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Park Place Dealerships Recognized for Outstanding Operations and Service

2019 was quite the year across Park Place’s Dallas-Fort Worth Locations. Congratulations to all of our teams for these awards:

Park Place Motorcars 

Park Place Motorcars Dallas has won the Mercedes-Benz 2019 “Best of the Best” Gold Laurel award, representing the pinnacle of achievement and the absolute best of what the Mercedes-Benz brand has to offer. This is the 13th win for Dallas. Only 52 Mercedes-Benz dealerships out of 384 nationwide received this prestigious distinction.

“All of our dealerships are dedicated to creating exceptional client experiences each and every day,” said Park Place Dealerships CEO Neil Grossman. “It’s especially rewarding when that hard work is recognized nationally bu the luxury brands we represent.”

Park Place Motorcars Grapevine and Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth both won the Mercedes-Benz 2019 “Best of the Best” Silver Laurel award, which acknowledges dealers for their outstanding achievements throughout the year. Only 88 dealers out of the 384 Mercedes-Benz dealerships nationwide have earned this lofty designation. This is the fifth win for Grapevine and the ninth for Fort Worth.

Managers at Park Place Mercedes in Grapevine, Monday, Feb. 3, 2020. (Michael Ainsworth)
Managers at Park Place Mercedes in Fort Worth, Monday, Feb. 3, 2020. (Michael Ainsworth)

Both Park Place Motorcars Dallas and Fort Worth dealerships also won the 2019 “Mercedes Benz Financial Valued Partner Award,” the equivalent of “Best of the Best” for Finance.

Park Place BodyWerks 

“Park Place BodyWerks Grapevine won the 2019 Lexus Collision Center of the Year designation,” added Grossman. “They are the first such facility to ever win the award back-to-back. They also won the award in 2018.”

Park Place Jaguar Land Rover

Park Place Jaguar Land Rover DFW received two of the highest honors a Jaguar Land Rover dealership can receive: the 2019 “Pride of Jaguar” award and the Land Rover “Pinnacle” award. Both awards are notable for their exclusive designations as “Lyons Elite” and “Wilks Elite,” signifying sales and service leadership in the “Largest Dealer” category. This is Jaguar Land Rover DFW’s ninth “Pride” award and first “Pinnacle” award. JLR North America CEO Joe Eberhardt personally congratulated the dealership on their outstanding achievement.

In addition, Park Place Lexus Plano and Park Place Lexus Grapevine both won the 2019 “Elite of Lexus” award, given to a very select group of dealerships based on customer ratings and a rigorous series of operational and certification requirements. Plano has earned this prestigious award 26 times, while Grapevine has won 19 times. 

Bentley Dallas

Last, but certainly not least, Park Place Premier Collection’s Bentley Dallas was named number one for sales in the Central Region in 2019.

“Park Place is proud of our members for their pursuit of excellence in every area of our operation,” concluded Grossman. “The recognition when the pinnacle of success in such a competitive industry is rewarding. But, more importantly, the dedication to customer service is what makes our clients refer to Park Place as ‘My Place.’”

Founded in 1987, Park Place operates 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mechanical Mindset with Park Place Porsche’s Shop Foreman

Member Spotlight: Steven Taylor, Park Place Porsche Shop Foreman

“I’ve been interested in mechanical things forever,” says Gainesville, Texas native Steven Taylor. “I knew it was my niche from day one. At 13, I started saving up money from jobs baling hay and mowing yards for an old truck to work on. And I got one! A 1978 Chevy Silverado, all primer and no motor.”

He’s still got it – both the truck and the energetic drive to keep it running.

He’s rebuilt nearly everything and replaced what can’t be rebuilt. He’s swapped out the headliner, seats and just about every knob and switch one can imagine. “I’m on great terms with the local junkyard dealers,” he says.

