For luxe vehicles, luxurious accommodations

But a parking space may be exposed to the elements, or next to a rowdy family's hulking sport utility vehicle. That's why some enthusiasts with money to burn are turning to car condos, where their vehicles will be stored in individual, weatherproof, air-conditioned garages with 24-hour security and concierge services.

``It's just peace of mind for my collection," said deMartino, 47, who plans to store a 1930 Ford Model A coupe, a 1961 Corvette convertible, a 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL, and three special-edition motorcycles.

Three car-condo developments are scheduled to open in South Florida by the end of 2007, and developers say they've already sold 20 to 30 percent of the condos available.

Park Place Car Condo is opening a 224-garage facility in North Miami and a 179-garage facility in Fort Lauderdale and plans to open locations in New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, Fla., and Scottsdale, Ariz., in the next few years. Developer Kevin Buckley said Park Place condos start at $150,000 for a 620-square-foot condo for three cars and go up to $400,000 for 1,800 square feet, which could house a bus.

Buckley said that so far, typical buyers have been men in their late 40s to early 60s who have earned enough to buy the muscle cars that enchanted them in high school. Others plan to use their condos for boats and Jet Skis, he said.

``It's part car culture and then a lot of people who are just interested in safe, secure storage," he said.

Another car condo development, DreamCar Carriage House, plans to open a 120-car facility in the Fort Lauderdale area next spring and is scouting for locations in Naples, Miami, and Palm Beach, said Dayna Heit, a collector who is developing the facility with her husband. Prices range from $59,000 for a 300-square-foot condo to more than $200,000 for a 972-square-foot condo. Heit said an antique Rolls-Royce and a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air are among the future tenants.

Buckley and Heit said Florida was a logical place to start their businesses because of the number of nearby high-rise housing developments with ocean views but little storage space.