Road to Supercar Pit Stop #1: Expanded Collector’s Concours for Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase

Park Place Dealerships’ Selection Committee has extended registration for the second annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase, to be held Saturday, October 13, 2018, at the Four Seasons Resort & Club Dallas at Las Colinas. The Collectors’ Concours is our first stop on the #RoadtoSupercar.

“We were thrilled with the cars that participated in our inaugural event last year,” said Jed Siddle, Park Place Premier Collection Parts Manager and a member of the Selection Committee for the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase. “This year, we are expanding the Collectors Showcase onto the fairway of the TPC Four Seasons Championship golf course. We’ve increased the number of classes and the number of awards as well. We’ll also have a Club Concours for car clubs to participate and engage with other car enthusiasts.” Registration is now open.

To submit a vehicle for consideration, visit www.luxurysupercarshowcase.com and click on Register Vehicle. The show is limited to 150 selected cars that register and are approved by the Selection Committee. Registration has been extended to September 15th to submit cars to the Collector’s Concours. There will be a $75 entry fee per vehicle, which includes two VIP All-Access Passes ($200 Value), car signage and show credentials, among other benefits. For more information on registration, email info.showcase@10.2.54.33.

Trophies designed by Dallas sculptor Brad Oldham, best known for the Traveling Man installation in Deep Ellum, will be awarded to Best of Show, Chairman’s Choice and Salesmanship Club Choice winners. Awards will be given to Best In Class winners in each of the 10 classes. Trophies will also be awarded for First and Second Place winners in each class.

The luxury lifestyle event benefits the Momentous Institute, owned and operated by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas since 1920, which is committed to building and repairing social and emotional health for children. Each year, the organization serves more than 6,000 children and family members through its nationally acclaimed Momentous School and innovative Therapeutic Services.

Last year’s inaugural event featured more than 100 cars from private collectors in the Collector’s Showcase, including a 1965 Shelby 427 Cobra once owned by Carroll Shelby, a ‘54 Jaguar XK120SE, ‘57 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible, ‘60 Porsche 356B Roadster, ’71 DeTomaso Pantera, ‘72 Fiat Dino Spider, 2010 Aston Martin DBS, 2015 Lamborghini Huracan, among others.

The 2017 Collector’s Showcase winners included: Best In Show – 1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost; Chairman’s Choice Award – 1938 Bugatti 57C Atalante; Salesmanship Club Choice Award – 1952 MG Roadster; Best In Class – VINTAGE – 1933 MG Magna L-Type Racer; Best In Class – CLASSIC – 1996 Porsche 911 Twin Turbo; Best In Class – CONTEMPORARY– 2009 Aston Martin DBS; Best In Class – EXOTIC/SUPERCAR – 2009 Koenigsegg CCXR.

John Ridings Lee winner of the “Chairman’s Choice Award” for his 1938 Bugatti 57C Atalante

Park Place represents some of the most coveted manufacturers in the world, including Rolls-Royce, Bugatti, Maserati, McLaren, Bentley, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover and Lotus, which will be featured at the event.

The Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase, which sold out in its inaugural year, is open to the public with tickets ranging from $25 – $50 for general admission and $100 for VIP All Access, including the VIP Lounge with complimentary food and beverages. Tickets are available online at LuxurySupercarShowcase.com.

The 2018 event will feature fashion from Highland Park Village, live music, specialty boutiques, and a Kid’s Concours area presented by Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, featuring the North Texas Diecast Collectors Club’s interactive Hot Wheels track, freshly popped popcorn, soda pop truck and games. Many of Dallas’ favorite food trucks will also be on scene providing a vast array of delicious options.

Partners to date include the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, Urban Realty Allie Beth Allman & Associates – A Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate, Celebrity Cruises, Absolut Elyx, GH Mumm Champagne, Hill & Wilkinson, Irving CVB and Irving Chamber, The Trade Group, Brad Oldham Sculpture, Hagerty Insurance, Perks & Provisions, Lilium Florals, Lisa R. Daniels, Digital 3 Printing, Fauxcades, Promo Resources, Sunnyland Outdoor Furniture, ExxonMobil, Dealer Industries, Garages of Texas, D Magazine, NBC 5, as well as Patron Magazine.