He’s yanked out old engines when they gave up their ghosts and installed used powerplants (at one point, he installed a used 5.7-liter, 198 hp police car engine. The current engine bay occupant is a classic Chevy LS with all the up-to-date technology.

He didn’t spray the paint, a shiny metallic blue – that was his high school graduation present. “One of the best gifts ever,” he grins. 

Country Roots

A self-described “country boy” and proud of it, he listens to Texas country music and other old-school C&W music artists, lives in Justin on a quarter-acre with his wife and three daughters (ages 14, 9 and 7), and thoroughly enjoys the peace and quiet of rural life.

His Park Place Career

Preserving that down-home feel means driving nearly 80 miles round-trip to his gig at Park Place Porsche Dallas, where he just celebrated his 10-year anniversary. It’s a price he’s happy to pay. “It’s nice to be able to watch them walk or ride their bikes to and from school with hardly any traffic,” he says

He started with the company as a technician and his skills were quickly noticed. He helped jumpstart the Park Place Motorsports program, which led to a promotion to team lead and then his current role, shop foreman, four years ago. He’s now responsible for 29 team members.

His daily duties include working with service advisors, technicians, warranty administrators, parts sales and tracking processes of every description. 

“Basically, I solve puzzles,” he says. “A lot of what we do is pretty straightforward, with all the computerized diagnostics we have today. But there’s still plenty of call for techniques that aren’t covered in manuals. That’s where I can help by guiding techs to find the right tools and information so they can succeed in helping our clients. Helping them learn how to learn, where to find information and diagnose issues, is really the best part of my day.”

Family First

When he’s not chasing solutions at work or his kids around the yard, he enjoys watching action-packed movies and participating in outdoor activities, including archery hunting and fishing. 

And the truck? It’s done now? “Oh no, not by a long shot,” he laughs. “I even bought a spare parts truck so I can keep working on it and making it better!”

Sophia, Olivia, Aleigh, Amber and Steven

 

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BodyWerks Fort Worth Shop Manager – Born to be Wild

Member Spotlight: Greg Cinicolo, Body Shop Manager at BodyWerks Fort Worth

Westchester County in New York is well-known for its quaint villages and picturesque towns as well as open spaces and a network of beautiful parks. But Hells Angels? Yep. And at just five years old, Greg held the flashlight while his dad repaired the members’ Harleys from his garage in small-town White Plains.

 

“They’d babysit me,” he laughs. “Dad restored motorcycles and cars as a hobby and I’d pass him wrenches and other tools. The bikers took a shine to me and I remember having a blast. In fact, one of dad’s buddies is Chuck Zito, the actor from the HBO prison drama “Oz,” who was president of the New York Hells Angels chapter!”

Clearly, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree – Greg’s always been into cars and motorcycles. His family moved to Texas in 1984 and at 16, he went to work at a Chevrolet dealership and never looked back. “I even read books about body shops and repairs. For fun! I’m totally boring.”

Greg Began at Park Place in 2011

Greg began his Park Place career in 2011, serving as an estimator at Grapevine BodyWerks for six and a half years. He’s been in his current role, shop manager for BodyWerks Fort Worth, for almost three years and oversees 22 members as they go about their daily operations, which include everything from major to minor structural repair, paintless dent repair (PDR), paint and bodywork … and in several cases, even animal rescue.

“We’re not surprised by damage from floods and hailstorms,” he says. “But animals are another story. A client came into the Lexus service department with a hawk trapped in the vehicle’s grill. But they saved the hawk! Another time, raccoons made themselves at home in a vehicle. They were still in there by the time we got the vehicle, so that was a job for sure.”

It’s a Science…and an Art

One of the more challenging aspects of vehicle repair is also one of the industry’s oldest and most vexatious – paint-matching.

“It’s a science as well as an art,” he says. “Modern paints are all water-based acrylic polyurethane enamels and very durable, but UV rays are terribly destructive to any kind of paint and actually change the color. Vehicles with clear coat, basically a pigment-free paint, suffer much less UV damage than those without it and make matching much more precise.”

Fortunately for owners, Greg says that the BodyWerks members have all the necessary technical certifications and industry experience to make things right. They also have another essential ingredient – artistry.

“They’re really artists,” he says proudly. “They view these vehicles as their canvas. And day in and day out, they prove their gifts. It’s an honor to work with them.” 

Protect your Paint!

His advice to owners – take care of that clear coat. “Savvy owners know to wash the surface thoroughly, then polish the paint, then wax the polish. That protects the clear coat, which protects the paint. If you don’t have the time, we’ll do it for you. It’s a great investment to keep your vehicle pristine.”

Family First

It’s clear Greg is not only passionate about his profession, but he’s well-equipped to run this full operation. But while it might be hard to imaging, restoring vehicles to their “before wreck” condition isn’t his only focus. In fact, his priority is now his family.

“These days, my hobbies have less to do with repairing motorcycles and more to do with family,” he adds. “We have three girls ages 10, 8 and 3, so we basically live in our backyard. But none of them are holding flashlights and wrenches for me – yet!”

For more information on how to join the Park Place BodyWerks team or to book a free estimate visit us at www.ParkPlaceBodyWerks.com

 

 

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$420,000 Raised for Charity at the 21st Annual Park Place-Dallas Stars Casino Night

Nearly a thousand Dallas Stars fans turned out January 30th for the 21st Annual Park Place Dealerships – Dallas Stars Casino Night at the Comerica Center in Frisco.

The event raised more than $420,000 for the Dallas Stars Foundation, breaking last year’s fundraising record for the most money raised in a single night. 

Laughter filled the venue as fans and players bantered back and forth while playing blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker.

“I’ve attended every Stars Casino Night except one,” said 87-year-old Doris Seabolt of Carrollton, who worked as a waitress at Waffle House for 49 years.

“About 10 years ago bad weather prevented her from making it to Casino Night,” explained her daughter Deborah Dunn. “But that’s the only way she would miss it. She looks forward to this event all year. She loves talking to the players.”

A Night of Events

Fans had the opportunity to bid on a selection of autographed memorabilia, including jerseys and hockey sticks signed by current and retired athletes, as well as unique experiences. Guests enjoyed food prepared by III Forks Steakhouse and specialty drinks made with Spanish liqueur Licor 43 and Brown Sugar Bourbon.
 

“Casino Night is an exciting opportunity for fans to engage with players and coaches,” said Jordan Case, president of Park Place Dealerships (pictured far right in the photo below). “While a fun event for fans, it also helps fund youth programs in our community. Park Place has been a part of Casino Night for the past 15 years. Our brands are perfectly aligned in expecting excellence on the ice and at the dealership for our clients.”

The Dallas Stars Foundation focuses its efforts on providing support to the children in the community through youth hockey programs, youth engagement, health and education. More information is available at  www.nhl.com/stars/community

Over the past 30 years, Park Place has helped raise millions of dollars in for  more than 300 community organizations across North Texas. Last year, the luxury automotive group introduced Park Place Cares to represent their philanthropic efforts in the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. 

Click here to see the full event album on our Facebook Page.

Founded in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn, Park Place operates 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

 

 

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Park Your Books at Park Place Lexus

Grapevine and Plano Lexus dealerships hosting a children’s book drive
benefiting Reading Partners North Texas

Park Place Lexus dealerships in Grapevine and Plano are hosting a book drive starting February 17 through March 2 to collect children’s books to benefit Reading Partners North Texas.

Drop off new and gently used children’s books for ages newborn-to-seven years old February 17 – March 2 anytime between 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday – Friday or 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday at the Park Place Lexus dealerships in Grapevine or Plano.  Then, help spread the word by using the hashtags #LexusBookDrive and #ParkPlaceCares on social media.

Why Books?

