Saturday’s ribbon cutting at The Galleria introduced locals to a car dealership for auto enthusiasts in a space that looks more like a museum than a garage.
The recently-opened Kenilworth business, located at 624 Green Bay Rd., specializes in selling, servicing, storing and restoring classic and luxury vehicles, but the shop’s interior looks like a monument to automotive history.
One of the vehicles on display Saturday was a black 1966 Ford Thunderbird Q Code listed at $88,900. The company's website also lists a $159,900 black 1937 Rolls Royce Phantom 3, a $99,900 red 1968 Jaguar E-Type XK-E and a $79,900 blue 1948 Buick Roadmaster as current inventory.
The 54,000 square-foot space is the second location for The Last Detail, which also has a North Chicago site.
Owner Tom Snellback said he has long wanted to open a galleria on the North Shore, where he could show off cars and better serve his clientele. He said he quickly fell in love with the current space when he bought the property in 2006.
“The character of the barrel-shaped ceiling is why we purchased it,” Snellback said in a 2011 interview with Patch. “They don't make buildings like this anymore.”
However, delays ensued. A chemical leak from a nearby dry cleaning business, the subsequent cleanup, zoning changes and the recession all played a role in the five-year setback.
But, with the snip of a pair of over-sized scissors Saturday, the automotive shop officially announced it is finally here. Check out the photo gallery above to view the classy interior, some vintage rides and the ceremony.
