Looking for a license plate frame from Sportiva Motorcars

Looking for a license plate frame from Sportiva Motorcars

Im also interested in picking up some history on the dealer. Did this become Cauley Ferrari?

We got my brothers car a couple of months ago and it was originally delivered there. Thanks for any brief history lesson.

Robb

 

Sportiva was in Dearborn, owned by Robert Schneider. On Michigan Avenue.

Prior to being called "Sportiva", it was called "The Sports Car Exchange", and it was under that name that it was an official Ferrari dealer, as well as Aston Martin and Lamborghini.

It was a magical place.

After Mr. Schneider and Ferrari parted ways...not sure why...it became "Sportiva"...I want to say late 80's or early 90's...not sure.

No affiliation with Cauley at all, although Bob Parks and Joe Abernethy (at Cauley) started their careers at The Sports Car Exchange.

 

Here's something about Bob Schneider, not sure if he's still doing this:

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20090311/OPINION03/903110326

 

Here's a nugget on Sportiva:

Sportiva Motorcars L.L.C. in Dearborn, MI - Bizapedia Profile

 

Hmmm...now wondering if Robert Schneider left and THEN it became Sportiva...not sure about this. I'm going to Cauley on Monday and I'll ask Bob Parks.

 

Great history for me across the country. Thank you.

Robb

 

Okay...went to Cauley today and talked to Bob Parks. Bob Schneider was involved when The Sports Car Exchange became Sportiva. At that time, they were no longer selling Ferrari. He said he probably has license plate frames, so he's going to look and then I'll PM you when I get it.

Interesting tidbit: Bob Parks left The Sports Car Exchange to work for Fiat, and his first job was to Federalize the incoming F40 for the US. Every one of the original 300 US F40s came in through Dearborn.

 

Great update. Thanks for asking them for an old plate frame for me!

Sportiva must have sold some new Ferrari's because our '97 f355 GTS was air freighted to sportiva for the original buyer. They are the dealer of record on the window sticker and the owners registration book.

See what they know if you get a minute, but don't kill your time over it. . Always cool facts on the history of each car!

Robb

 

That was discussed, and Bob mentioned several new cars that were sold. In fact, a few people knew that some new cars came through.

 

Checking in to see if you came across the sportiva license plate frame?

Thanks for checking with Bob.

Robb

 

I actually have a old sports car exchange licence plate frame...

 

Jim,

Cool to discover.

Our GTS came from Sportiva so that is the frame I am looking for.

Thanks

Robb

 

I'm interested in the Sports Car Exchange frame - my 308 came from there.

 

Not yet, but I will get it. Just a question of having the time to get there. PM me anytime.

 

THIS IS WHAT I HAVE...A LITTLE OLD.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Hey Guys,
I'm not sure who is still looking for the Sport Car Exchange plate, I do have one in excellent shape ( http://vereleo.net/ferraripictures.pdf ) and since I'm selling the car
I'm sure the next owner wouldn't mind.

I went there for a major service in 1990 and they put the plate on.

Leo

 

I'm doing some research and looking for any information on Bob Schneider, the Ferrari dealer in the Detroit area in the 1980s-90s. He had The Sports Car Exchange and later named Sportiva Motorcars. I'd really like to contact him. I'm working with his friend Brian Burnett from Ferrari of Los Gatos and he said I should reach out to Bob. Any information about him or how to contact him would really be appreciated. Thanks. Jim

 

I have a friend who knows him very well; I am messaging him now and will share what I hear via PM.

 

Appreciated. Thanks very much Outcast.

 

My understanding was that The Sports Car Exchange was owned by Jeff Eaton and Bob Schneider ran it? Perhaps I am wrong.

 

Used to get my 328 serviced at The Sports Car Exchange.

 

I was a student a Lawrence Tech during the early 80's...If I got out of class in time, I would always exit the Southfield at Michigan Ave just to sit in the parking lot to hear the cars being fired up and moved around. Sports Car Exchange was such a cool place!

 

Actually, "Ferrari of Michigan" was owned by Jeff Eaton; it was in business for only a year after that, before it closed. Mr. Eaton is no longer with us. Bob Schneider was the owner of record of The Sports Car Exchange, and Sportiva.

 

Hi Robb,

Did you ever find a plate frame? I am asking around.

 

I did not find a plate frame from them but could still use one.

Robb