A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics established that reading to children of any age awakens regions in their brain responsible for grasping words and key concepts tied to memory, which directly affects their trajectory for lifetime learning. Unfortunately, nearly 40% of children arrive at kindergarten without these basic skills. Consequently, children who start behind usually stay behind, leading to an increase in the dropout rate, especially among low-income students. 

“There are a surprising number of families who don’t have a single children’s book in their home,” said Anam Ali, Experiential Marketing Manager at Park Place Dealerships. “For the two weeks leading up to Read Across America Day (March 2), we’re asking the community to help provide books for kids. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and succeed in life.”

Why Reading Partners North Texas

Reading Partners North Texas has been a part of the Dallas educational landscape since 2012, when they launched a program at George W. Truett Elementary School and Roger Q. Mills Elementary School serving 80 students. Since then, they’ve placed thousands of community volunteers in low-income schools to help kids master basic reading skills. Their one-on-one tutoring empowers students to succeed in reading and in life by engaging community volunteers to provide individualized, personal attention to each student in the program.

Where to Park Your Books

Park Place Lexus Grapevine is located on the northwest corner of State Highway 114 at Minters Chapel Road (901 E. Highway 114) near DFW Airport.  Park Place Lexus Plano is located at 6785 Dallas Parkway, on the southwest corner of Spring Creek Parkway and the Dallas North Tollway.

Over the past 30 years, Park Place has helped raise millions of dollars for more than 300 community organizations across North Texas. Last year, the luxury automotive group introduced Park Place Cares to represent their philanthropic efforts in the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. 

Founded in 1987, Park Place operates 18 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Karma, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

 

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Game Day at the Park Place Auto Auction

An up-close-and-personal look at Park Place’s Auto Auction for area authorized dealers.

It’s 4 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon at Park Place Auto Auction in Plano, and the non-stop auctioneer chatter over the booming loudspeakers is silent now. The twin driveways are devoid of vehicles, while administrators inside the facility quietly wrap up the mounds of paperwork required to transfer ownership of nearly 200 vehicles.

But a mere two hours prior, the place was a buzzing beehive. Sedans, coupes, convertibles, SUVs, crossovers, pickups, minivans, sportscars and other vehicles of every make and manufacture creep slowly yet continuously along parallel driveways while about 200 potential buyers – independent and franchise dealers alike – raise a hand or give a nod and a wink to convey their bids. The din from fast-talking, sharp-eyed auctioneers is loud and urgent. Enormous wall-mounted monitors display a dizzying blur of vehicles and ever-rising numbers for all to see.

“The whole process is actually well under control,” says Kenny Parmentier, Operations Manager of Park Place Auto Auction. “But to outsiders, it tends to look like complete mayhem,” he adds with a chuckle.

Where Did It All Start?

The idea for getting into the auction business came from Park Place President Jordan Case, who wanted to create a clean, comfortable and well-kept environment where authorized dealers could find an extensive selection of both high-performance luxury cars and top-quality vehicles of all kinds, and engage in an efficient, hassle-free purchasing experience. In short, he wanted the auction business to function with the commitment to excellence that makes Park Place, well, Park Place.

More often than not, he’s on hand to savor the experience, which kicks off every Wednesday at 2 p.m. sharp. From that point, a vehicle is sold every 38 seconds. In the next 90 minutes, about 195 out of about 200 vehicles will have changed hands. And then it’s all over. Until next week, when it all starts again.

Where Do the Cars Come From?

Most of the vehicles come from Park Place pre-owned lots where they’ve been for 65 days, the result of trade-ins on something newer and shinier. Or they’re front-line vehicles that are getting long in the tooth as a new model year looms. The auction gives them all a chance to find new homes – and Park Place more room for more desirable pre-owned vehicles that will hopefully turn faster.

Celebrating its two-year anniversary in February, the Park Place Auto Auction business is run in partnership with America’s Auto Auction, a full-service company catering to dealers in 23 locations across 15 states. They handle all the day-to-day activity – checking vehicles in, taking pictures, and handling collections, payments, and titles.

Parmentier works for them, as does his five-member team.

“We’re running at a 95 percent success rate,” he says. “Once a vehicle is sold, the buyer has 48 hours to complete the sale and move the vehicle off the lot. It’s a fast-paced business and really quite exciting. It’s game day!”

In 2019, the business sold 8,647 vehicles or about 720 a month. Those that don’t sell one week – called “reruns” – go through the line again a week later for another shot at success, and are usually snapped up by eagle-eyed bargain hunters.

That certainly wasn’t the case when a 2019 Rolls-Royce and a 2018 McLaren came down the line.

“We don’t get those rarities all that often,” Parmentier grins, “but when we do, they’re show-stoppers!”

 

 

 

 

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Watch List for the 2020 Park Place Pre-Owned Event

Did you know that we have a wide array of Pre-Owned and Certified vehicles in our showrooms and inventory? Introducing the Park Place Pre-Owned event, which is a great way to experience affordable luxury to kick off the new year. With over 1400 Pre-Owned vehicles, including over 700 Certified Pre-Owned models and an array of non-certified Pre-Owned vehicles,  there are plenty of cars and SUVs to choose from.

To help guide you during the Park Place Pre-Owned event, we have highlighted notable models across our dealerships that could very well be the next vehicle in your driveway.

 

Jaguar F-Type & Land Rover Range Rover Sport

If you love responsive handling with a sports car vibe, the Jaguar F-Type offers coupe and convertible options for sale. Whether you enjoy a hard rooftop or want to let the top down during the springtime, drivers will enjoy the experience behind the Jaguar wheel.

The same handling experience can be found with the Range Rover Sport. Whether you are driving around the Dallas tollways during the week or navigating mountainous terrains during vacation, the Range Rover Sport SUV adds more throttle to your commute.

When purchasing the Certified Pre-Owned Jaguar or Land Rover, the CPO warranty covers 7 years from the original in-service date or when your purchase reaches 100,000 total miles, whichever comes first.

Lexus NX

The Lexus NX features modern interior design complemented by swift SUV performance. Ever since the NX debuted with its 2015 year model release, drivers have enjoyed the comfortable seating and adaptable cargo space. When purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned NX, L/Certified warranty offers you four complimentary maintenances for two years or 20,000 miles, whichever comes first.

McLaren 720S

Available at our Premier Collection, the McLaren 720S is ready for action as soon as you the start engine. The 720S is designed to be an everyday vehicle but also pushes the limits of relentless performance. Those interested Certified Pre-Owned McLarens can enjoy an additional 12 months or up to 12,000 miles of McLaren Qualified warranty.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Mercedes-Benz meets the needs of drivers who love the comfortability of a luxury SUV paired with the drivability of a compact sedan. Certified Pre-Owned GLCs are available dating back to 2016 models. Any GLC300 comes with an unlimited mileage Certified Pre-Owned warranty for an additional year – with the possibility to extend coverage for two additional years at the time of purchase.

Porsche Macan

As SUV growth continues to climb industry-wide, the Porsche Macan is at the forefront of the SUV revolution. Not to mention, the performance crossover SUV is Porsche’s top-selling vehicle. Since its introductory 2015 model, Macan owners have enjoyed the athletic ride paired with the authentic Porsche styling. Owners who purchase a Porsche Certified Pre-Owned model will also enjoy 2 years of unlimited mileage warranty coverage after the expiration of the new vehicle limited warranty.

Volvo XC90

The top-selling Volvo model concludes the Park Place Pre-Owned Event vehicle watch list. Whether you need additional cargo space for a weekend getaway or daily driver to pick up the kids, the XC90 provides ample room for up to 7 occupants. With additional safety support and cozy comfort, Volvo’s full-size SUV helped the Swedish brand achieve their highest sales volume in 12 years.

