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Woolworth Heiress Barbara Hutton’s 1933 Rolls-Royce To Be Featured at the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase

Oct 13th Luxury Lifestyle Event Benefits Momentous Institute

There’s a story behind each of the 150 unique cars in the Collectors Concours at the 2nd Annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase to be held 10 am – 4 pm Saturday, October 13 at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas. Perhaps none more romantic, or ultimately as tragic, than the story behind the 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental built for Barbara Woolworth Hutton, one of the wealthiest women in the world at the time.

At age 12 Hutton had inherited the Woolworth 5 & 10 fortune from her grandfather and a large share of the E.F. Hutton brokerage firm from her father, one of the co-founders. Built during the Great Depression, the luxurious carriage was the most expensive car built at the time. She gave the car to her fiancé Prince Alexis Mdivani of Georgia (now Russia) as an engagement gift. Since the Prince was a pilot, Hutton had the instrument panel designed like an airplane cockpit, including the installation of an altimeter in the dashboard.

The happy newlyweds drove the car throughout Europe on their honeymoon in the summer of 1933. But apparently, the marriage wasn’t built on as strong a foundation as the car. Hutton divorced the Prince in May of 1935. Several months later, Prince Mdivani was driving the car at a very high rate of speed (reportedly over 80 mph) on a country road in France when he crashed and died. Although badly damaged, the car was returned to Rolls-Royce where it was completely restored. The current owner, Fred Cornwall of Dallas, is only the eighth owner of the historic car.

“The chance to see this magnificent car in person is truly a special opportunity,” said Liz Shafton, senior marketing manager at Park Place Dealerships and chair of the event. “I was fortunate to see this splendid jewel recently at the Crespi Estate in Dallas. She will take your breath away.”

A few other notable cars include a 1940 Lincoln which was given to Babe Ruth by the New York Yankees; the very first 1957 Chevy 150 (body #1 serial #2); a ’64 Aston DB5; a Porsche 959; several Ferraris (including a 2005 Enzo) and a 2018 Bugatti Chiron. In total, the show will feature more than $100 million worth of exceptional automobiles.

A panel of experienced judges will select the Best of Show, Chairman’s Choice, and a Salesmanship Club Choice winner. Each of the three top award winners will be presented with a hand-crafted sculpture, created by Dallas artist Brad Oldham, best known for his Traveling Man sculptures in Deep Ellum.

“Brad Oldham Sculpture and Park Place Dealerships have enjoyed a long relationship,” said Christy Coltrin, Brad Oldham’s business partner. “We both have a commitment to design, quality and artistry. The “Spirit of Park Place” award is meant to invoke iconic imagery of speed and flight.”

Tickets for the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase, which sold out in its inaugural year, range from $25 – $50 for general admission and $100 for VIP All Access, which includes complimentary tastings and beverages by area restaurants. Tickets are available online at LuxurySupercarShowcase.com.

“Area Car Clubs will display the best of their members’ vehicles in the Car Club Showcase,” continued Shafton. “They’ll bring some extraordinary Lamborghinis, Corvettes, Shelbys, Aston Martins and Rolls-Royces.”

Park Place will feature all of their luxury and exotic brands and even a few rarely seen new cars. Guests will be among the first in Texas to see the new Rolls-Royce Cullinan luxury SUV, as well as the new McLaren Senna, an ultra-luxury Mercedes-Maybach and the Lexus LFA, one of only 50 of the 500 hand-assembled vehicles with the Nürburgring package. 

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 Concepts, Cool River Café, III Forks Restaurant, One Sixty One Bistro, Texas de Brazil, Mirador, Carlton Provisions, Frost 321 and Make Your Life Sweeter. There will also be a great lineup of food trucks including Ruthie’s Rolling Café; Bellatrino Pizzeria; Texas de Brazil; Fast Furious; and Pecos Pete’s Natural Tea + Soda.

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.

“The Luxury & Supercar Showcase is a celebration of fashion, food, music, and of course, amazing automobiles,” explained Shafton. “Highland Park Village will present a runway fashion show produced by Jan Strimple. There will be live entertainment throughout the day. And the Kids’ Zone will have a 60-foot downhill Hot Wheels track and a life-size McLaren 720S made entirely of LEGOs.”

