Luxautica

Buckle your seatbelt, grab a hold of the wheel and get ready to experience Orlando’s premiere event venue. In a city known for mouse ears and roller coasters lies a little-known jewel embedded with $30 million of some of the rarest driving machines the world has ever seen. From the Bugatti Veyron to the Ferrari Enzo, Luxautica The Ultimate Car Club has not only been recognized as the premiere collection of exotic “supercars” in the United States, but is also known for its state-of-the-art, luxurious facilities that house events ranging from formal social gatherings to professional business meetings and special birthday celebrations.

This month, I was lucky enough to visit the Luxautica gallery and experience what car enthusiasts around the world have called, “a collector’s dream.” Upon my arrival, it certainly wasn’t difficult to see what that enthusiasm was all about after only a few short steps into the main gallery. Yes, I’m sure I looked like my 5-year-old son on Christmas, but who could blame me? I was among some of the rarest automobiles in the world and was given the opportunity to spend as much time as I wanted soaking up the unparalleled craftsmanship, design and engineering that each possesses. Combine that with the countless plasma screen displays, state-of-the-art virtual racing simulators and luxurious clubhouse accommodations, I found myself in the ultimate VIP setting couched in uniqueness and unprecedented service. I thought I would stay a while.

Originally, Luxautica operated as a driving club for only the wealthiest individuals, but it recently shifted gears to avail gentlemen of all walks of life the opportunity to experience and enjoy one of the most exclusive automobile collections in the world, either by patronizing the car gallery or by holding events at the facility. “Luxautica was designed for those who enjoy the best of everything,” said Rebecca Annillo, director of events.

And the best is what you get… seven days a week, the Exotic Car Gallery is open to the general public, with the collection regularly rotating to spotlight ten of the world’s finest cars at any given time. Features include such names as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Maserati, Porsche, and many more. Patrons are also offered a first-class shopping experience with access to licensed merchandise from their favorite manufacturers. But the high-priced cars and swanky merchandise aren’t the only reasons to visit this automotive oasis… the facility also boasts some of the most chic event space in the city. With a large outdoor patio overlooking the beautiful Orlando skyline, an indoor rotunda furnished with luxurious designer pieces, and a posh, full-service bar featuring a 16-plasma screen display, Luxautica offers an ideal setting for any social or business event.

And yet with seemingly every detail attended to, there was even more I hadn’t yet noticed. As I continued up the stairs into the second-story lounge overlooking the spectacular group of vehicles, my eyes were quickly drawn to the original artwork adorning the walls. With many of the pieces commissioned specifically for the club, the unique artistic interpretations of the collection magnificently captured the essence of each car. This was just another personal touch adding to the overall experience and makes Luxautica the distinctive venue it has become.

By the time I finished marveling at the artwork, drooling over the cars, and planning my next party in the sumptuous lounge, I may have outstayed my welcome. But the first-class staff would never have let me know it. From eager children to cigar-smoking business men, every patron of the gallery seemed to be treated with the utmost professionalism and respect. Though my short visit to Luxautica had come to an end, I knew I’d be back soon. With a little something for everybody, it is an experience I knew I could soon share with my car buddies, my family, and even my business associates alike. Luxautica offers a glimpse of luxury and extravagance rarely ever seen under one roof, and it can be enjoyed by all. The newest, hottest attraction has clearly sped its way into Orlando, and its here to stay!

Tony Zara is Executive Vice President of Mercantile Commercial Capital where he manages the financial underwriting and business development functions of the company. His expertise in sales and finance has enabled he, and his team, to grow Mercantile Commercial Capital’s loan production to over $100 million a year in a very short period of time. As Executive Vice President of Mercantile, Tony has also played an intricate role in developing and implementing the company’s ACE Correspondent Program that was rolled out during 2006. The Program has offered a partnership opportunity to mortgage brokers throughout the United States who wanted to not only share in the enormous income opportunities MCC has identified, but also realize the marketing power that the team at MCC has deployed so effectively in the past. Tony has been a key player in this MCC area development strategy with its correspondents and has been involved with the sale of over 35 territories in just 18 months.

Prior to joining Mercantile, Tony worked as a Business Analyst for American Express in London, England. While in London, he worked within Global Network Services and was responsible for the successful implementation of American Express Blue™ smart chip technology throughout Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. His day to day responsibilities included international government relations, business development, strategic planning, and financial analysis.

Tony is an active member in several national organizations such as the Association of Corporate Growth (ACG), Wharton Alumnae Association, Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Orlando Class 66, National Association of Development Companies (NADCO), National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP).
Tony earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. While there, he also played quarterback for the Quaker’s football team, which recorded 33 wins, only 7 losses, and 2 Ivy League Championships during his tenure. Tony is an avid sports fan and enjoys playing golf in his spare time. He and his wife Catherine live in Longwood, FL with their five year old son, Zachary.

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