With your purchase of a Certified Pre-Owned Volvo, owners will enjoy a 5 year or unlimited-mile warranty coverage from the original in-service date of the car. Additional warranty coverage can also be purchased up to a total of 10 years and unlimited miles at the time of purchase.

If you are in the market to upgrade your vehicle during the Park Place Pre-Owned Event, please visit parkplace.com to find your favorite Pre-Owned options.

 

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Recruiting the Next Generation: Meet Park Place’s Recruiting Team

Team approach key to finding, keeping and promoting great people.

“Finding people is easy,” says Park Place Recruiting Director Matt Howe. “Finding talent is another thing entirely. That’s where our team comes in.”

Howe joined Park Place with one goal in mind – build a united team dedicated to bringing the best and brightest to Park Place.

But he’s quick to point out that it’s a job that goes well outside the hours of 9-5.

“Good recruiters are always looking for top talent, even during nights and weekends. Everyone you meet could be a candidate, or a source for other great people,” he says.

He also points out the importance of internal referrals. “If you’re a member, we’d very much like to meet your friends and family members, because if they’re like you, chances are we’ll like them, too.”

Meet the team!

Bailie Fabik

  • Three years in recruiting, the last 22 months at Park Place.
  • Graduated Texas A&M (BA in History and minor in Sociology).
  • Specializing in Fixed Ops positions: Technicians/Tech Trainees, ASM/Internal ASM/ASM Trainee, Estimators, Body Techs, Detailers, PDR Technicians.
  • The best thing to happen to me in 2019 – engaged to my boyfriend of 5 years and getting married next summer!

Josh Gonzalez

  • Five years in recruiting, joined Park Place in May 2019.
  • Previously recruited for Richardson Police Department (youth program).
  • Graduated UT Dallas (BS in Psychology and Criminology minor).
  • Responsible for Valet/Car Wash/Parts Warehouse/Parts Specialist roles and miscellaneous hourly roles.
  • Has a 2-year old Miniature Schnauzer.

Jaqueline Ramos

  • Joined Park Place in 2015 at Park Place Motorcars Arlington, joined recruiting in 2019.
  • Responsible for adding new hires to MyHR, create PAF, track background/drug test, start date.
  • UT Arlington (Bachelors in both Spanish and Psychology).
  • Fluent in English and Spanish, understand French, currently studying Russian and German.

Jerold Varghese

  • Joined Park Place in September 2017 as SEM at Lexus Grapevine. Moved to Recruiting in July 2019.
  • Responsible for Sales and Variable Operations.
  • Bachelor’s in Accounting from DeVry, MBA in Finance from Keller Graduate School.
  • Fluent in four languages (English, Hindi, Malayalam, Urdu) and lived in Saudi Arabia, India, and the U.S. before turning 21.

Steven Spiker

  • Joined Park Place in August 2018 – 19 years in the automotive industry.
  • Recruiting for all Mercedes stores, Porsche Dallas and new JLR in Austin.
  • Two great kids who are “my world,” two dogs and loves golf.

Matt Howe, Director

  • Joined Park Place in August 2018.
  • Has been an automotive industry recruiter for the last 6 years
  • Responsible for managing the overall recruiting workflow for Park Place.
  • Graduate of Georgetown Prep and Washington College with a BA in Political Science and Government.
  • Paratrooper in U.S. Army 82nd Airborne and Weapons Intelligence Sergeant in U.S. Army Reserve.

 

 

 

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One-Of-A-Kind 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible To Be Auctioned For Charity at Barrett-Jackson

News from Lexus.

They say good things comes to those who wait, but “they” clearly weren’t thinking about the new V8-powered Lexus LC 500 Convertible. Introduced at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, the 2021 LC Convertible will go on sale this summer, but those champing at the bit can place a bid on a one-of-a-kind LC Convertible as quickly as next week at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. The auction will take place at approximately 4:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time on January 17, 2020. Every cent of the hammer price will be split evenly between two very deserving charities – Boys & Girls Clubs of America® and the Bob Woodruff Foundation.

