Supercar bunker for the mega rich: Step inside new high-security vehicle storage facility near Gatwick

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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...

The up-market supercar storage bunker: SHY Automotive is a new facility for the super rich to keep their high-end collectible and classic car with the highest level of security available and some clever tech to keep their motors in good health

This isn't 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 remain secret is the incredible heightened level of surveillance on site...

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 state-of-the-art facility is guarded by a suite of 40 CCTV cameras scanning the premises at all times. On-site security patrols at all hours to for around-the-clock protection for the motors in site, from vintage F1 cars to classic Ford Mustangs and Mercedes Endurance racers

A strict privacy policy is in place that guarantees restricted access to the main vehicle vault. Anyone employed to work there must pass a rigorous vetting process, too. Employees also need to provide their fingerprint recognition on entry. The selection on motors in storage already includes this beautiful Lancia Delta Integrale HF Evo II

Humidity in the storage facility are consistently maintained at the optimum level between 48% and 55% 'Relative Humidity'. This prevents any moisture, rust or corrosion from damaging a vehicle, ensuring perfect conditions for long-term storage

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. 

Each vehicle is lifted into the storage vault using a special forklift custom-built for SHY’s luxury setup

The cars - like this 911 GT3 RS - are first driven onto their own private bed before the forklift lifts them and slots them into their position, like a supercar vending machine

The cars are lifted onto their own dedicated metal 2.2 by 4.8 metre tamper-proof bed which is part of a bespoke racking storage system built from galvanised steel. Pictured: a Ferrari F355 Spider

Each bespoke storage bay is fitted with a fluid monitoring drip tray and battery conditioning power supply (pictured)

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. 

To protect each motor from any unwanted outbreaks of fire, every car has a dedicated dual heat-activated sprinkler

Incredibly, the sprinkler system is hooked up to a 90,000L reserve water tank on site. This can provide a constant supply of water that can run for up to 60 minutes non-stop in the unfortunately situation that a fire might break out

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 

Clients can access their vehicle 365 days a year between the hours of 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. To get their hands on their vehicles outside of these operating hours - and at weekends -  the owners have to make a special request. Pictured: A 1960s Ferrari 330 GT2+2 is among the modern sports cars on the lower rack while a Mini Cooper S sits on the upper level

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. 

Those who do utilise the service might not want to leave the facility. That's because it has a decked-out exclusive client lounge

The lounge is equipped with a fully-fitted kitchen with three wine coolers and a 75-inch smart TV with integrated Sonos sound system

There's a 180-inch projector screen at the other end of the room, access to 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 Automotive department joins a wider SHY brand family, which already comprises SHY Aviation's bespoke private aviation services and SHY Lifestyle. We imagine there'll be some crossover in customers across the three enterprises

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'. 

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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.'

How much does it cost to store a vehicle there? SHY Automotive told us it costs £5,200 on an annual subscription, working out at £100 per week. However, shorter stays can be arranged at a higher price per week, with the same rate no matter if it's to store a retro Porsche or a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo

For additional safety measures, the cars are secured in place with ratchet strap tethering, as seen here with this McLaren

Before entering the full-scale toy box of cars inside, every motor receives a mini valet that's appraised by the team and  documented in a comprehensive record of photographs. This is to protect both the car and SHY Automotive in cases where owners might not have spotted some damage when dropping off their expensive motors

Desmond Boughton, co-founder of the operation, said the facility will 'address a critical gap in the market for secure, high-end car storage'