Matchbox: Kings of Storage
There’s a new concept in vehicle storage now open in Auckland, with the arrival of Matchbox. Described as the country’s first members-only luxury car storage facility, the Penrose premises are impressive, belying its industrial surroundings.
Entering through the front door, the decor is decidedly upmarket as we make our way through the members lounge to check out the garage beyond. And it’s some parking lot. The big warehouse is lined with car stackers able to rack them four high.
Talking with owner Zlatko Filipchich, the secure, climate-controlled facility has been purpose-built to meet the needs of classic, performance and collector car owners.
“Our members, when they come in, they park their daily driver and their vehicle will be sitting waiting for them on the runway, ready to go.”
The use of the stackers means they can get cars out quickly.
“Some storage places I’ve used, they have to move 30 cars around to get yours out, it takes time. Even if we have to get a car down from the top, we’ll have it out in less than 10 minutes.”
The stackers have been designed to take all manner of cars with room to fit SUVs, each with a trickle charger too.
“We look after the cars here. So we start them regularly and bring them up to temperature. We keep an eye on them, making sure none is leaking fluids, and that the tyres don’t develop flat spots.”
The stackers aren’t jammed in tight either. “What our clients like is that you can open the door and there’s no way it can hit another car. And once the car is up in the air, it can’t get knocked about.”
It’s not simply a storage solution. Matchbox can issue a warrant of fitness on site if the client so desires, keep track of servicing requirements and there is a hoist for owners to use as well. “We’re not going to permit mechanical work here but if you need to put your car up to do something minor or clean something up, that facility is there.”
Clients simply ring ahead to get their car sorted. “We like the personal touch. You don’t need to go online and book it in. We like to talk to them”.
Along with the member’s lounge, there is a bathroom and shower on site. “We are close to the airport so you can fly in from overseas, come here and freshen up before collecting your car.”
There is a wash bay for owners to use when they bring their car back, and they can use a range of cleaning products on offer from various suppliers.
While annual memberships are usual, Matchbox is open to shorter terms as well. “It’s a concierge service, so we can tailor it around a client’s needs. The basic rate is $1250 a month plus GST. But for that, you get your slot. So when that guy uses his Lagonda, we can put his Lister in there for him.
“We have a chap that lives in France. He’s keeping his car here to use when he’s here for two weeks of the year. Plus he’s sending an alloy E-Type to store with us, and he’s insisting that every month, I take it for a drive.”
So who are the clients? “People are telling me; great I can now buy another car and rotate them. And some are like me. I’m an empty nester; I only need two bedrooms but a five-car garage. I went to buy an apartment. Everything was beautiful, but you only get two car parks, and then you’re told you’re not allowed to wash your car there.
“We’ve got clients that are collectors that don’t really need the storage. But since they have seen this, they want to be part of it, they’re happy to have their car here on display almost.”
After seeing the concept in Europe and the US, he and business partner, Mark Francis, wanted to bring it to New Zealand. “But we wanted to do it Kiwi style.” On that note, Zlatko wants Matchbox to be a hub for members to connect. “I’m Croatian and entertaining is very important. We’re going to have barbeques here for the members in the summer. So you can bring your family along and have a sense of belonging. I want people to bring their kids and grandchildren, and have them all talking about cars.”
