A nondescript garage in Winter Park is one of Orlando’s newest private event venues. Rick’s Classic Cars is unremarkable on the outside, but inside it offers an unique setting enhanced by an exhibition of vintage luxury automobiles. Open since October 1, the 6,700-square-foot garage houses, at any given time, eight to 10 vehicles from owner Rick Vimmerstedt’s personal car collection. The facility is suitable for corporate events, fund-raisers and teambuilding activities.
Rick’s Classic Cars is one large room with a 40-foot ceiling, concrete floor, and brick walls. Parked in the venue are pristine cars such as a 1960 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud and a 1970 Ferrari 356 GT 2+2. Mounted on one of the walls is an authentic Nascar shell. Most of the vehicles can be moved or raised on mounts depending on the needs of an event. With several cars on the floor, the facility can comfortably accommodate seating for 150 people or a reception for 350.
Along one wall is a 20-foot oak bar with seating for seven. Behind the bar, a small prep kitchen is available for caterers to use during events. Two sections of the room—one near the entrance and the other in the corner—have been transformed into homelike sitting areas complete with leather sofas, lounge chairs, tabletop lamps, and Oriental rugs. The existing seating can accommodate 24, and the center of the room can be left open for food stations or a dance floor. Throughout the room, the walls are decorated with posters and print of cars, motorcycles, and famous race car drivers.
Rick’s has two flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and a sound system, projector, and screen that groups can use for presentations or entertainment. One corner of the room has a 600-foot loft accessible by stairs suitable for small meetings. Outside the back sliding doors is an 1,100-square-foot patio the owner is updating with new furniture and a large grill.
The venue has event specialists that can work with hosts to coordinate catering, decor, and entertainment.
