A new high-security storage facility for the mega rich has opened today – and it looks like a life-size toy box brimmed with some of the greatest supercars and classic motors ever produced.
SHY Automotive is an all-new 50,000 sq.ft bunker in West Sussex that offers ‘top-tier security and care’ to those with ultra-expensive cars looking for somewhere safe to keep them out of sight from prying eyes… and thieves.
The first images of the new location have been revealed showcasing a wealth of motors that would make up any petrolhead’s dream garage.
The site, which can hold up to 590 cars at a time, is fully kitted out with the most advanced storage tech and a team of heavies to keep it locked down at all times…
SHY Automotive says the facility ‘boasts an array of features designed to provide unparalleled security, care and peace of mind for clientele’.
But it’s not a top secret destination.
In fact, the company makes clear that it is located just off the busy A23, which is – strategically – just 15 minutes south of Gatwick Airport and 20 minutes from the M25.
The reason it doesn’t need to be kept under wraps is testament to the huge confidence in its heightened level of surveillance on site.
Top of the list of the state-of-the-art tech is a suite of 40 CCTV cameras scanning the unit. On-site security guards are patrolling the venue at all hours to guarantee around-the-clock protection.
A strict privacy policy in place also means there’s restricted access to the main vehicle vault, and a rigorous vetting process for all staff employed to work there. Employees also need to provide their fingerprint recognition on entry.
The bunker boasts a bespoke racking storage system built from galvanised steel with each car getting a dedicated metal 2.2 by 4.8 metre tamper-proof bed.
The vehicles are lifted onto the rack using a special forklift custom-built for SHY’s luxury setup, lowering them into place resulting in a display of expensive vehicles that looks like a supercar vending machine.
Each bed comes with a fluid monitoring drip tray, battery conditioning power supply, and additional safety measures such as ratchet strap tethering to keep the vehicle tightly in place.
Because the building is devoted to car storage, humidity levels are consistently maintained at the optimum setting of between 48 and 55 per cent ‘Relative Humidity’. This prevents any moisture, rust or corrosion from damaging a vehicle, ensuring perfect conditions for longer periods off the road and out of use.
And to protect each motor from any unwanted outbreaks of fire, every car has a dedicated dual heat-activated sprinkler. There’s even a 90,000L reserve water tank on site which can run for up to 60 minutes non-stop.
For those who are keeping their cars in the five-star luxury hotel for motors, the facility provides routine maintenance and MOTs at at location nearby., meaning owners don’t need to worry about keep their vehicle’s records up to date.
Before entering the full-scale toy box of cars inside, every car receives a mini valet that’s appraised by the team and documented in a comprehensive record of photographs. This is to protect both the vehicle and SHY Automotive in cases where owners might not have spotted some damage when dropping off their expensive motors.
Clients can access their vehicles 365 days a year between the hours of 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. To get their hands on them outside of these operating hours – and at weekends – owners have to make a special request.
The cost to store a vehicle at the premises is £5,200 if you sign up for a year, working out at £100 a week per car.
Shorter term stays can be arranged, though at a higher price.
Those who do utilise the service might not want to leave the facility, though.
That’s because it has a decked-out exclusive client lounge equipped with a fully-fitted kitchen with three wine coolers, a 75-inch smart TV with integrated Sonos sound system, a 180-inch projector screen, fast WiFi and lounge seating to get comfortable.
Those visiting during working hours also have access to a boardroom for meetings and a large space for corporate events.
The company says the service sparks a ‘new era in secure vehicle storage’ and ‘aims to fill a significant gap in the market, offering a level of care and security previously unseen in the industry’.
The Automotive department joins a wider SHY brand family, which already comprises SHY Aviation’s bespoke private aviation services and SHY Lifestyle, which provides tailored lifestyle management services, catering to the unique needs of high-net-worth individuals.
Daniel Wood, co-founder of SHY Automotive, says the company operates on an understanding that ‘every vehicle we store is more than just a mode of transport; it’s a treasured asset, often with significant sentimental and financial value’.
He added: ‘Our state-of-the-art facility and dedicated team are committed to providing the highest level of care and security, ensuring that each vehicle is preserved in immaculate condition. We are proud to offer a storage solution that truly respects the value of these remarkable machines.’
Desmond Boughton, Wood’s business partner in the operation, added: ‘We created SHY Automotive to address a critical gap in the market for secure, high-end car storage.
‘Our facility is designed with meticulous attention to detail, from advanced fire protection systems to a unique racking and a bespoke loading-and-unloading system.
‘We offer peace of mind to our clients, knowing their cars are stored in an environment that prioritises security, preservation, and discretion.
‘SHY Automotive is not just a storage solution; it’s a commitment to excellence in every aspect of vehicle care.’
