The spa club is an entire community built around multiple running tracks in California | Source: Oily
For almost as long as the car itself has been around, like-minded enthusiasts have come together to share their feelings about their favorite aspects of the automotive world. According to the Encyclopedia Britannia, the first automobile club was the Automobile Club de France, formed in 1895 in Paris.
And since then, the popularity of elite car clubs has only increased. Although there are many automotive associations around the world, from classic collectors clubs to high performance racing clubs, some automotive cliques offer something very special.
We’re talking about the best car exchanges where membership gives you access to cutting-edge tracks, the best exotic cars, and world-class resort amenities. Here’s a look at some of the most exclusive car clubs in the world.
The Thermal Club
Quite possibly the most incredible car club in the world, the Thermal Club is actually a private community of supercars in the Coachella Valley. The ultimate members-only sports destination spans approximately 160 acres and includes everything from a private airport to 8.2 km of race tracks comprising three different circuits – the Desert Circuit, the North Palm Circuit and the of South Palm.
To become a member of the Thermal Club, you must either build a villa on the site or purchase a fully equipped villa. A 669 square meter track house starts at around AU$4.85 million or for around AU$3.38 million you can get a smaller 418 square meter property that is not trackside .
From there, the membership fee would be over AU$124,000 for initiation fees and would come with annual dues of over AU$21,100.
What you get for that money is basically car enthusiasts heaven. Besides the racetracks, the opulent four-story clubhouse is home to gourmet chefs and a full bar, as well as a tuning shop for auto repairs and a personal concierge service that can arrange private jets.
Ferrari F1 Customers
Only available to Ferrari VIP customers, the exclusive club serves as the Italian sports car brand’s customer racing division. Since 2003, the program “has offered a small group of enthusiasts the opportunity to purchase Formula 1 single-seaters that have been raced by Scuderia Ferrari”, a very rare opportunity.
Members have the opportunity to experience driving cars on numerous world-class Formula 1 circuits around the world and receive coaching from a variety of professional racing drivers under contract with Ferrari.
As with most things Ferrari, the company keeps pricing low-key, however, to join the car club and access its benefits, members must purchase one of the discontinued Formula 1 cars. Apart from the small fortune required for purchase, these elite racing cars require constant attention from a specialist. Ferrari F1 Clienti membership fees include maintenance of notoriously technical Formula 1 cars as well as impressive track fees for each exclusive race.
The Magarigawa Club
Opening next year, the Magarigawa Club in Japan will be one of the most exclusive automobile clubs in the world with only 50 memberships available. Commanding a membership fee of A$345,000, Magarigawa is created for the biggest supercar fanatics who want the ultimate racing experience.
As a piece de resistance, members will have access to a private trail stretching 3.5 km through the hills and valleys of Minamiboso. Designed by top Formula 1 circuit designer, Tilke Engineers and Architects, the track features 22 bends and an 800 meter long straight.
Located an hour from central Tokyo, the one-million-square-meter property is spread out with resort-style luxuries, including a state-of-the-art pit building and clubhouse with swimming pool, hot spring baths, lounge and bar. and a modern Japanese garden.
Surrounding the central clubhouse, villa-style accommodation dubbed the “owner’s paddock” will be where members and their families will stay. Each of the units has concierge and property management services, a garage for two to four cars, and terraces with views of Mount Fuji, Tokyo Bay, and the private racetrack below.
Club Moolia
Arriving in 2023 in Western Australia, Club Moolia is Asia-Pacific’s first motoring country club with a Formula 1-inspired driving circuit of over A$146 million and Australia’s first Crystal Lagoons.
Dubai’s incredible resort-style country club will offer the ultimate automotive, sports and entertainment experience with several world-class luxuries, including a sports academy for golf, tennis, running and basketball.
A club lounge of over 370 square meters will be a masterpiece of modern design with high ceilings, limited-edition artwork and floor-to-ceiling windows framing runways and lagoon views.
Accommodation for members and guests will include luxury on-track suites with planned club lounges, spas, private screening rooms and exclusive chauffeured transfers. Memberships will be strictly limited to just 600 offered to individuals and businesses from AU$30,000 and an annual fee of AU$5,000. For conglomerates, this will reach AU$100,000 with an annual fee of AU$8,000.
