INDUSTRY INSIGHT: 
Club Aston
Welcome to THE club...
by Mike Severson
Located within Galpin Aston Martin, Club Aston is a private, by appointment only showroom for the car made famous around the world by James Bond. In addition to creating an amazing buying experience and private club for Aston Martin owners, Galpin Vice President Beau Boeckmann’s intention is to make a billionaire say, "Wow!" And they have, more than once...
Entry into the club is controlled. Each member receives a card to grant access anytime the dealership is open. The door opens and you enter a red room that looks like a decompression chamber. Feet rest on perforated metal and the large steel door closes behind you. The James Bond theme song can be faintly heard as you approach a stairway to your left leading to the secret entrance for members only.
White suede walls line the expansive space that is complete with a bar (serving martinis shaken OR stirred), seating area, and a rotating Aston Martin under what looks to be a stainless steel interpretation of a jet engine. The main lounge features a flat screen that can be used for presentations, viewing television or even checking one's email. Meeting with a client you want to impress? Book Club Aston.
To become a member you have to be a buyer and Club Aston is probably one of the most unique car shopping, customization and ordering experiences you'll have. Your "Bartender" is the club's specialist Joe Van De Veere who will walk you through the models and options as he builds a virtual vehicle on the flat screen monitor behind him. When it's time to choose the paint or interior materials, Van De Veere brings out velvet lined trays like the ones found at fine jewelry stores so you can handle samples and make your decision. Once your vehicle has been customized, it is ordered and your countdown to one of the most incredible vehicle ownership experiences begins.
The waiting ends when your vehicle is delivered to Galpin. Once it has arrived you don’t get a set of keys but, rather a code and an invitation to Club Aston. The delivery can be a private affair or you can invite friends and family to help you welcome your new arrival.
Your new Aston Martin awaits you beyond the sitting area, beyond the rotating show car and behind a large, real bank vault door with a keypad in the center of it. Your code grants you access. Enter it and turn the lock. The door swings open and there it is, the car that you have been dreaming about owning since the first time you saw Goldfinger...is now yours.
Welcome to the club.
For a tour of the Club or a chance to host a private party at Club Aston, please email clubaston@csqmag.com
