Ferrari 599
What NYC lacks in open highway, it makes up for in exclusive experiences for the auto aficionado. From private clubs to all-inclusive garages, there’s no shortage of wonderful ways to get behind the wheel.
Classic Car Club
Here, members purchase points to gain access to the multimilliondollar fleet of 50 vintage and new vehicles, including Ferrari’s 458 Italia or Jaguar’s 1969 E-type convertible. 250 Hudson St., 212-229-2402; 182 E. 73rd St., 212-535-5857; classiccarclubmanhattan.com
Gotham Dream Cars
For a seriously luxe rental experience, phone Gotham Dream Cars, polish your driving loafers and await the delivery of your (temporary) new Lamborghini, Aston Martin or Bentleys. All come complete with the service you’d expect from a car of their caliber. 212-957-4400
Jaguar R Performance
Academy With the purchase of an XKR or XFR, Jaguar will pair you with a Formula 1 or Nascar driver for a day of racetrack coaching. The highlight of the lesson is the hot lap, where you sit shotgun while your coach shows you why he’s won championship races. jaguarperformanceacademy.com
Cooper Classics Collection
Nestled in the heart of Greenwich Village, Cooper Classics looks more like a gallery than an auto dealership. Specializing in the sale and purchase of unique and exotic cars, the historic dealer’s inventory delves into the most esoteric of rides. 137 Perry St., 212-929-3909
Monticello Motor Club
Home to 4.1 miles of track, this club is a speed racer’s dream come true. Aficionados will recognize hairpin turns reminiscent of European raceways, while novices will appreciate some of the longest straights in America. 67 Cantrell Road, Monticello, 877-578-7223; monticellomotorclub.com
Collectors Car Garage
Dubbed a “country club for car people,” this 68,000-square-foot garage in Bedford Hills houses a collection of extraordinary privately owned vehicles. The experienced staff will routinely service your car to ensure it’s always in pristine condition. 341 Railroad Ave., Bedford Hills, 877-824-2724; collectorscargarage.com
Skip Barber Driving School
Perhaps the most accessible way for Manhattanites to learn to drive at high speeds, Skip Barber has locations in Connecticut and New Jersey. 60 White Hollow Road, Lakeville, CT, 866-932-1949
Lime Rock Drivers Club
Want to negotiate the same twists and turns as the Andrettis? The Lime Rock Drivers Club offers instruction from some of the world’s top drivers as you tear around the 1.5-mile track, designed in 1956. 497 Lime Rock Road, Lakeville, CT, 860-435-5000, ext. 308
Sloan Cars
Richard Sloan maintains one of the largest private Porsche collections in the world, with an inventory of more than 50 original, low-mileage models, so he’ll take extra care when helping you select a 911, Speedster or GT3. 203-675-3235; sloancars.com
Grand Prix New York
If the thought of thrashing your luxury ride gives you pause, start driving the way every Formula 1 driver did: piloting a high-powered go-kart. These little monsters will go up to 40 mph, and the two indoor tracks mean you can still race when it’s raining. 333 North Bedford Road, Mount Kisco, 914-241-3131; gpny.com
