In just over a year, Polanco Exotic Cars has become one of Nigeria’s most recognizable names in the luxury automotive space. From viral celeb deliveries to exotic inventory that rivals global showrooms, Polanco has carved out a reputation that blends flash, finesse, and trust.
In this special interview for 234Drive, we take a tour of the showroom with Bash, the General Manager of Polanco. Together, we discuss everything from sourcing exotic vehicles, pricing realities, and customer experience — to Bash’s favorite daily driver and what makes a car truly underrated.
Origin and Rise of Polanco
Polanco feels like it came out of nowhere — what’s the real backstory?
Bash: We’ve been selling cars for years behind the scenes. What you now know as “Polanco” has only been around for a year and three months, but we’ve been building trust long before the brand became public.
What made it blow up so fast?
Bash: Our formula is simple: Clean cars. Low mileage. Ready to drive. You no longer need to import your dream car — just walk into our lot or pre-order, and you’re good
How many cars do you have in the lot?
Bash: Right now, around 100 cars, but it used to be more. They move fast — some sell before they’re even fully offloaded.
Any famous buyers you can name?
Bash: We don’t usually disclose clients, but a few are already public. People like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Kizz Daniel, Victor Osimhen, Rema, Bishop Oyedepo and other big names have bought from us.
So it’s really true — if you’re not buying from Polanco, you’re missing out?
Bash: [Laughs] Well, we’ve become the go-to for premium cars. People trust the quality and know they’ll get top-tier service.
What’s the quickest sale you’ve had?
Bash: One guy literally bought a car while we were still offloading it. Fell in love at first sight, paid instantly.
Why do people see cars online for $400k but hear it costs way more here?
Bash: Great question. People forget about options and custom upgrades. A base model may be $400k, but once you add special trims, interiors, carbon fiber details, and limited-edition specs, that car could easily be worth $700k–$1 million.
Then you factor in customs duty, shipping, and Nigeria-specific taxes. It adds up. We even had a McLaren MSO (McLaren Special Operations) in stock — those can’t be compared to standard McLarens.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Bash: It’s unpredictable. Some days are good, some are stressful. Offloading cars, customs delays, mechanical issues — it’s not as smooth as it looks on social media. But when you love cars, you push through.
How do you identify serious customers?
Bash: You can’t always tell. Some people walk in looking simple and buy on the spot. So we treat everyone the same — equal respect. That’s key.
Showroom Features & Service Offerings
Do you allow test drives?
Bash: Yes — but only for fairly used cars. For brand new cars, we take your word and spec sheets seriously.
Do you offer financing and delivery?
Bash: Yes. We have partner financiers, and we deliver with VIP flatbeds. From the showroom to your driveway.
What’s your ideal daily driver?
Bash: The G-Wagon G63 is perfect. Also the Lexus LX 600 — comfortable, luxurious, reliable.
What about your favorite supercar?
Bash: For speed, the Ferrari SF90. That’s the one Wizkid drives. For overall performance, I like the Porsche 911 — incredibly underrated and super fast.
What’s one car you think is underrated?
Bash: The Audi Q8. It’s like a junior Urus but doesn’t get enough love. Incredible specs and power, just under the radar.
And overrated?
Bash: Sorry, but the Range Rover Vogue. Great car, but I think people give it too much credit.
Abuja vs Lagos Car Culture
Real talk — who’s got more luxury car heat, Abuja or Lagos?
Bash: [Smiles] Lagos. Abuja had its moment, but Lagos has taken over — volume, variety, everything.
Future of Polanco
What’s next for Polanco Exotic Cars?
Bash: Expansion. More rare and exotic cars, including Tesla Cybertrucks, Bentley Continental GT Convertibles, and the GT3 RS — a first in Nigeria. We want to become like a mini-Dubai of exotic cars here.
Polanco Exotic Cars is more than a showroom — it’s a movement. With a growing client base, unmatched access to global luxury, and a passion-fueled team, it’s easy to see why they’re on everyone’s lips. As Bash puts it: “If you’re a celebrity and you’re not buying from Polanco… are you really outside?”