ONE-OF-A-KIND CONVERTIBLE

All 2021 LC 500 Convertibles are powered by an impressive naturally-aspirated V8 engine that produces 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, but there are several things that make the LC 500 Convertible auction vehicle* truly one of a kind. For starters, collectors will gush over the fact that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) will feature the final six digits of 100001. Based on the Inspiration Series, it will feature the breathtaking Structural Blue exterior paint and elegant white semi-aniline leather interior, but this vehicle will include unique blue brake calipers that are tucked behind the exclusive 21-inch Liquid Graphite-colored forged alloy wheels with gloss black accents. Liquid Platinum color accents can be found on the headlamp garnishes, side intake garnish, side mirrors and taillamps. Inside each door, the auction vehicle will be fitted with carbon-fiber scuff plates with the note: “LC Inspiration Series Launch Exclusive 1 of 1.”

An impressive collection of additional collectibles and experiences are included in the auction package as well. The winner will receive a framed sketch of the LC Convertible, a portfolio with production-line photos and a one-of-one certificate signed by vehicle chief engineers as well as general manager of the Motomachi plant where the vehicle is produced. The auction winner will also receive the very first luggage set from iconic travel brand Zero Halliburton’s new design series with custom Lexus cues – which, importantly, fits nicely into the LC Convertible’s trunk. The highest bidder will also receive a curated driving package that includes a Lexus Performance Driving Experience with brand ambassador Scott Pruett, a three-night hotel stay for two at Pebble Beach Resort, a round of golf for two at Pebble Beach Golf Course, and more.

RAISING MONEY FOR CHILDREN & VETERANS

Every cent raised from the auction of the LC 500 Convertible will be donated to two charities: Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Bob Woodruff Foundation. Boys & Girls Clubs of America focuses on creating after-school programs for kids and teens across the nation, with the goal being “To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” The Bob Woodruff Foundation finds, funds and shapes programs benefitting post-9/11 impacted veterans, service members and their families long after their time in uniform.

“We’re very excited to expand our flagship LC family with the launch of the all-new 2021 LC 500 Convertible, but the most important thing about the auction is the money we raise for two amazing charities,” says Lisa Materazzo, vice president, Lexus Marketing. “We’re thrilled to support Boys & Girls Clubs of America in its efforts to provide services to children across the country as well as the Bob Woodruff Foundation’s goal to help our veterans and their families.”

The vehicle will go on the auction block at approximately 4:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time on Friday, January 17. The vehicle auction page can be found here. Those interested in bidding can do so by either registering as a bidder on Barrett-Jackson.com (click on “Bid”) or on-site in the auction office. In addition to in-person bidding, there are online, phone and absentee options available. The auction can also be viewed live via the Livestream on the home page of Barrett-Jackson.com.

*The LC 500 Convertible prototype on display at Barrett-Jackson will be representative of the actual production vehicle that will be delivered in the summer of 2020.

2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible

Charitable Partners:

Bob Woodruff Foundation

Boys & Girls Clubs Of America

 
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McLaren Dallas Gives 11-Year-Old Children’s Health SM Patient the Ride of His Life in a McLaren 720S

No medical degree was required to evaluate 11-year-old Cory’s excitement when he saw the bright yellow, 2020 McLaren 720S parked in front of Children’s Medical Center Dallas. His jaw dropped open and he shot his mom a quick look that implored, “Is this for real?!?”

“We’ve worked with Park Place for many years,” explained Audra Cozart, Corporate Partnership Gift Officer for Children’s Medical Center Foundation. “When Park Place approached us with this opportunity, we talked to our Child Life Specialists, who get to know our patients very well and knew Cory has a love for cars.”