Participating restaurants featured in the VIP lounge include LAW, OUTLAW Taproom, Dallas Chop House Burger, Dallas Fish Market, Wild Salsa, Oven and Cellar, Taverna, Bistro 31, K?i, Toulouse Café and Bar, Lombardi Family Catering, Cool River Café, III Forks Restaurant, Frost 321 and Make Your Life Sweeter as well as several restaurants from our 2018 partners Chef’s For Farmers.

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,100 people and operates 16 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Bugatti, McLaren, and Maserati. A new Porsche dealership will open in Grapevine this summer. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

March 1, 2018March 27, 2018

Mark Your Calendars: The Premier DFW Luxury Lifestyle and Automotive Event Returns October 2018

Dallas-Fort Worth’s premier luxury lifestyle and automotive event will return this fall to the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas. The second annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase is set for 10 am – 4 pm Saturday, October 13, 2018.

“Last year’s event, celebrating our 30th anniversary, was such a huge success, we decided to bring the event back again in 2018,” said Ken Schnitzer, Park Place Dealerships Chairman and CEO. “New for this year is the expansion of the show onto the fairway of the TPC Four Seasons Championship golf course. There will be more luxury partners in the entertainment pavilion. Guests will experience fashion, tantalizing food, crafted drinks and an amazing line up of vintage, classic, modern, and supercars all set within the incredible backdrop of the Four Seasons.”

The event benefits the Momentous Institute, owned and operated by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas since 1920, which is committed to building and repairing social and emotional health for children so they can achieve their full potential. Each year, the organization directly serves more than 6,000 children and family members through its nationally acclaimed Momentous School and innovative Therapeutic Services.

Within the family-friendly event will be a juried Collector’s Showcase featuring a diverse selection of rare supercars, luxury, and classic cars from private collectors. Trophies designed by Dallas sculptor Brad Oldham, best known for the Traveling Man installation in Deep Ellum, will be awarded to Best of Show, Chairman’s Choice and Salesmanship Club Choice winners. Trophies will also be given to Best In Class and First and Second Place winners in each of the individual categories.

The event will feature fashion from Highland Park Village, live music, specialty boutiques, and a Kid’s Concours area presented by Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, featuring the North Texas Diecast Collectors Club’s interactive Hot Wheels track, freshly popped popcorn, soda pop truck and games.

Partners include the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, Urban Realty Allie Beth Allman & Associates – A Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate, Celebrity Cruises, Absolut Elyx, GH Mumm Champagne, Hill & Wilkinson, Irving CVB, The Trade Group, Brad Oldham Sculpture, Hagerty Insurance, Garages of Texas, Perks & Provisions, Lilium Florals, Lisa R. Daniels, Digital 3 Printing, Fauxcades, Promo Resources Sunnyland Outdoor Furniture, ExxonMobil, D Magazine, NBC 5, as well as Patron Magazine.

Participating restaurants to date in the VIP lounge include LAW, OUTLAW Taproom, Dallas Chop House Burger, Dallas Fish Market, Wild Salsa, Oven and Cellar, Taverna, Bistro 31, Kāi, Toulouse Café and Bar, Cool River Café and Make Your Life Sweeter.

February 27, 2018

Then and Now: Matt Woolsey Celebrates 20 Years At Park Place

On February 2, 1998, Matt Woolsey began his journey before Park Place was even “Park Place.” He had no intention of making the car business his career, but little did Matt know that it was simply in his blood. After 2o years, he says “it’s all about going to bat for your teammates and sticking up for them whenever need be.”

Today, Matt Woolsey is the General Manager of Park Place Jaguar Land Rover dealership in Grapevine, TX. Twenty years ago he shifted gears and fate set him on a new career path with Park Place, where he would have the opportunity to make an impact across the group and across multiple brands.

Matt began his journey on February 2, 1998, at what would be Park Place Motorcars Mid-Cities and quickly hit the ground running: “I started on a Monday, and on the following Thursday, I sold my first car. That month I was named Salesman of the month for pre-owned.”

After transitioning to new car sales within 6 months of Ken Schnitzer owning the dealership, Matt was promoted to his first management role at the age of 25. A year later he really “hit his stride” and made a name for himself in the Finance department.

“I eventually made my way over to Jordan’s side [Jordan Case, President of Park Place Dealerships], and did a little bit of everything,” says Matt. After a few years of being General Sales Manager, he was named General Manager at Park Place Lexus Grapevine, the first automotive dealer to win the prestigious Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award.

