A ‘country club for cars’ and vintage vehicles is opening in Lakewood Ranch
At Skyway Classics Sales & Storage, they speak the passionate language of car lovers.
Owners Alan Tanski, Roger Hruby, Mark Tanski and Max Tanski will talk to you about four-on-the-floor transmission shifters, big-block muscle cars, roadsters with rumble seats, or maybe a 1950s pickup truck with a massive chrome grill that never looked so good when it was working down on the farm.
All that vintage iron and rubber is sure to stir a rush of nostalgia for visitors of a certain age. And maybe for younger car lovers as well who have an appreciation for collectible and classic cars.
Skyway Classics started in Palmetto four years ago, outgrew its space, and recently moved into more than 40,000 square feet of brand-new concrete space accented with massive blue-green glass doors at 10420 Portal Crossing.
The owners set out to create a “country club for cars,” a place complete with colorful lounge where car lovers could gather, meet, share stories, and buy and sell cars.
“Whether you want us to find you a treasure, sell your vehicle, or purchase your first car, we will ensure your business is handled with care, discretion, and style. Come see what we have to offer and relive the American Dream today,” the company says on its web site at https://www.skywayclassics.com/.
About half of the cars at Skyway are owned by the company, and about half are being offered for sale on consignment.
Classics from the 1950s, like the 1957 Chevrolet, will always be popular with car lovers, but the muscle cars from the 1960s are now among the most in-demand, Mark Tanski said. Think mid-to-late 1960s and early 1970s Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers.
Also popular are pickup trucks. There is a whole row of vintage trucks, parallel parked along one wall.
The business of marketing nostalgia and dream cars has become a nationwide phenomenon, as shown by televised collector car auctions by Mecum, Barrett Jackson and others.
“Lakewood Ranch is centrally located to Sarasota, Bradenton, and Sarasota,” Mark Tanski said of how the owners selected a new base for the company.
Car owners can store their cars — classic, exotic, or otherwise — at Skyway Classics, which can also take care of maintenance, making it a concierge experience.
Skyway Classic’s clubhouse-style building with lounge is designed to encourage members to can hang out in, enjoy snacks, and to host monthly car shows.
Ground for Skyway Classics was broken in October 2020, and construction was completed in August, said Ryan Tanski, who handles marketing for the company. The facilty can accommodate about 200 vehicles under roof.
A grand opening celebration is planned noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Music, food and door prices are planned and admission is free.
For more information, call 941-254-6608.
