverly Hills Car Club and a long-time friend, contacted me and felt that I would be the right person to head the sales department. \u00a0I jumped at the chance.\u00a0 How could I not seize such an amazing opportunity to not only work with a good friend, but also be enamored with the incredible array of cars that were in the company\u2019s inventory?<\/span><\/p>\n

PSM:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0What\u2019s\u00a0the best part of your job?<\/span>
SP:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0The cars! \u00a0This is a toy store for any classic car enthusiast. \u00a0Every day is exciting and unique, with cars being delivered daily to our showroom. \u00a0We are constantly impressed because we get to see firsthand some of the best cars in the world on display right here, in our showroom.\u00a0 Over the last few years, the Beverly Hills Car Club has grown into one the largest dealerships of classic European cars in the nation.\u00a0 And I am always so proud to announce that to our clients. \u00a0By mid-day, every day, I will have spoken to at least 10 people, in as many countries, which gives me a unique perspective when it comes to understanding what the buyer is looking for both on a cultural and personal level.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

PSM:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0If you weren’t working for Beverly Hills Car Club, what would you be doing?<\/span>
SP:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0I can’t imagine working anywhere else. \u00a0I love what I do and who I work for. \u00a0It is more than a job here, it\u2019s family.<\/span><\/p>\n

PSM:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0Have you always been interested in classic cars?<\/span>
SP:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0Yes, classic cars have always been of huge interest to me.\u00a0 When I was a young boy my next door neighbor, Mr. Brown, owned a 1957 Chevy Bel Air. \u00a0It was yellow with white, and completely restored. \u00a0He always had it parked outside. \u00a0I would imagine racing Mr. Brown’s car and I even had a Hot Wheels identical to his car. \u00a0That is unequivocally where my interest started, and it has grown enormously since then. \u00a0I know, a completely original Bel Air is not exactly a sports car, but I was also a fan of Richard Petty of NASCAR and Mario Andretti of Indy Car at the time!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

PSM:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0If you won the lottery tonight, what’s the first classic car you would buy?<\/span>
SP:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0This is truly a tough question to answer, because\u00a0there are so many classic cars I would like to own. \u00a0Seriously, how can I choose just one when I’m surrounded by some of the most extraordinary cars in the world. \u00a0I would probably start with a 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback and a 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL.\u00a0 But there is one jewel which is a must have… a 1956 BMW 507 with a hard top, in black, is definitely at the top of my list of ultimate dream cars to own. \u00a0It was among one of the most desirable European sports cars of the 1950s and only 252 were ever built.\u00a0 It\u2019s a car that is highly sought after. \u00a0The 507 has such attractive, elegant sleek lines, a sporty body and it has unique solid wheels, which look stunning in my\u00a0opinion. \u00a0I can totally see myself driving one in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n

PSM:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0Any favorite memories of the Pomona Swap Meet that you could share with us?<\/span>
SP:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0One of the best things about Pomona is that we get a chance to meet with people who are also classic car fans. \u00a0We have taken some rare cars to the swap meet and it\u2019s fantastic to see the look on people\u2019s faces when they walk by and see these rare finds staring right back at them. \u00a0Like the 1954 Kaiser Darrin with sliding doors. \u00a0It had hundreds of people stop by to comment on the uniqueness of the car.\u00a0 The 1967 Jaguar E-Type in red was also a showstopper because people didn’t realize that you have to pull back the entire hood to get to the engine. \u00a0We have such a passion for these cars and can talk endlessly about why we love them.\u00a0 At Pomona, it\u2019s more of a community and that\u2019s what resonates with the attendees, who also have that drive and passion for these cars.\u00a0 We strive to be at each meet.\u00a0 With everyone we come into contact with we realize time and time again that it\u2019s important to understand your clients and their needs, and this is exactly what happens at each Pomona Swap Meet.<\/span><\/p>\n