20 years may seem like a long time for most, but for someone like Matt, it all comes down to loyalty. “One thing in my life that I appreciate is loyalty. I appreciate those who are loyal to me and I appreciate being loyal to my employers, like Ken Schnizter. It’s really crazy how fast 20 years have gone by, it really is.”

His accomplishments are many, but it’s the relationships that really matter: “The accomplishments are nice, but I know a lot of people across the organization because I’ve been on both sides. Today, I would still do anything for Robert Hinkle, even though he sits across the street now [at Park Place Motorcars Grapevine.] It’s about going to bat for your teammates and sticking up for them whenever need be.”

Matt brings an inspirational, competitive, and collaborative leadership to the team, and always stays engaged. It works for his team and the dealership as it provides open and honest communication. His one piece of advice for new members:

“Invest in yourself. Commit to yourself and to your team. The grass is greener where you fertilize it. Your future is up to YOU!”

February 16, 2018February 16, 2018

What To Do This Weekend: The 2018 DFW Auto Show

Park Place Dealerships and a multitude of luxury automotive manufacturers have set the stage with stellar lineups of automotive’s ‘best’. Park Place Dealerships, one of the only dealership groups to make an appearance, are back and ready to share our exceptional vehicles with spectators, experts, enthusiasts, and up-and-coming aficionados alike.

Here is a preview of some of the show-stopping models brought by the Park Place Premier Collection, that you will experience at this year’s auto show:

2018 Bentley Bentayga: Far more than good. Far more than fast. And currently not occupied in any current class, evidenced by its 600hp, twin-turbocharged W12 motor, 8-speed gearbox, and one of the most advanced all-wheel-drive systems ever developed.
Lotus Evora 400: A true picture of Lotus sportscar tradition of high-performance power and precision handling. Developed on the racetrack to be perfect on the road with its lightweight construction, exceptional agility, aerodynamic styling, and uncompromising performance.
Mclaren Sport Series featuring the McLaren 570s: This is a magnificent, hand-built series is built around a similar carbon-fiber tub that the first MP4 12C was based upon. With twice as strong aluminum and half the weight, the monocell allows for unprecedented power to weight ratio and handling precision. This 562 hp car is as comfortable on the road as it is on the track. The 570s spider goes from 0-60 in a staggering 3.1 seconds and is now firmly placed in the supercar category with pricing starts at $208,800.
Newly Redesigned 2018 Maserati Gran Turismo: Equipped with a new interior infotainment center and a refreshed front end, the Gran Turismo remains as timeless as ever before.
Maserati Ghibli: The Ghibli represents a full, assertive, elegant alternative in an ocean of cars that look, feel, and sound the same. With starting price of $73,050, it is unquestionable the value that the Ghibli represents. It is a personification of the inspiration for the brand, old-world Italian style and sculpture interpreted through the modern eyes of Maserati.

The pièces de résistance of the display is the $3.2 million Bugatti Chiron which is powered by an 8-cylinder, 16 liter, quad-turbocharged, and an almost unfathomable 1,479 horsepower motor. This certainly should be at the top of your Autoshow “To-Do” list. Porsche, Lexus, Mercedes, Jaguar and Landrover all have equally as impressive brand displays with experts ready to answer all your questions and help you explore the world of modern luxury at the DFW Autoshow. We look forward to seeing you this weekend!

Be sure to check out the Park Place Dealerships booth and visit with one of our Experts to find how you can win an exceptional prize package including:

2 V.I.P Tickets to the 2018 Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase

A weekend use of a Maserati

One a night stay at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas in Las Colinas

DFW Auto Show Information

Date: Feb 14-18, 2018

Times

Wednesday: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Ticket Prices

$14 for adults

$7 for senior citizens 65 and older

$7 for children 6 to 12 years old; children 5 and under admitted free

$10 for active and retired Military members (ID is required)

December 19, 2017December 19, 2017

Head-Turning Good Looks: A Sneak Peek at the Jaguar E-PACE

Starting at base MSRP of $38,600, the Jaguar E-PACE is the first compact SUV from Jaguar that will most certainly command attention with its striking good looks, agility, and dynamic driving. After the impressive success of the F-PACE, Jaguar’s first ever SUV, their leap into the most competitive auto segment is, simply put, a no-brainer.

