Designing Dream Garage

Not to get too far off topic, but regarding taking the weight off the suspension, I always thought it was best to lift it up by the suspension to keep it compressed. Then the tires also won't get flat spots.

 

Can I use your garage when I go to race in Macau GP??

 

Sounds great! Just be shure to do the fireprotection well. Just heard of a guy here in Finland whose "toybox" burned down to earth. There went all his toys (cars, bikes, boats etc.) since they were all collected into that one building. Fire started as accident.

 

I don't remember where I read/heard it, it's just been my understanding for extended periods of time. I could be wrong...

 

get some cool ferrari memorabilia to put on the walls... its hard to make suggestions, it all depends on the layout etc. but it sounds awesome!

 

I think they suggest lifting by suspension to avoid the whole "SUV" look when you bring it back down.

 

don't forget a pole, some mirrors and a good sound system.

 

fire protection is a must a sprinkler system is remarkably cheap considering the benefits. i knew a fellow who had a large wharehouse. he had his business in one end and he bought a mobile home and had it inside at the other end. he had an above ground pool and artificial grass. it was a fun place to party.

 

I'm not sure about the climate there, but heating is a big issue for most places. The best solution as far as collector cars is concerned is a heated garage floor (pipes running through the concrete.) This is the best for keeping moisture low.

Filtration is huge -- dust is always a factor, so minimizing it is great.

Lighting is always a priority. All too many garages have insufficient lighting, which makes taking photos impossible. Get good lights, and a lot of them. My friend's garage also has lights mounted in the floor pointed up around his lift, which makes it wonderful for when the cars are being worked on.

I would also suggest piping air around to use air tools and ensuring there are plenty of electrical outlets. You might use a Battery Tender to keep your car batteries fresh, so ensure you have plenty of outlets.

If you are planning to spend a lot of time there, I would strongly suggest bulding a small kitchenette with water...not to mention a bathroom. I've never understood why people create these wonderful garages, yet you have to "hold it" because there's no bathroom or running water to wash the grease off your hands.

 

Bear in mind that the F40 has really wide rear wheels and tires and most standard lifts cannot handle very wide tires. You may need to specify a wider track on the tire ramps and runners. The best solution is a completely flat rectangle of steel on which the car can be parked, but that's not a cheap lift.

 

You may want to do an integrated indoor detailing area complete with soft water and drains.

 

Floor drains are taboo with respect to the environmental authorities in some countries. Esp in potential petrochemical product spills, etc. The local people may hassle you some with strict local/national codes......

Now if we were in the 1960's........

 

Dehumidifier.
Radiant Floor heat.
Outlets.
Air.
Fire. (Dry Halon type not sprinklers)
Chassis stands for long storage.
Good lighting.
Storage Racks.

Best
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as an architect who has done some very large garages under my houses, a couple of thoughts...use cold cathode lighting as it gives true car color...where cars are to be displayed, use many small low voltage lights to create highlights on the cars finish...if possible, try a polished concrete floor...it casts amazing but subtle reflections of the cars...right smack in the middle, do a completely furnished but wall-less living room...right down to the oriental carpet, lamps and humidor...you will find that the greatest entertaining spot is in the middle or your collection...

 

It's nice to have a restroom with a shower so that you can wash up after working on your cars. Video cameras with Internet access is also nice.