Lifestyle

Supercar Owners Circle | An interview with Co-Founder Florian Lemberger

30th June 2020

A network of the world's most discerning car collectors, delivering unique supercar experiences across the globe, the Supercar Owners Circle (SOC) is exactly what the worldwide car community was missing! Members share their passion, meet like-minded people in a luxurious environment, and marvel over a collection of the rarest and most exclusive supercars, both past and present.

We caught up with Co-Founder and diehard car enthusiast Florian Lemberger to find out more…

Q: What inspired you to start the SOC?

FL: As a small boy I was obsessed with all things automotive; I'm even told that "Porsche" was one of my first words. Ever since I have loved to share this automotive passion with other car enthusiasts and eventually decided to set up the Supercar Owners Circle and turn my hobby into my job.

Q: How can someone join and who is your typical member?

FL:Membership in the Supercar Owners Circle requires approval by our admission board, with a recommendation by an existing member accelerating the process. Eligible cars are limited production specials from prestigious automakers, as well some of the rarest high performance cars of the past years. Our members are as diverse as the participating cars, from young to old and of all nationalities. They all share a passion for collecting supercars.

Q: How has the circle evolved since its inception in 2014?

FL: The first SOC Supercar Weekend took place in September 2014 at The Chedi Andermatt, a newly opened luxury hotel in the Swiss Alps. We succeeded in attracting a very demanding and time-poor audience through our unique personal network. The exceptionally high quality of participating cars at the event created a real buzz among car collectors! Building on the experience and success at our first event, we then restructured our business model and gained sponsorships from a prestigious car manufacturer and other luxury brands. Our second event in September 2015 was bigger, more unique and profitable. Since then we have experienced significant growth and demand based solely on word of mouth, which allowed us to expand operations internationally across Europe. With several interesting partnerships in the pipeline, we are now ready to expand our network globally and take SOC to the next level.

Q: What are some of the benefits members enjoy?

FL: Members can participate in SOC Supercar Weekends and get access to a number of bespoke third-party events and exquisite supercar experiences around the globe. These can include world premieres of new cars, VIP tickets for exhibitions and motor shows, access to Formula 1 events, Track Days and other supercar happenings. In addition to this, members of the Supercar Owners Circle can enjoy an increasing range of exclusive privileges and benefits from a variety of best in class automotive, lifestyle and travel brands. These benefits currently include discounts and upgrades in several five-star luxury hotels, discounts from various automotive partners like Topaz Detailing, as well as discounts from lifestyle companies like Caviar House & Prunier. Last but not least, members get access to a Personal Liaison Manager (PLM), a special resource assisting in every aspect of their supercar ownership.

Q: What has been your most memorable event to date?

FL: One of the most memorable events to date was our first UK event, which took place in the Rosewood London in November 2015. Although it was just a small Prologue event with 40 guests, it reflected our core values and the essence of the SOC network. Robert Melville, Head of Design at McLaren Automotive, gave a unique insight into his purist design approach. Minutes later his most uncompromising creation, a brand new McLaren P1 GTR, was delivered to one of the participants in the grand Edwardian courtyard of the hotel. Other participating cars included a Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB, a Mercedes 300 SL AMG, and a new one-off Mercedes SL prototype, just to mention a few. The atmosphere at our events tends to be friendly, open and relaxed, with genuine excitement focussed around the supercars. Amongst the guests were some important car collectors from all across Europe. We were particularly honoured to also welcome HRH Prince Michael of Kent and his son as participants of the event. New friendships were formed, new ideas developed, new doors opened.

Q: Can you highlight one of your most notable brand collaborations?

FL: A brand collaboration that we are especially proud of is the one with Bonhams, a British auction house and market leader in the sale of automobilia. Together with Bonhams we are currently working on the SOC Charity Auction. With the support from our sponsors and members, we will auction unique lots, from automotive memorabilia and not for sale products to once in a lifetime experiences. All the proceeds will be donated to various charities to support underprivileged children, including the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. It's a wonderful cause that supports sports-related community projects to educate children and bring people from divided communities together.

Q: If you HAD to choose one car to take home from the Circle what would it be and why?

FL: I think it would have to be a Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB. Thanks to its reduced weight, high power and modified suspension, this iconic supercar was very competitive and therefore regarded by many people as one of the most important GT racers of its time. In my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful cars ever built!

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