Partners include the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, Allie Beth Allman & Associates – A Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate|Urban, Celebrity Cruises, Highland Park Village, AT&T, Hill & Wilkinson, Irving CVB and Irving Chamber, Event Architecture, Bachendorf’s, Brad Oldham Sculpture, RideCentric, GL Seaman, Lockton, Hagerty Insurance, Perks & Provisions, Lilium Florals, Lisa R. Daniels, Digital 3 Printing, Fauxcades, Promo Resources, Sunnyland Outdoor Furniture, ExxonMobil, Cox Automotive, Dealer Industries, Garages of Texas, Ratcliff Financial Services, TropicSport, Maui Jims, Jack Black, The Vineyard at Florence, Steinway & Sons, D Magazine, and NBC 5.

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,000 people and operates 18 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Bugatti, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com

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Safety First with National Child Passenger Safety Week

For parents, nothing comes before their child’s safety. Yet according to the Center for Disease Control, 59 percent of car seats are used incorrectly, limiting their ability to effectively protect.  It’s National Child Passenger Safety Week, and Park Place Volvo Cars is devoted to upholding our manufacturer’s vision for safety. Our team couldn’t be more proud to sell vehicles we know are some of the safest in the world, providing our clients with that extra ease of mind that they and their child passengers are safe on their journeys

Of particular note, the Volvo XC60 (one of our most popular family luxury compact SUVs) is one of the most awarded vehicles in Volvo’s history, including the prestigious the overall safest car in Euro NCAP 2017 Best in Class safety awards and the ‘World Car of the Year’ and ‘Best Luxury Compact SUV’ by Cars.com.

The awards speak volumes that with every new model that is released and all improvements or updates made to the new model years that Volvo Cars is well on their way to meeting their Vision 20/20: Our vision is that by 2020 no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car.”    

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), every 33 seconds, one child under the age of 13 is involved in a crash and many times deaths and injuries can be prevented by proper use of car seats, boosters, and seat belts. The effects of an improperly installed car seat are all too real, which is why you’ll typically find that if a dealership or service does not have a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, they will forgo reinstalling car seats and recommend a certified tech to do so after a service.

This Saturday ends National Child Passenger Safety week with Car Seat Check Saturday, where Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians, will at the bare minimum check your car seat for free. The Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician will educate parents about choosing the right car seat for a child, installing a car seat correctly in their vehicle, and using the car seat acceptably every time. They can also discuss the importance of registering the car seat with its manufacturer, and what to expect if the seat is subject to a safety recall. 

Park Place Volvo works closely with many locations who have a Certified Technician available in the Dallas area and highly encourage that you make an appointment or show up to a location nearest you to have your car seats. checked.  For a list of locations to get your car seat checked Saturday (or any time) visit http://cert.safekids.org/get-car-seat-checked

“Car seats matter and having the right car seat installed and used correctly is critical, ” says Donny Lambrecht, general manager of Park Place Volvo.  In passenger cars, car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and by 54 percent for toddlers. Improving child safety in Volvo vehicles has long been a guiding principle with the manufacturer. Did you know that Volvo Cars played a key role in the development of rearward-facing child seats and introduced the world’s first booster cushion in 1978? Today, the company continues to innovate using technology and expertise to build the safest cars.

For more information on a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician near you, please visit: http://cert.safekids.org/get-car-seat-checked 

 

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Bentley Celebrates Centennial with 100 Year Details in All New Models

News from Bentley Motors: Bentley is honoring its 100th year by introducing a special Centenary Specification for all of its models.

Inspired by celebrated models and events from the company’s illustrious past, the Centenary Specification will feature on all Bentleys built at the factory in Crewe, England, between January and December 2019.

Centenary badging, distinctive seat embroidery, unique treadplates, and other special details will identify each car as part of the celebrations – ensuring they become true collectors’ items.

Founded in 1919 by W.O. Bentley, the company has been guided by a simple principle to build “a fast car, a good car, the best in its class”.

Through decades of expertise and innovation, Bentley has designed, engineered and built the world’s most desirable Grand Tourers with a unique combination of luxury and performance. 

 

Centenary Specification: A Mark of Distinction

The Centenary Specification is a collection of exquisite detailing that reflects the attention to detail and unrivaled levels of skilled craftsmanship from the brand. 

