Thevehicles of O’Gara Coach are more than just means of transportation; they transcend their nominal function to become works of kinetic sculpture. Each embodies storied histories of luxury and performance that transit continents and centuries. In their own ways, each marque represents the realization of a particular set of automotive aspirations: the fastest, the most opulent, the most advanced and more. All that is missing from these works of art is the driver. For it is only the individual’s enjoyment of such vehicles that truly achieves their purpose.
On the evening of December 13th 2012, as the doors to the new O’Gara Coach Westlake showroom opened to the public, cars slowed as they passed the glowing jewel box building on the corner and the rooftop lights could be seen for miles around. There was no question that something special was taking place in Westlake Village.
Several hundred guests dropped off their own vehicles at the entrance to the dealership’s expansive new service facility located directly behind the main showroom. They walked a wintry white carpet before proceeding through the main entrance of the dealership where liveried service staff presented them with flutes of champagne. The main showroom space bore only the faintest of holiday decorations – silver trees tucked into a few corners – because truly it was the stunning space itself that was being celebrated.
Guests dined on a variety of canapés including a presentation of California White Sturgeon Caviar from the renowned sustainable sturgeon farmers at Sterling Caviar in the Sacramento Delta, delicate Parmesan crisps willed with wild mushroom and shallot custards with Dungeness crab. In addition to a variety of wines, the evening featured several signature cocktails prepared with Herradura tequila and Finlandia vodka as well as an outdoor lounge with a single malt scotch bar.
Throughout the showroom, guests were able to view and experience a variety of Rolls-Royce and Bentley vehicles. Adding to the uniqueness of the evening, the recently unveiled Bentley Continental GT3 was on hand all the way from it’s home at the Bentley manufacturing facility in Crewe, England. Signaling Bentley's return to the racetrack for the first time since its historic sixth Le Mans victory in 2003, Continental GT3 remains faithful to the company's founding motorsport philosophy of developing racing cars from their road-going counterparts. Following the special unveiling and brief appearance at the Los Angeles Auto Show earlier in the month, guests were able to view the vehicle up close and speak with representatives of Bentley Motors about the future of Bentley racing.
Midway through the evening, Founder & Owner Tom O’Gara spoke to his assembled guests, thanking them for such a warm reception into the community. Company President Bruce Frederick added a few remarks about the road that led to the dealership’s opening as well as his thoughts on the future of luxury automobiles in the western Los Angeles and Ventura counties. On hand to join in the festivities, representatives of both Rolls-Royce and Bentley also spoke about their respective marques and the importance of having an outlet like O’Gara Coach Westlake in this vibrant market.
As a proud member of this community, O’Gara Coach Westlake’s knowledgeable and passionate sales team now stands ready at this stunning new facility to induct those who have earned the privilege into the world of true luxury automotive experiences. With the celebration of the dealership’s Grand Opening now behind them, they can focus exclusively on the individual celebration of life and automotive excellence that awaits each new owner of these incredible vehicles.
The evening was filled with a mixture of holiday revelry and genuine excitement that the local community has attracted such highly revered brands. Attendees ranged from longtime O’Gara Coach customers to new friends of the dealership, including the newly minted owners and the local leaders, who worked hand-in-hand with the dealership throughout the opening process. All were united in their celebration of this long anticipated arrival, yet another fabulous resource for the communities ofMalibu, Calabasas, Westlake Village and Montecito.
