Detroit — The Detroit auto show is showcasing an exotic car display for the first time during public days. The Detroit Auto Dealers Association dutifully pulled Porsches, Astons, and McLarens from local dealers.
But they really wanted their first exotic car stable to really pop.
So they called up Lauren Mendelson, a Metro Detroit car collector with one of the finest Ferrari collections anywhere. The result is a North American International Auto Show loaded with the latest Jeeps, Fords, Cadillacs — and six jaw-dropping Italian stallions to wow crowds.
“The show team came over the week before the show opened for media days, looked over my collection, and selected the six they wanted,” said the Royal Oak-based collector. “Then we drove them all downtown. The city is going through its second renaissance, and I’m very proud to be part of this show.”
Stroll over to the exotic display behind the Jeep rides, and a silver and yellow 2020 Ferrari Monza SP1 will stop you in your tracks. The 799-horsepower, V-12-powered, single-seater is one of just 499 made and cost well over $1 million when new.
But wait, there’s more. Sharing the stable is a mid-engine 2010 458 Italia, 2020 F8 Tributo, 2015 458 Speciale A convertible, and two front-engine beauties: a 2008 599 GTB and a 2014 F12 Berlinetta.
“The main ingredient that all my cars share is style,” said Mendelson of the only privately owned cars on display. “I love the design of all these cars, and I love their performance.”
Once upon a time, exotics like these could only be seen at an exclusive, $250-a-ticket Saturday evening at a local hotel prior to the show. This year, they are available for viewing to anyone with a $20 ticket ($10 for children).
Mendelson has a few other toys in her collection beyond the Ferraris. Rare cars like a 2003 BMW Z8, Mercedes AMG GT Black Series, Alfa 8C Competizione, 2010 Morgan AeroMax, and maybe the best-looking, modern mid-engine sports car: a 2021 Ford GT Heritage.
Mendelson exercises them all to keep them in shape.
“They have to be driven. Like humans, they’ll get old and stiff unless you move them around,” she smiled. “The Ferraris are elegant and powerful to drive, but the Ford GT is different. You really feel like you’re part of the road. Each car has its own personality.”
While the Ferraris will headline the Detroit show, there are other chances to ogle cars from Mendelson’s collection. Her cars have appeared at Eyes on Design, Concours d’Elegance, and her GT Black and Ford GT will be on display at the American Speed Festival at M1 Concourse later this month.
Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at hpayne@detroitnews.com or Twitter @HenryEPayne.