Unique Centenary Gold front and rear badging will match the special wheel center badges and treadplates with a ‘1919-2019’ display. The steering wheel badge, key fob and gear selector all feature a similar use of the celebratory design.

A special centenary welcome light will greet passengers and bespoke seat embroidery has also been created, with Centenary Gold headrest logos and Centenary Gold Contrast Stitch or Cross Stitch available on these special models.

Inspired by the exquisite metalwork found on vintage Bentleys – such as EXP 2 of 1919 and the 1929 ‘Birkin’ Blower – Centenary Gold is a refined metallic gold, honoring the company’s rich heritage and racing triumphs while interpreting for the modern day with an elegant warm tone and a deep fluid shadow.  

The color has been specifically crafted to shine and reflect light like jewelry. It will be used in Bentley’s Centenary logo and will be synonymous with Bentley’s celebrations.

The First 100 Extraordinary Years

Born in 1888, founder W.O. Bentley grew up as an engineer enthusiast. It was no surprise to people who knew him that W.O. eventually turned his attention to building cars that would satisfy his own extraordinary expectations as a driver, an engineer and a gentleman.

Bentley Motors was established in 1919 and by September 1921 the first production model was proudly delivered to its owner, Noel van Raalte, at a cost of £1,050. The car carried Bentley’s hallmark radiator casing and Flying ‘B’ insignia.

The Bentley models of the 1920s became some of the most distinctive cars of the era. W.O. also became a fan of developing racing engines and his cars famously triumphed at Brooklands, Indianapolis and the Isle of Man. The legendary achievements of the Bentley Boys brought success at Le Mans on five occasions. For Full Details on Bentley’s Centenary visit www.BentleyMotors.com/100Years

Contact Bentley Dallas and Visit ParkPlace.com to view currently Bentley’s available.

 

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Park Place Racing Feature: Locked and Loaded – Kolkmann’s Championship Hunt

DALLAS (Sept. 11, 2018) – After leaving a trail of podiums across the eastern seaboard, David Kolkmann is headed west with his sights set on the top step of the podium.
 
Kolkmann’s No. 71 Eucon/Park Place Porsche GT3 Cup takes center stage at Sonoma Raceway for rounds 13 and 14 of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama. Currently, Kolkmann sits third in the championship, ahead in second place is the No. 1 of Roman DeAngelis. Fifteen points separate Kolkmann from his target in second and competition in fourth; deeming this race the turning point for his championship endeavor.


 The 2.52-mile, 12 turn course marks the penultimate race weekend for Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama. Rising tensions breed careless mistakes, on which Kolkmann hopes to capitalize. He has spent his past month training, logging miles on the simulator and coaching to ensure his mind and body are primed for battle.
 
“I feel like I’ve done everything possible to succeed at Sonoma,” Kolkmann said. “The past few races have been good, but I know I must win both races now if I want to get the championship. So, there is some pressure but I’ve spent a lot of hours on watching onboard views of Sonoma and I think I now know the track well. No one wins races, everyone else just loses them.”
 
The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA field spent the past four events battling tire degradation due to blistering temperatures. It will be faced with a new challenge this weekend as Sonoma Raceway promises cooler temperatures during both Round 13 and Round 14.
 
There are 140 possible points remaining in the season and Kolkmann must collect all of them in order to prevail. Tire management and a flawlessly executed race will be the only way to win this championship.
 
“David has proven that he is a solid competitor,” said Team Principal Patrick Lindsey. “These last two weekends will be make or break. I really think we as team will have to focus on capitalizing on others mistakes. It’s that time where everyone feels the pressure and this championship is by no means wrapped up for anyone. David’s in striking distance but he will really have to show how much he’s matured this year and put himself in the right position to win. I think he can do it, but some opportunities will have to arise.”
 
Park Place Motorsports hits the ground running with a full day of practice Friday, Sept. 14. They return Saturday the 15 for qualifying at 9:45 a.m. PT and Race One at 1:15 p.m. Finally, they close out their weekend with Race Two Sunday the 16 at 12:30 p.m. serving as the opening act to IndyCar’s Sonoma Grand Prix. The entire weekend will be broadcast live on scoring.imsa.com and imsatv.imsa.com.