Everyone was careful not to promise a ride until it was confirmed Cory’s oxygen apparatus, which is about the size of a carry-on bag on wheels, would fit inside the passenger cabin of the two-seater performance car.

“Cory was born with a congenital heart defect,” explained Cory’s mother Penny. “Over the years, he’s had many procedures, but he’s outgrown all the repairs that have been made. Last August, Cory was admitted to Children’s Health with heart failure. There’s no further surgery or anything else that can be done for him. We’re just taking it one day at a time and trying to have as much quality time with Cory as possible.”

Like Launching a Rocket

McLaren Dallas General Manager Heath Strayhan volunteered to be Cory’s driver. As Cory settled into the passenger seat, Strayhan gave him an insider’s tour of the supercar’s controls and features.  Cory’s reaction of his thrilling ride in the McLaren 720S is priceless.

“It’s like launching a rocket.” he said, pointing to the “START” button. 

Then, explaining the “C-S-T” selector knob, “C, for Comfort, where the suspension and handling is smooth and easy… S, Sport, tightens everything up to better grip the road… and T, Track, means hold on!”

After securing Cory’s oxygen container in the passenger’s floorboard, Strayhan told him to buckle up. Cory shot a quick glance at his mom that screamed, “STAT!” and flashed her the biggest smile.

Time for a Drive

Strayhan eased out of the parking lot with a distinctive McLaren growl. “When you’re driving fast, you want the car to be as predictable as possible,” he calmly told Cory, while turning tightly into sharp turns. “Smell that?” He asked, referencing the high-octane fuel coursing thru the engine. “That’s a beautiful smell. Feel that shift? BANG! Hear that rumble?”

While experiencing all the nuances of the 700-horsepower 720S’ performance, Cory could only respond with long, soft mutterings of “Yeah!” and “Wow!” and, “How do you turn the volume up?” After about a half-hour, Cory asked, “How fast will it go?”

“212 miles per hour,” answered Strayhan, who has spent countless hours driving McLarens on the track. “But I’ve never gone that fast.”


“I bet it’d be fun,” Cory replied with sheer wonderment.

Park Place Cares Continues

Over the past 30 years, Park Place has helped raise millions of dollars in contributions through grants, in-kind donations, event sponsorships, and unique experiences, working with more than 300 community organizations across DFW. Last year the luxury automotive group introduced Park Place Cares to represent their philanthropic efforts in the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. 

“Today, Cory got a special ride in a McLaren 720S,” said Anam Ali Hashambhai, Experiential Marketing Manager for Park Place Dealerships. “He got to experience the roar of the engine and the exhilaration of acceleration. For a little while, he got to just be a kid who loves cars, and not think about the challenges he faces every day.”

After the ride, Strayhan popped the McLaren’s bonnet to reveal gifts for Cory: Dallas Stars tickets, a McLaren ballcap, several LEGO sets (including a McLaren Senna,) as well as a scale model of a McLaren P1 Supercar.


“Park Place and Children’s Health have a long-standing relationship that makes opportunities like this possible,” concluded Strayhan. “McLaren Dallas and McLaren North America partnered to make this a one in a million experience. And I’m sure everyone involved got as much or more out of it as Cory.”

About Park Place

Founded in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn, Park Place operates 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

About Children’s Health SM

Children’s Health is the eighth-largest pediatric health care provider in the nation and the leading pediatric care system in North Texas, providing a full spectrum of health care services – from daily wellness and primary care to specialty visits and critical care. Holding eight disease-specific care certifications from The Joint Commission, Children’s Health has been consistently named of the nation’s top pediatric providers by U.S. News & World Report. The Children’s Health system includes Children’s Medical Center Dallas, as well as Children’s Medical Center Plano. Our Children’s House inpatient rehabilitation hospital, multiple specialty centers, rehabilitation facilities, physician services and the Children’s Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern. For more information about Children’s Health, visit www.childrens.com.