$\"DEC-2014-BHCC4\"$
Sean, hustling at a recent Pomona Swap Meet.<\/p><\/div>\n
PSM:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0Ford or Chevy?<\/span>
SP:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0Porsche! \u00a0Performance wise, this particular car manufacturer has been getting it right since the 1950s. \u00a0The German automaker specializes in high-performance sports cars and the cars are designed to be driven daily.\u00a0 It doesn’t get better than this.<\/span><\/p>\n
NOW TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY…<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
PSM:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0How can customers contact you?<\/span>
SP:<\/span>\u00a0 You\u00a0can contact us through\u00a0our website<\/span>\u00a0www.beverlyhillscarclub.com<\/a><\/strong>, where you\u00a0can sign up for our emails and newsletters. \u00a0You\u00a0can also email\u00a0us at:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0sales@beverlyhillscarclub.com<\/a><\/strong>; or call us at +1 310-975-0272. \u00a0It’s great to see people at our showroom too, which is located at 4576 Worth St. Los Angeles CA 90063.\u00a0 We’re also on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram:<\/span><\/p>\n
Twitter<\/span> @bhcarclub<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
Facebook<\/span>\u00a0www.facebook.com\/beverlyhillscarclub<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
Instagram<\/span>\u00a0www.instagram.com\/beverlyhillscarclub<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
PSM:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0Can you tell us about your company’s founder, Alex Manos? \u00a0How did he get started in this business?<\/span>
SP:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0Alex has always been a lover of classic cars.\u00a0 His parents owned several classic cars so he was surrounded by it.\u00a0 His love of classics grew from there.<\/span><\/p>\n
Being approached by several celebrities who were intrigued by his ride is actually how Alex was struck with the idea of starting the Beverly Hills Car Club. \u00a0He bought a 1962 Lincoln Continental with suicide doors from a guy who had owned it for 30 years and was the manager of the service department at a Lincoln dealership. \u00a0The car was perfect mechanically, and everywhere Alex drove it people would try to stop him to ask him if they could buy it. \u00a0Shaquille O’Neal pulled him over. \u00a0Hype Williams chased him down.\u00a0 After a while, Alex decided to sell the Lincoln and get another one. \u00a0He sold that car, and it just started escalating from there.\u00a0 After he sold that first Lincoln, Alex also started restoring cars. \u00a0He bought a convertible, had it painted and started getting into the restoration aspect of it. \u00a0Alex says that it really gives you a deeper love for the cars because you’re doing so much work on them. \u00a0And you\u00a0get to understand more about what the buyer is looking for and how you can help them.<\/span><\/p>\n
PSM:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0What\u2019s\u00a0the vision for the future? \u00a0Any expected changes at your dealership on the horizon?<\/span>
SP:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0The dealership keeps growing and we currently have over 255 cars in stock. \u00a0The cars range from project cars to pristine, well maintained exotic cars.\u00a0 We’re always looking to find that unique car.<\/span><\/p>\n
PSM:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0What\u00a0differentiates your dealership from the competition? \u00a0What makes you special?<\/span>
SP:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0We have one of the biggest inventories of classic cars in America.\u00a0 The quantity and variety of classic cars we have on offer separates us and puts us way ahead of the rest. \u00a0Additionally, our cars are marked competitively, usually below market value.\u00a0 We are probably one of the only dealerships to offer such great deals to our clients. \u00a0It\u2019s always best to check the inventory on our website to find out what is currently being listed.<\/span><\/p>\n
PSM:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0How do you find the cars that you sell? \u00a0Do you have buyers actively seeking out specific cars for your customers?<\/span>
SP:<\/span>\u00a0 The Pomona Swap Meet is a great place for us to find cars, with people expressing interest in selling their car or upgrading to another one.\u00a0 Most of the people we meet at Pomona are real enthusiasts who want a classic car that they can either work on, or start as a project to restore over a period of time.\u00a0 Or they’re looking for a showroom quality car.\u00a0 It all depends on the buyer.<\/span><\/p>\n
We have an active \u201cwish list\u201d and if a car comes in matching your buying criteria, then you will most likely hear from our sales team almost immediately. \u00a0Alex also finds classics in some of the most obscure place.\u00a0 For instance, he found 3 classic cars high in the mountains of Washington state. \u00a0The cars had to be towed out of the mountains because they couldn\u2019t be driven. \u00a0They had been sitting in the mountains on blocks with no wheels.<\/span><\/p>\n