Stay tuned to @ParkPlaceRacing on Instagram and Twitter for live updates from the track. Visit Park Place Motorsports at ParkPlaceMotorsports.com

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Etiquette Do’s and Don’ts of a Luxury & Supercar Showcase

“A car show is like a museum- the same rules apply.”

Come October 13th, Park Place Dealerships, Car Collectors, and local partners will come together at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas to celebrate the rare, the exotic, and the high-performance at an event that puts the “SUPER” in supercar.

In our 2nd Annual Showcase, we have an expanded Concours with 10 classes of vehicles to tickle your fancy- including Supercar, International, Race Cars, and American Muscle.  We are elated to welcome you on the Concours for an experience like none-other in Dallas-Fort Worth. So whether you are a car show pro or an infrequent goer to such events, we want to ensure you are prepped and ready to enjoy your Concours Experience to fullest while keeping our Collectors’ Cars in pristine condition throughout the day.  

We consulted with industry experts and Collectors for the top 3 Concours Commandments for guests to follow for an elevated supercar showcase and concours experience:

First, Don’t Touch Without Permission From the Collector.

This is quite possibly the most important commandment for guests and collectors alike. The cars that will be featured on the Concours are not just a car, they are pieces of art and history and should be treated as such.  Sean Walker of Hagerty Classic Cars likens a show field to that of a museum- “the same rules apply.” Leaning on or trying to sit in the cars, while seemingly harmless, should be avoided out of respect for the cars and their collectors.

Additionally, this commandment extends to being mindful of your accessories. Whether it be a metal belt buckle, bangles, a refreshing beverage, or a savory bite from our local chefs- all these items can be the source of unintentional scratches, grease marks, or spills. Simply be mindful, and you’ll be just fine. 

But, Do Treat the Cars Like Works of Art and Ask First

Our collectors may be perfectly fine with you snapping a quick photo or opening the door to get a close-up view of their pride and joy, but it’s key to ask their permission first. Brian Ratcliff of Ratcliff Financial Services INC., and seasoned collector, suggests a distance of 2-3 feet from the vehicle.

Second, Don’t Not Ask the Collector Questions

Remember the rule of a double negative? Well, this don’t is actually a do: Do ask questions. With so much history congregated on our Concours, it’s pertinent to indulge your car curiosity and our collector’s pride in their submissions. Every car has a story and most likely, the Collector will be more than delighted to share it with you. Remember that these cars are typically the result of a requited passion, and each person may have a different reason as to why they became a collector or what sparked their interest.

But, Do Ask Questions and Permission for Photos

With repetition comes emphasis. “It’s not just a car- there’s a story behind every single one of them,” says Walker. With over 100 collectors, there’s something new to learn about your favorite American Muscle car or sleek Italian driving machine. Get the full story by asking the person behind the plaque, and then ask their permission for a photo so the memory can be shared.

Finally, Don’t Skip, but Do Attend the Awards Ceremony.

The Collectors’ Concours is being evaluated by a panel of highly qualified judges to name Best In Show and Best In Class. This year, the awards will be presented on our Lexus Live stage, making it an exciting and energetic apex of the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase. Keep these three Concours Commandments in mind, and you’ll be set for an exceptional showcase experience, so reserve your VIP experience via the link below. 

 

We’ll see you on the Concours!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Park Place Gathers Some of the World’s Finest for the Supercar Showcase

A High-Performance Line-Up You Can Experience

Between an Expanded Concours and Park Place Dealerships bringing in some the world’s finest vehicles, there will be no shortage of “oohs & ahhs” on the Luxury & Supercar Showcase Concours. While the first rule and 

tenant of a car showcase (see Do’s and Don’ts of the Supercar Showcase Blog Here) is to look and not touch unless specifically told by the Collector, at the Park Place tents, guests can and are highly encouraged to explore, touch & feel, and ask questions about our Park Place featured lineups by brand. Below is just a smattering of what exceptional machines will be available throughout the day at our showcase event…and you’ll want to read all the way down. We have some breaking news!