On December 12th, an exclusive group of Park Place members attended a ‘sneak peek’ with the Jaguar E-PACE– and let’s just say, the 2018 Jaguar E-Pace did not disappoint:

Preview the highly responsive and smooth E-PACE and stay tuned for its official entrance in 2018:

December 15, 2017January 5, 2018

3 Things To Know Before Your Next Park Place Oil Change

Receiving an oil change at a manufacturer certified service center has key advantages to maintaining your high-performance vehicle. While cost and service time are increased, we provide first-class quality, expertise, and additional services that clearly distinguish our premier level service experiences from a typical “oil change” job at a quick lube establishment.

At our Park Place Dealerships locations, we employ certified technicians who perform the routine services, such as your oil change, to ensure the entire process is completed to meet both manufacturer and Park Place standards of quality.

Here are three things our highly trained team of service experts want you to know before booking your next oil change:

1.An “Oil Change” service can take about 30-60 minutes depending on the manufacturer before any additional services or a courtesy car wash or additional services.

Park Place Motorcars Service Directors estimate that an oil change service that includes our complimentary services, including car washes and multi-point inspections, for our clients, can take 60-90 minutes to complete.

At Park Place Porsche, the service can take up to 90 minutes pre-car wash. Porsche’s have a large oil capacity- up to 10 quarts on some engines. The old oil must be completely drained from the vehicle. To do this, our technicians must heat the engine up to operating temperature to thin out the oil and allow it to then drain for a minimum of 20 minutes. The next 20 minutes are spent filling the engine with oil to capacity. To do this the engine is brought up to operating temperature and filled with new room temperature oil. Our technicians check the oil levels with a computer- a process that takes three minutes and is repeated until the engine registers full.

2. You receive more than an “oil change” when choosing to service with the manufacturer certified dealership.

The term oil change has been used frequently in conjunction with quick lube establishments promising quick service and low cost. The dealership provides more value to the client’s experience by including car washes, loan cars, resetting computers, multi-point inspections, trained technicians, warranty repairs, a beautiful facility, and a client lounge for those who wish to wait for their service to be completed. Therefore, a Park Place dealership experience cannot be compared with a quick service only facility with the factors of time or money.

*Example of Mercedes_Benz Visual Multi-Point Inspection Check List*

3. An Oil Change is the easiest way to maintain (and save) your luxury vehicle’s high-performance capabilities.

Skimping out on routine oil changes (either by delaying your appointment or using components not recommended by your manufacturer) can be detrimental to the life of your vehicle. If you want to increase the longevity of your luxury auto, then making sure you’re on top of your oil changes should be priority number one. The oil is the life-blood and key ingredient in the engine which provides lubrication, cooling, and removal of particles and sludge. With a squeaky clean and lubricated engine, you will also benefit from improved gas mileage. Park Place’s client lounges, loan cars, and Pick Up & Delivery programs help ease the hassle that can be associated with necessary maintenance. If you have questions regarding these offerings, contact your service advisor or coordinator and they’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have so that we can ensure your Park Place oil change experience is first class.

For a once a year service, the cost and time related to an “oil change” experience at Park Place is more than worth it. If it’s your dream to own a luxury vehicle, then protecting your investment is too important to our team to simply offer quick drain and fill service.

Have any questions or would like to start your next service booking? Click here.

October 16, 2017October 17, 2017

Preview the Most Refined & Capable Midsize SUV: The 2018 Range Rover Velar

Park Place is your place for Land Rover Range Rover vehicles that meet your daily needs and demands from a rugged SUV. With several customizable options, packages, and features, the Range Rover Velar was designed with you in mind. Park Place is proud to offer the new 2018 Range Rover Velar, the mid-size luxury SUV from Land Rover, the industry authority for setting the standards in what drivers expect from a sports utility vehicle. The Velar will captivate your imagination and stimulate your senses with its’ standard AWD and 8-speed transmission, spacious cargo and cabin room, merged seamlessly with the latest in automotive technological advancements.

Land Rover provides plenty of engine options to choose from when you purchase the new Range Rover Velar. Start small with a 180 horsepower 2.0 Liter diesel Ingenium four, or take the next step in available power with 247 horsepower turbocharged inline four, or leverage the maximum amount of engine torque and proficiency with the 380 hp 3.0 liter V6.

Range Rover Velar packages and model editions include the S, SE and R-Dynamic HSE, the customizable Land Rover that puts performance first with its bounty of driving and performance upgrades, representing the ultimate Range Rover Velar experience. Available exterior colors are extensive, including the sleek Flux Silver, Corris Grey, and Silicon Silver. Let the Sales Experience Managers at Park Place Land Rover DFW assist you in finding the perfect exterior and interior colors to match your personality, and help you drive off with a vehicle that truly represents your unique high-performance lifestyle.

Visit the new Land Rover Range Rover dealership in Dallas Fort Worth at 1300 East State Highway 114, DFW Airport TX 75261. We are excited to serve drivers from Grapevine, Arlington, and Plano with new used and certified pre-owned Land Rover sales. Contact us today to discover Range Rover Lease Specials, Land Rover offers and incentives, and first class service technicians that truly care about the long-term performance and durability of your vehicle.

October 5, 2017November 16, 2017

Engines 101: A Myriad of Power Options Found In Luxury Vehicles

If you are new to the automotive scene, haven’t taken the opportunity to look under your hood, or simply want to know more about what makes your vehicle ‘vroom’- the engine options available for your luxury car can be daunting. In our first installment of Engines 101: A Technical Overview of Luxury Autos, we will take a quick look at the basic terms you need to know to make your next automotive purchasing experience easy to understand inside and out.

Often, one of the first descriptions that you will hear of a vehicle will be the type of engine it has. This is usually described by the number of cylinders in the engine and their configuration. A cylinder is simply a circular tube that contains the combustion process (when fuel, air, and heat combine to make power; more on that in a later post). Inside the cylinder, a piston moves up and down to transfer power to the rest of the drivetrain. The cylinders’ configuration could be “Inline”, a “V” formation, or often in the case of one of our popular brands, Porsche, a “Boxer” configuration. There is even a “W” configuration if you are courageous enough to wield it.

Inline-4 Engine

Starting with one of the most common engine layouts today, the inline-4 engine is lightweight, efficient, and compact. With 4 cylinders arranged in a straight line, usually across the car’s engine bay, this configuration allows great fuel economy in a small package, cutting down on expense in more ways than one, and allowing for more room in the vehicle to be dedicated to creature comforts. These days, you will frequently find the inline-4 paired with a turbocharger option, which allows more power to be made from a smaller engine, making this a more attractive configuration than ever before. You will find this engine configuration in many Park Place vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz C 300 and GLC 300, the Lexus IS and NX, the Jaguar XE and XF, and even the new Volvo XC60 to name just a few.

“V” Configuration

Next up, we’ll discuss the “V” configuration. This is usually used to denote an engine with 6 or 8 cylinders, but there are also road-going cars produced with even 10 and 12-cylinder variants of this configuration. The “V” formation is produced by angling opposing banks of cylinders away from each other. In the case of a V6, this means that there are 3 cylinders on the right, and 3 cylinders on the left, forming a “V” shape. Arranging cylinders in this fashion allow you to pack more power into a shorter engine block. If you attempted to make an 8-cylinder engine in an inline formation, the length of the engine would make it impractical. You will often find these powerplants in mid-sized and larger vehicles, where drivers can use some extra power to maneuver a more spacious car or SUV. This larger engine is also frequently an upgrade option in vehicles that come standard with a 4-cylinder, but drivers may opt for a more powerful experience. Examples of some automobiles with this engine configuration are the Lexus GS and RX 350, the Jaguar XJ, the Porsche Macan GTS, and several AMG performance versions of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. You’ll find a V12 engine powering such commanding vehicles as the Rolls-Royce Wraith and Phantom.

Flat Configuration

The Boxer or Flat configuration is unique, in that rather than a “V”, two banks of cylinders sit directly opposed from one another. Think of pumping your fists directly out to your sides, and you’ll have an idea of how the Boxer configuration works. The manufacturer most notable for this configuration is Porsche, who specialize in high-performance vehicles with a low center of gravity. The Boxer configuration excels in this area because arranging cylinders to the sides produces a very flat engine package, which makes sense when you learn that the “Boxer” is also known as a “Flat” configuration. You will find a “Flat-6” in cars like the incredible Porsche 911 and a turbocharged 4-cylinder Boxer in cars like the Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster.

“W” Configuration

Last, but certainly not least, the almighty “W”, which might as well stand for win. In reality, the “W” configuration is tough to explain without visual aids (see image to understand why). Available in 12 and 16-cylinder offerings, the “W” is like taking 2 “V” motors and stacking their cylinders on top of each other, producing enough power to make even the most experienced adrenaline-junkie’s heart race. You will find a twin-turbocharged W12 powering the new Bentley Continental, and topping out the list with the world’s fastest production road-car, the Bugatti Chiron boasts a quad-turbocharged W16 engine.

