Helium Report spoke with Travis Reed, a San Francisco-based software analyst, about his experiences with Club Sportiva. The fractional car club was one of several featured today in a New York Times article by Viv Bernstein (“At Your Disposal,” reg. required).

How did you learn about Club Sportiva?

The concept of fractional share ownership of private jets is not new, and I was aware in some parts of the country entrepreneurs were applying the concept to supercars. I found out about Club Sportiva through Helium Report’s website.

Why did you decide to join?

Because I’m dying to drive a Ferrari F430! Who isn’t? But even assuming I could afford the price of a new one, it isn’t the most practical decision I would make. I live in downtown San Francisco – a F430 is not an everyday city car, unless you don’t care about door dings, massive potholes, and so forth. I only have one parking space in my building so I’d have to store it elsewhere, which means I’d drive it less. It doesn’t take long for reason to prevail.

I was also pleasantly surprised to see that Sportiva is a club – they have a nice clubhouse and regular social events on the calendar. They work hard to provide a sense of community and not just a place where you take out expensive cars. From my initial experience, management seems pretty laid back and focused on making the entire experience fun.

What cars have you driven?

I just joined and was able to drive a Ferrari F355 to Spanish Bay. Top down, six gears, sunshine… good times.

What would you like the club to add?

Club Sportiva does a good job with gathering information from their members via formal surveys and informal feedback from the club events. I’m looking forward to driving a Lamborghini or an Aston Martin (photo, right).

Would you recommend the club to your friends?

Absolutely.