Rolls-Royce Cullinan:

 Under the Cullinan’s hood is a 6.75 liter, twin-turbo V12 pushing out 563 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. This is the same engine Rolls-Royce uses for its iconic Phantom, which also shares the SUV’s aluminum-intensive platform. The famous “magic air ride” feel that rendered the Phantom peerless has also been re-engineered by adding larger air struts with greater air volume, and by strengthening the drive and prop shafts to cushion blows from the toughest terrain. Featuring all-new, all-wheel drive and an all-wheel steering system — the first in Rolls-Royce history — the Cullinan reaches a top speed of 155 miles per hour.  Approach the Cullinan and it lowers roughly 1.5 inches for easy entry, rising back to normal position upon startup. The air suspension has adaptive damping and was built specifically with a degree of off-road luxury in mind — but a Rolls-Royce kind of off-roading, with a spotlight on smooth transitions. A lone off-road button is all it takes to prep the vehicle for whatever terrain you can throw at it, and it will even ford over 21 inches of water if needed. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see the incredibly capable off-roader in person at the 2018 Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase, 

2019 Mercedes Maybach:

“It is impossible to outdo an S-Class — except when the S-Class surpasses itself. ” -MBUSA. The Mercedes-Maybach sets the bar for “exclusivity and individuality”, celebrating the blend of luxury comfort and perfect craftsmanship, and the illuminated door sills serve to remind any who enter the vehicle, of the kind of luxury experience they’re about to embark on. From its elongated body and wheelbase, the extra space not only enables supreme comfort within but represents an iconic, more imposing form beyond. According to MBUSA, the 2019 model instantly cuts a more elevated figure than before. The grille, inspired by a pinstripe suit, strikes a note of sheer exclusivity. A two-tone exterior paint finish — now available in nine different colors — conveys the vehicle´s classic pedigree. An optional double clear coat lends an unsurpassed sense of elegance to darker paint options — with the second coat hand-applied by trained specialists. The 2019 Maybach will be available for interaction at the Mercedes-Benz Tent at the Luxury & Supercar Showcase.

Mclaren 600LT: 

The arrival of the new 600LT, which is built to excel on roads and race circuits alike, marks both the beginning of the next chapter in the McLaren ‘Longtail’ (LT) story and the setting of a new benchmark for super-sportscar performance. The new McLaren 600LT epitomizes the McLaren philosophy of producing lightweight super-sportscars that deliver extreme performance and are exceptionally rewarding to drive. With the engine management system of the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 recalibrated and less back pressure from a top-exit exhaust system that is even shorter and more extreme than that of the McLaren Senna allowing the engine to breathe more freely, the 600LT can call on peak power of 592bhp at 7,500rpm and a maximum torque output of 457lb ft at 5,500-6,500 rpm. These outputs deliver astonishing levels of performance: 0-62mph takes just 2.9 seconds, matching the acceleration of the revered McLaren 675LT Super Series model (0-60mph in just 2.8 seconds). 0-124mph is achieved in a remarkable 8.2 seconds and the 600LT can continue gathering speed to a top speed of 204mph.

LFA Nürburgring Edition:

Only 50 of the 500 LFA hand-assembled were sported with the Nürburgring package, making this unit an exciting addition to our Lexus space at the Supercar Showcase.  At its release, it was valued at over $450,000 with 562 Horsepower and quicker gear changes; the specific package features a sport-tuned suspension, exclusive black mesh-type wheels, and a larger from spoiler & a fixed rear wing for improved speed and downforce.  The unit making its way to the Luxury & Supercar Showcase is white, which perfectly accentuates the Nürburgring Race Car Influenced Styling and Performance.

Porsche 918 Spyder:

An exclusive plug-in hybrid sports car that’s nothing less than a showstopper.  We’ll keep this one short and sweet because the 918 speaks for itself. At its top end, it reaches speeds of 211 mph with 877 hp and 944 lb-ft of torque. 

Last but certainly not least, we are excited to share that a McLaren Senna has been confirmed for our showcase, and will be viewable at all ticket levels. 

 

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Full-size LEGO® McLaren 720S’s Final Public Display In the United States On October 13th

The LEGO®  McLaren 720S is made of more than 280,000 LEGO®  bricks, weighing in at 3,200lbs, compared to the road-going 720S’s dry weight of 2,828lbs. In order to produce such an accurate representation of the second-generation of McLaren Super Series, McLaren Automotive worked closely with the only UK certified LEGO® professional builders, providing in-depth vehicle CAD data so that the model could be fully realized. The model was built up around a steel frame, with a team of six working at one time for over 2,000 hours to build the car by hand. In comparison, a real-world production 720S takes around 12 working days in the McLaren Production Centre to assemble. Also featured on the LEGO®720S build is the all-new Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires used in its road-going equivalent, complete with silver ‘Pirelli Colour Edition’ graphics.