We hope this overview has equipped you with more helpful knowledge the next time you start talking ‘powerplants’ for your next set of wheels. The best thing about Park Place is that we are always here to help you get the most out of your purchasing experience. If you have any questions about your engine options, or any other option available in the car of your dreams, just reach out to your nearest Park Place Dealership and our Sales Experience Managers will be happy to answer any question you can think of.

October 3, 2017October 3, 2017

Park Place Dealerships Celebrates Opening of Jaguar Land Rover DFW

After 30 years of serving North Texas, the only thing more exciting than Park Place Dealerships opening another dealership in DFW is when they open two simultaneously. Park Place Jaguar Land Rover DFW quietly opened in July but waited until September 21 to launch the two brands with a grand opening fete with more than 500 guests.

Located at the crossroads of Dallas-Fort Worth, on the south side of State Highway 114 between Main Street and Texan Trail Parkway, the dealership sits on eight acres near DFW Airport. The two iconic brands share a roofline but have separate showrooms for their respective vehicles.

Park Place Jaguar/Land Rover DFW General Manager Matt Woolsey; Sean Donohue, DFW Airport CEO; Ken Schnitzer, Park Place Dealerships chairman/founder; Chris Marchand, Executive Vice President, Jaguar Land Rover; and Jordan Case, Park Place President

“Park Place Jaguar already had a successful history in Plano,” explained Jordan Case, Park Place president. “It earned the “Pride of Jaguar” award five years in a row. Only 16 of the 162 Jaguar dealers across the U.S. receive this recognition for customer advocacy, sales and business excellence. Out of the 16, only one Jaguar retailer is awarded the “Marque of Distinction” title. Jaguar Plano earned the esteemed award as the number one Jaguar dealership in the country three years in a row. The new dealership already blew away the previous pre-owned sales record in August, and led all DFW Jaguar Land Rover stores in new car sales for both Jaguar and Land Rover sales. The Service Department set an all-time record for the franchise and Parts had their third best month ever. We’re excited to bring Jaguar and Land Rover to the Grapevine-Colleyville area.”

(L – R) Park Place President Jordan Case, Jaguar Land Rover Executive Vice President Chris Marchand, Park Place Jaguar/Land Rover DFW General Manager Matt Woolsey, Park Place Dealerships Chairman/Founder Ken Schnitzer toast the grand opening of the new dealership

Park Place partnered with Southlake Town Square to showcase the best of the area: Kim Dawson models featured fashions by Malouf’s, Vineyard Vines and Elaine Turner next to the Jaguar F-Type sports car and the all-new Land Rover Velar SUV in their respective showrooms. Allen Edmunds and Kendra Scott were also presented in the Fall Retail Showcase. Guests enjoyed sushi and fried dumplings from Sushi Zushi; jumbo shrimp from Truluck’s; Korean BBQ tacos by Del Frisco’s Grille; chicken artichoke crostinis by Brio; and sweet delights from Sugaire. Guests also enjoyed specialty cocktails like Solerno Cosmos and Hendricks Cucumber Coolers. As night fell, guests were invited to the New Car Delivery Area for The Balvenie Scotch and Cigar Bar. DJ Paul Paredes kept the crowd energized with a lively, modern playlist. Guests also enjoyed a fun photo booth by Mir Mir Photos.

Park Place Jaguar Land Rover DFW is a two-story, LEED-certified facility. The shop includes 34 service bays and an 18-car service drive. The showroom can accommodate up to 12 new Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles. Inside the Client Lounge, there’s comfortable seating, complimentary beverages and snacks, and even a children’s playroom.

The origins of Jaguar can be traced back to a company that began by making motorcycle sidecars in 1922. The Swallow Sidecar Company later started building automobiles and moved to Coventry, switching its name to Jaguar after the Second World War. It produced premium saloons and sports cars, including the legendary XK120.

After Tata Motors, India’s largest automobile manufacturer, acquired Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford in 2008, it merged the two marques into a single company.
U.S. sales for Jaguar Land Rover surpassed 105,000 in 2016, which was an annual sales record for the two brands. Land Rover reached a new annual high mark of 73,861 units, an increase of five percent from 2015.

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships 30 years ago with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,000 people and operates 16 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lotus, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Bugatti, McLaren, and Maserati. Park Place will open a new Grapevine Porsche dealership in 2018. For more info, visit parkplace.com

September 28, 2017January 22, 2018

The 2017 Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase In Retrospect

The Inaugural Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase and Park Place’s 30-year celebration is over, yet we cannot help but smile with gratitude for the accomplishments and memories created on September 9^th. 2,750 ladies and gentleman of all ages dressed to the nines in their take on ‘concours casual’ wear, accenting the rolling hills of the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas with brilliant hues, statement hats, and luxurious fabrics.

Of course, the star (or should we say stars) of the show were the 134 vehicles, valued at roughly 50 million dollars, on display from Collectors and our own Park Place Dealerships. At this years event, there were four categories: vintage, classic, contemporary, and exotic/supercar. 100 vehicles and their Collectors were competing to see if their days, hours, and years of hard work and dedication would win them the distinction of either Best in Class, Chairman’s Choice, Salesmanship Club Award, and Best in Show in the showcase’s inaugural year.

The 2017 Collector’s Showcase winners include:
Best In Show
1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost
John Wampler (with his dog Lady Jane):

Chairman’s Choice Award
John Ridings Lee – 1938 Bugatti 57C Atalante
Salesmanship Club Choice Award
Corky Helstrom – 1952 MG Roadster
Best In Class – VINTAGE
Jeff Wildin – 1933 MG Magna L-Type Racer
Best In Class – CLASSIC
Michael Mann – 1996 Porsche 911 Twin Turbo
Best In Class – CONTEMPORARY
Paul Grussendorf – 2009 Aston Martin DBS
Best In Class – EXOTIC/SUPERCAR
Eddie Lee – 2009 Koenigsegg CCXR

Park Place also featured some of their very own showroom vehicles, allowing show-goers the rare opportunity to interact with some of the most powerful, reliable, and show stopping vehicles in the world from brands such as Lotus, Bentley, Mercedes, Volvo, Porsche, Range Rover, Lexus, and Bugatti. The Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase attendees received an exclusive look at the 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom, which made Dallas,TX, its priority stop after unveiling at Pebble Beach the week before. The McLaren 720s Velocity, featuring a 100% bespoke design and MSO paint job, also made a bold statement with its two pearlescent hues of red and carbon fiber parts amongst the ranks of its high-performance counterparts.

As attendees made their way to the Porsche Pavilion to enjoy sensational bites from Cool River Café, Dallas Chop House Burger, Dallas Fish Market, and Outlaw Taproom, they were met face to face with the grill of the rare 1938 Bugatti 57C Atalante that escaped demolition during Mussolini’s war effort by being smuggled across the border in boxes under the cover of darkness. John Ridings Lee, winner of the Chairman’s Choice Award, and owner of this piece of history shared his story – telling us that he found the boxes and dedicated years of his life to personally restore this piece of automotive history. Sitting next to its vintage ancestor, was the powerful Bugatti Veyron, and the newest member of the family, the three million dollar, Chiron, was based across the Concours with the rest of the supercar line up from the Park Place Premier Collection.

Highlighting the private collection cars was a 1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, ’54 Jaguar Xk120SE, ’57 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible, ’71 DeTomaso Pantera, a one of a kind ’99 BMW M Roadster, and 2009 Koenigsegg CCXR which hosted the attention of showgoers and fellow collectors alike. The rolling hills adjacent to the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas were transformed into a spectacle of timeless luxury for the 2,750 attendees of this first-time event.

In 1987, Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships– and 30 years later, we celebrated success, heritage, and our commitment community with an unparalleled lineup of super luxury vehicles and a $30,000 donation to the Momentous Institute of Dallas. Owned and operated by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas since 1920, the Momentous Institute is committed to repairing and building social, emotional health for all children so that they can achieve their full potential.

The expectations were high, and Park Place Dealerships in accordance with the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas Las Colinas, delivered what some young enthusiasts dubbed a ‘once in a lifetime experience’ not like any other in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We are pleased to share that plans for a 2018 show are underway, and collectors, vendors, and Park Place members could not be more excited to have the to opportunity cruise down the Luxury & Supercar Showcase road once again.

‘Best in’ Awards created by Brad Oldham (PC: Michael Ainsworth)

Ken Schnitzer, Chairman and Founder of Park Place Dealerships, with Brad Oldham, Sculptor and Designer of the 2017 ‘Best in” awards. (PC: Michael Ainsworth)

Thank you for sharing in the experience, and for taking part in an exceptional memory 30 years in the making.