PSM:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0What\u00a0seems to be the most popular make\/model right now? \u00a0Any trends you’ve seen in So Cal versus other car markets?<\/span>
SP:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0Today’s trends around the world are Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Maserati, and Jaguar. \u00a0However, most California buyers are looking for American Muscle cars.<\/span><\/p>\n
PSM:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0I assume most of your clients are here in Southern California. \u00a0Is that correct, or do you find that a lot of classics are being sold to out of state buyers, or even out of the country?<\/span>
SP:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0We do have a lot of clients throughout the country, and particularly in southern California. \u00a0But with the popularity of classic European and American cars and the power of the internet, we now have clients from all over the world: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Great Britain, Australia, Spain, Brazil and South Africa to name a few. \u00a0We also have people fly in just to see what cars we have on offer in our showroom. \u00a0When they arrive they normally can\u2019t believe the feast for their eyes! \u00a0For these people, their love for these types of classics has them flying into LAX, arriving at the showroom, spending the entire day in the showroom, make a purchase or two, then drive back to LAX and head home.<\/span><\/p>\n
PSM:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0Any other services that you dealership offers?<\/span>
SP:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0Not at the moment, but we are always coming up with new ideas. \u00a0Stay tuned!<\/span><\/p>\n
PSM:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0How long have you been coming to Pomona?<\/span>
SP:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0Almost everyone at the company has been going\u00a0for years. \u00a0Alex started going\u00a0in 2000.\u00a0 As a company, 2014 was the first year we went to Pomona. \u00a0We have seen great results, with sales developing out of the relationships we build there.<\/span><\/p>\n
PSM:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0Do you offer any special swap meet deals or discounts?<\/span>
SP:<\/span>\u00a0 Yes, our t-shirt collection and signature plates are available at discounted prices in Pomona.<\/span><\/p>\n
PSM:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0Anything else that customers should know about your company?<\/span>
SP:<\/span> \u00a0We consider ourselves to offer great customer service and can answer questions quickly if you have any interest in buying a car.\u00a0 <\/span>We reach out to customers worldwide, and have people asking for a lot of different makes and models. \u00a0With these cars, no request is crazy. \u00a0The people in the classic car industry have a ‘want’ list.\u00a0 Almost everyone wants to find that one rare car that nobody else has \u2013 there’s just something great about it. \u00a0This is precisely what I think makes us successful, that we have so much passion and love for the cars, that we simply want to make sure that everyone gets to own their dream car. \u00a0Alex always says that if someone has a job, and they’re not happy with what they’re doing, it shows. \u00a0If you go to a restaurant and the chef hates his job, then the food ends up not tasting as good. \u00a0However, if you go to a restaurant and they love what they’re doing, the food is delicious.\u00a0 This is what happens here. \u00a0We love what we do, and it shows.\u00a0 Being positive is contagious.<\/span><\/p>\n
PSM:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0Any tips that you could offer to someone looking to buy a classic car?<\/span>
SP:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0If you have any interest in purchasing a car, one of the first things you need to do is move fast.\u00a0 We work with thousands of classic car fans, enthusiasts, dealers, collectors, and buyers from all over the world. \u00a0Therefore, if you have your heart set on a particular car, call myself, or Oliver or Jarrod in our sales office. \u00a0If we have a car you want to buy, don\u2019t hesitate. \u00a0Odds are that there are 10-20 other people strongly interested in the same car. \u00a0This means it will not be available if you wait to find out if it\u2019s the right car for you. \u00a0Contact us as early as possible to secure the car.\u00a0 We have had people call up in tears when they find out that the car they were looking for got sold within one hour\u00a0of it being posted on the website.<\/span><\/p>\n
PSM:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0And what about for sellers? \u00a0Any words of wisdom?<\/span>
SP:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0If you have a classic car to sell, make sure you\u00a0call us at (877) 912-0007!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t