The full-scale model will be featured at the returning Kids Zone sponsored by Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, at the 2018 Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase. Perfect for our young car enthusiasts in training, other highlights include Pecos Pete Natural Tea & Soda, the new Forza video game, and the return of the Hot Wheels interactive exhibit provided by the North Texas Diecast Car Collectors Club. If you don’t want to miss seeing this in person, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as possible because October 13th is the last time the LEGO® McLaren 720S will be on public display in the United States.

The McLaren 720S is available to order pre-assembled with a starting MRSP of $284,745. Smaller fans of the brand might be more interested in the 75880 LEGO®  Speed Champions McLaren 720S miniature set. 

To purchase tickets to the 2018 Luxury & Supercar Showcase, click the link below:

 

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Park Place Brings Real-World Experience into Lewisville ISD Classroom

Park Place Dealerships provides Lewisville ISD Automotive Technology program new equipment, tools, mentors and hands-on career opportunities

Automotive programs in high schools have come a long way in the past 30 years. Think back to dimly lit, unorganized, dirty shops where students were challenged by outdated technology and insufficient tools.

Thanks to a unique public-private partnership, Lewisville ISD has a team of teaching professionals who engage students daily and work with companies like Park Place Dealerships, an auto industry leader, to prepare students for real-world applications.  

“The community engagement with Park Place gives us access to current technology and information so we are teaching our students the most up to date material,” explained Doug Emery, Automotive Technology Instructor at Lewisville ISD’s Career Center East. “We want to make sure our students are familiar with the systems, technology and equipment that dealerships are using to ensure our students are successful in the marketplace.”

Park Place is continually looking to develop the highest quality technicians for its 17 full-service dealerships located across Dallas-Fort Worth, while Lewisville ISD is always seeking career opportunities for students. This innovative public-private partnership between Park Place and Lewisville ISD provides access to master technicians, general managers, human resources, talent acquisition, service managers, and leadership from the 2000-member company.

There are tangible benefits to the students. Park Place hired seven 2018 graduates of the program as technicians at its Jaguar/Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus dealerships in Grapevine.

“The program really helped me choose a path,” said Raul Martinez, one of the 2018 grads currently working at Park Place Jaguar/Land Rover Grapevine. “Before, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do. I was sort of lost.  When we started working on cars I realized this was something I really enjoyed doing.”

Park Place also brings experts from different areas of the industry into the classroom as mentors.

“As we grow, we are continually looking for individuals that can be successful in our industry,” said Tony Carimi, vice-president of Operations for Park Place. “Our industry is quickly evolving so we want to expose students to the latest technology and advances in a real-world environment that focuses on personal attention and strong mentorships.”

Working with the teachers, Park Place is fully engaged with interviewing students, branding the shop with graphics of high-end manufacturers’ logos, connecting with parents and district representatives and speaking at events.

“Park Place technicians who have been in the field a long time have come into our classroom,” explained Travis Sutton, the LISD program’s other Automotive Technology Instructor. “They bring first-hand knowledge of what our students can expect, how things work and what they’ll experience in the shop. Park Place upper management comes into the classroom to tell our students they can have more than a job – they can have a career. It shows the students that what they’re learning on campus transfers directly out there.”

Park Place has a similar partnership with the John Dubiski Career High School in Grand Prairie ISD. Students are fully engaged with Park Place and a dozen students have been hired to full-time positions after graduation.

“We’re always looking to the future,” concluded Carimi. “The auto industry is evolving at a more rapid pace than ever before in its 100-plus-year history. With alternative energy sources, computerized systems and autonomous vehicles, the need for a highly educated and well-trained workforce is more important than ever. Park Place is determined to remain the leaders within our industry.”

