Naples Illustrated

Years ago, the sign of wealth was a Rolex or a fancy initial-covered handbag. These days, however, another symbol is racing to the forefront of must-have accessories and it won't be found on the wrists or shoulders of Tampa Bay inhabitants. Instead, it will be inside their garages.

Some of the chicest cars available travel the palm-lined streets of the Bay area, so it's no surprise that a business niche focused on finding, maintaining, and customizing luxury cars has developed. From tracking down and arranging for the purchase of an exotic car to customizing a special vehicle to exercising garage-bound cars for seasonal residents, there are services available for any desire.

"My clients are all busy professionals," explains Fred Krasne, founder of the Tampa car-consulting firm My Perfect Car. "Time is valuable to them and I make their life easier."

Krasne and his wife, Maddy, started the business last summer, and now cater to more than a dozen clients who not only want them to hunt down automobiles - recently, they searched for a Bentley Continental GT - but also want a personalized style of service. After working for some years for Jaguar of Sarasota and Tampa, Krasne says he recognized the need for individual service that goes way beyond loaner cars. For a fee that amounts to a percentage of the car price, Krasne will locate any car, anywhere, and negotiate the price, then provide personalized service that includes delivery, arranging regular maintenance, and even driving it to the garage, if needed. He calls himself an unbiased expert in the field with no ties to any particular make of car.

Most of his clients live well in the six-figure bracket, and most buy new cars every 18 to 24 months. For them, Krasne says, purchasing a luxury vehicle is like buying any other high-end showpiece. It's an emotional decision rather than a practical one.

Across the bay in St. Petersburg, Chris Bradley couldn't agree more. His company, Boulevard Customs, has listened to clients make decisions that are anything but practical. "I have clients who spend as much on the customization of their car as on the car itself," says Bradley.