August 9th, 2019

The Beverly Exchange – Social Media and Exotic Car World Leader Aimee Shackelford Drops In For A Tour

Welcome to this month’s interview edition of The Beverly Exchange, our Q&A series with guests that have come in to visit our facility, and get a behind the scenes experience at Beverly Coachcraft. In our last installment, we spoke with Stephanie Cemo of Wayne Taylor Racing, and this month we are pleased to feature exotic car world and social media leader Aimee Shackelford!

Aimee, or petrolgirl on Instagram, is a proven mastermind in the automotive world. She is well known as the VP of Sales and Marketing for goldRush Rally & FuelRun, the premier luxury car rallies in the US.

Aimee also works with automotive brands to grow their overall presence through GearOne Agency, her automotive marketing company. Her key strengths are in helping these businesses organize, network, and drive traffic towards their goals. Aimee is also a partner of Exotics on Broadway, a staple event of Monterey Car Week. Check out her Instagram for a steady stream of hypercars and other adventures!

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR?

My first car was a Ford Escort, and it broke down literally once a month! Whether it was an oil leak, engine malfunction, or whatever, it was probably the worst car I’ve ever owned. But it was the only car I could afford back then.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF DRIVING IN BEVERLY HILLS?

I love driving my car down Rodeo Drive. It makes me feel like a movie star. There are also so many cool cars to see driving around and parked. Lots of eye candy!

AND DARE WE ASK, THE WORST?

Well, the traffic is insane! However, if I am going to be sitting in traffic, I love being in a car that is nice inside AND out.

WOULD YOU RATHER BE DRIVING OR RIDING SHOTGUN?

Driving. Of course, unless it’s a Rolls-Royce! I do enjoy driving my cars. Being in control of these modern-day sophisticated machines is a real rush.

FAVORITE CAR TV SHOW, PAST OR PRESENT?

The original Top Gear, BBC. I enjoyed the camaraderie between the hosts, as well as the way they reviewed cars for the viewers to relate to. Also, how they take the cars and place them in real-world situations. Not just review them sitting in a showroom.

WHAT IS THE SINGLE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOUR FIRST CAR AND YOUR CAR TODAY?

Two digits on the invoice and power!

THANKS FOR STOPPING INTO BEVERLY COACHCRAFT TODAY. WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR INITIAL IMPRESSIONS.

I was impressed with how clean everything is. The number of high-tech tools used was also a surprise. Seeing how meticulous the staff is with even just respraying a bumper was impressive. It was also nice to see the numerous certifications and awards proudly displayed.

WHEN SOMEONE ASKS IF THEY CAN PICK YOU UP A COFFEE, YOU TELL THEM…?

I tell them yes! A tall white mocha with almond milk, please.

TRACTION AND STABILITY CONTROL, LANE ASSIST, EMERGENCY AUTO BRAKING. ARE ALL OF THESE GOOD THINGS FOR CARS?

I think these are all great tools to keep everyone safe on the road. The advancement in technology has really come a long way from the more analog cars of the past.

GONE IN 60 SECONDS ELEANOR, OR KITT FROM KNIGHT RIDER?

Gone in 60 Seconds is one of my favorite movies, but how can I choose against a car that talks to me. KITT it is!

GRAN TURISMO, FORZA, OR MARIO KART?

I’m not a big video game person, but I did grow up playing Mario Kart, so I would have to say Mario Kart.

SPEAKING OF MARIO KART, HAVE YOU EVER HAD TO HAVE A VEHICLE REPAIRED AFTER A BANANA PEEL ACCIDENT? HOW WAS THAT EXPERIENCE?

Haha. Yes, unfortunately, I have had a couple of those. I just remember it being very stressful as I never knew what was happening or if my car was going to be the same again.

YOU CAN ONLY PICK ONE MERCEDES-BENZ FOR A LONG WEEKEND. READY, SET, GO!

Even though I love our AMG C63S, I would have to pick the AMG GT R. I love the looks, styling, sound, and I hope I love the way it drives. I guess I’ll have to find out soon!

ANYTHING ELSE TO TELL OUR FOLLOWERS ABOUT YOUR VISIT TODAY?

Yes, the fact that Beverly Coachcraft not only is a Mercedes-Benz Elite Facility, but today I saw them working on Rolls-Royce, Bentley, BMW, Audi, and Jaguar cars. This really showed me that if you own the best, you should only take it to the best when it needs work.