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,000 people and represents luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Bugatti, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

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Dallas’ Mad Hatter to Judge “Haute Hat” Contest at the 2018 Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase

The Second Annual Park Place Dealerships Luxury Supercar Showcase will have plenty of elegant ladies and dapper gents in stylish hats strolling around the rolling hills of the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas Saturday, October 13. Expect the competition for the most creative, stylish and outrageous hats to be fierce as ladies and gentlemen vie for the title in the inaugural “Haute Hat” contest.  Shane Walker, the Mad Hatter of Dallas , will judge the contest.

Shane Walker, the Mad Hatter of Dallas

“I’ll be looking for people who really step out of the box and express their true personality and creativity,” explained Walker, owner of Shane Walker Designs. “We’ll have an award for the Best Ladies Hat and one for the Best Gentleman’s Hat. In addition, guests at the Supercar Showcase will have the opportunity to select a People’s Choice Award for both Ladies and Gentlemen. Guests will be encouraged to download the event app to vote for their favorite hats throughout the day. Judging for the Haute Hat contest will begin immediately following the 1:30 p.m. fashion show.”

Suggested attire for the day is Concours Casual, where guests are encouraged to pair a hat with their favorite resort-inspired ensemble while sporting comfortable shoes. Shane Walker Designs will have a Pop-Up store in the Porsche Pavilion where ladies and gents can purchase some of his uniquely designed hats. “The smaller fascinator hats and fedoras will start at $125,” said Walker. “The more sophisticated Kentucky Derby-style hats, and hats with lots of bling, will range from $500 – $600.”

“The Luxury & Supercar Showcase is a celebration of fashion, food, music, and of course, amazing automobiles,” said Liz Shafton, senior marketing manager at Park Place Dealerships and chair of the event. “Highland Park Village will present a runway fashion show produced by fashion icon and model Jan Strimple. There’ll be live entertainment and a Kids Area with lawn games and a 60-foot downhill Hot Wheels track.”

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, which includes access to the VIP Lounge with complimentary food and beverages, and entrance to the fashion show. Tickets are available online at LuxurySupercarShowcase.com.

 

 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, One Sixty One Bistro, Texas de Brazil, Frost 321 and Make Your Life Sweeter.

There will also be a great lineup of food trucks including: Ruthie’s Rolling Café; Bellatrino Pizzeria ; Texas De Brazil ; Fast Furious; and Pecos Pete’s Natural Tea + Soda.

“Area Car Clubs will have the best of their members’ cars on display in the Car Club Showcase,” continued Shafton. “They’ll bring everything from the most incredible Porsches, Lamborghinis, Corvettes and Shelbys to Aston Martins and Rolls-Royces. Then, on the first Fairway of the TPC Golf Course, the Collectors’ Concours will highlight some very rare and seldom seen collectibles. And, of course, Park Place will feature some of our manufacturers’ latest vehicles. Guests will be among the first in Texas to see the new Rolls-Royce Cullinan Luxury SUV.

Partners to date include the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, Allie Beth Allman & Associates – A Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate|Urban, Celebrity Cruises, Highland Park Village, AT&T, Hill & Wilkinson, Irving CVB and Irving Chamber, The Trade Group, Bachendorf’s, Brad Oldham Sculpture, RideCentric, GL Seaman, Lockton, Hagerty Insurance, Perks & Provisions, Lilium Florals, Lisa R. Daniels, Digital 3 Printing, Fauxcades, Promo Resources, Sunnyland Outdoor Furniture, ExxonMobil, Cox Automotive, Dealer Industries, Garages of Texas, Ratcliff Financial Services, TropicSport, Maui Jims, Jack Black, The Vineyard at Florence, Steinway & Sons, D Magazine, and NBC 5.

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.

About Park Place Dealerships:

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,000 people and operates 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Bugatti, McLaren, and Maserati.  The latest dealership, Porsche Grapevine, opened this summer, and is now the largest Porsche dealership in North America. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

 

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#RoadtoSupercar Stop #3: Brad Oldham to Sculpt Awards for 2018 Luxury & Supercar Showcase

Pit Stop #3 on the Road to the 2018 Luxury & Supercar Showcase

Brad Oldham Sculpture, based out of Dallas, Texas, was commissioned to design and sculpt the iconic award of the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase. Learn where the inspiration and the history behind the aesthetics of this Dallas-based artist’s vision. View our previous stops on the #RoadtoSupercar: Stop #1 and Stop #2