Dreams for Rent . . . or similar

Simply trawling the Internet will harvest a bucket list of aspirational super, sports and classic cars that can be rented around the world, ready to be driven by you and me in the most amazing places.

I kid you not. I reckon I’ve partaken of nearly 30 such road drives and about 10 track experiences here in the Land of Oz and some 20 overseas.

My first rent-a-ride was a Formula First (think Formula Ford, smaller budget) day at Oulton Park in the UK well over two decades ago.

Since then, I’ve noted that the popularity of drive experiences, both track and road, has soared along with a massive choice of tasty types for individual hire.

I’ve given my credit card a workout paying for something like 25 rentals, six track drive and two road drive experiences.

And I’ve been ‘comped’ maybe a further four or five opportunities.

It can be reported that all but a virtual couple ranged from satisfactory to exemplary (see below).

But, there are rental cars – and there are rental cars.

From my experience, Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Thrifty, Sixt, Europcar, et al, the big players, are not always the best go-to if you’re looking for a driver’s drive.

True, some advertise as offering variously-named adrenaline, fun, prestige, sporty or luxury ranges, and you can book a specific car – but don’t get too excited.

Limitations of choice, availability and/or location have invariably applied whenever I’ve gone to book.

And then there is the biggest bane of car rental in general – two words, ‘or similar’.

You can book, as I’ve done on two occasions when renting in the US, a Ford Mustang convertible and be given a completely different make and model – with a fixed roof!

I’m not alone. Another instance I know of, a guy requested a Jeep Cherokee and got a Chevrolet Camaro convertible.

How the hell can these cars be ‘similar’, except that they have four round rubber things and a steering wheel?

More to the point, how do the various consumer rights regulators let rental firms universally conduct business like this?

No, from my experience, to get what you want you have to seek out the niche rental car providers.

But, even then, it’s renter beware.

First, do your research painstakingly, and check reliable forums such as TripAdvisor for customer reviews.

Second, read the fine print thoroughly, especially all aspects to do with insurance liability and coverage.

Be scrupulously honest up front in providing any record of driving misdemeanour or insurance claims required.

And, as with any type of online transaction, be careful in how, and to whom, you provide your credit card details.

Unfortunately, it would appear that a number of providers I enjoyed a good experience with over the years are no longer in business.

These include RetroVentures (Ireland), which now focuses on motorcycle/scooter/e-bikes and campervans; Rent a Classic Mallorca (Spain); Brands Hatch Leisure Centre, Roadsport Hire at Stamford Bridge and South West Sports Cars (UK); World Class Driving and Vegas Luxury Rides (USA); and Apple Isle Sports Cars (Tasmania).

Road car rental

⇒ First up, globalCARS Australia who, through Renault Eurodrive Leasing, provided a brand-new Renault Clio R.S.220 Trophy for our 30-day, four-country western Europe road trip. The deal including unlimited kilometres, insurance with no excess to pay, full factory warranty, 24/7 emergency assistance and no extra driver charges. The whole experience, from the simple booking procedure before leaving for Europe, to pick-up in Nice and return in Geneva, could not be faulted. And, I got exactly what I ordered. GlobalCARS also do Peugeot, Citroen and DS leasing. www.globalCARS.com.au

⇒ That’s not exactly what happened with Edel & Stark. No, I booked a Porsche Boxster S for an epic drive through the Big 3 Swiss mountain passes (Susten, Furka and Grimsel) but instead received a free upgrade to a 911 Turbo S cabriolet! And with door-to-door delivery/pick-up, too. How’s that for service? Platinum, I would say. Edel & Stark also rent in France, Germany and UAE. www.edelstark.com

⇒ Williams Automobiles, in rural Gloucestershire, is a proud, family-owned Morgan dealership going back to 1911. These days, Williams specialises in also selling and servicing Caterham and Lotus; but one of their specialty sidelines is hiring out various Morgans and Caterhams. When their own 3 Wheeler became unavailable around the time of my booking, they acquired the factory demonstrator for me. Enthusiasts catering for enthusiasts; it doesn’t get any better. Currently, Williams hire out Morgan 4/4 and Plus 4 and Caterham 7. www.williamsautomobiles.com

The following providers listed also met, or exceeded, expectations: