“Our clients crave craftsmanship over screens and relationships over algorithms.” – Bailey Vanneck
BY TED HILDNER
On West Putnam Avenue, amidst the flow of Greenwich’s daily traffic, Miller Motorcars stands on both sides of the street as one of the world’s most exclusive automotive destinations. As much museum as dealership, Miller is celebrating 50 years of selling and showcasing the finest automobiles—both new and historic—while enjoying a reputation as rare and dignified as the cars it offers. Richard Kopelman and Bailey Vanneck share Miller Motorcar’s remarkable history and the values that define it.
Today, Miller is famous around the world for its extraordinary roster—Aston Martin, Ferrari, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Bugatti, Pagani, McLaren, Maserati, Alfa Romeo—and more, but its origin story is far humbler.
In 1976 in West Hartford, founders Richard and Cyndi Kopelman opened a small, family-run used-car and service operation with little capital, minimal inventory, and a simple belief: “Take exceptional care of the customer, and the rest will follow,” says Richard Kopelman. The early focus was on used Mercedes-Benz sales, paired with what quickly became the area’s most respected service department—anchored by top Mercedes experts and a guiding mantra of unparalleled service. A strong commitment to white-glove service became the company’s defining trait, fueling steady growth and laying the groundwork for a business that would eventually exceed anything its founders imagined.
An early relationship with a real estate developer—a client who became a mentor—led to frequent nightly pick-up and delivery runs across state lines, servicing cars and returning them by morning. What began as a necessity evolved into what is now Miller’s hallmark: concierge-level care, decades before it became industry jargon.
“We’re boutique. We’re relationship driven.”
By 1980, it was clear the business belonged closer to New York City’s pull, and Miller relocated to Greenwich, setting up along the Post Road with limited recourses, but formidable resolve. Competing directly beside established dealerships, the firm carved out a niche by doing what others didn’t: meticulous service, hard-to-find cars, and trust earned one relationship at a time.
The early 80s marked Miller’s transition from high-end used cars to official luxury franchises. In 1982, the company acquired Aston Martin and Maserati franchises, followed by Ferrari in 1985. Richard Kopelman purchased the Ferrari dealership in Danbury with hopes of bringing the brand closer to the market it deserved. The gamble paid off, establishing Miller as a formidable force in the exotic-car market.
The late 90s and early 2000s ushered in Miller Motorcars’ modern era. In 2001, the company acquired Bentley and Rolls-Royce franchises, followed by Bugatti in 2005, Pagani and McLaren in 2012, and Alfa Romeo in 2015—marques produced in remarkably small numbers, often selling for $3 million and beyond. Miller Motorcars now operates on a global stage, shipping cars to collectors worldwide.
Industry recognition followed, including the Aston Martin Global Wings Award (2017, 2021), Bugatti’s North American Regional Service Partner of the Year (2014, 2015, 2016, 2022, 2024), Pagani Dealer of the Year (2018, 2023), Rolls-Royce North American Dealer of the Year (2012, 2016, 2019), and the prestigious Ferrari Cavallino Award (2023, 2024)—honors that speak less to volume than to excellence.
Yet for all its international reach, the mood inside Miller Motorcars remains local and deeply personal. “We’re boutique,” the team says. “We’re relationship driven.” Rather than chasing volume, Miller built a reputation for assembling best-in-class sales and service teams, often hiring beyond the traditional car business and training them to serve a clientele defined by discretion and taste. Early customers included key entrepreneurs, influential businessmen, and fashion icons, and along the way Miller subtly shaped expectations, introducing quieter Ferrari palettes—British racing green, silvers, and deep blues—perfectly calibrated to Greenwich’s understated elegance.
With over 50 years in business, Miller Motorcars has become both a cultural destination and a true part of the Greenwich community. Each spring, they host “Legends,” an open-house weekend that brings the public into their rarefied world of cars. This May, the third annual “Legends” weekend will open every inch of the showroom and grounds, filling them with rare and exotic vehicles. A family-friendly atmosphere invites visitors to wander among cars most people only see in magazines. Last year, nearly 5,000 guests attended.
That openness has lasting impact. Stories abound of children who once stood outside the showroom, too intimidated to step inside, only to return years later as clients. For Richard Kopelman, encouraging that sense of aspiration is part of the mission. “Work hard,” he tells young visitors. “One day, this can be yours.”
“Miller Motorcars operates on a global stage, shipping cars to collectors worldwide.”
In a full-circle moment, Miller recently launched a Classics Division, returning to its roots by acquiring and consigning historic and exotic automobiles, supported by technicians skilled not only in modern hypercars but in restoration and legacy marques. Looking ahead, the firm remains intentionally restrained, with no rush toward full electrification or impersonal digital sales. “Our clients crave craftsmanship over screens and relationships over algorithms,” says Bailey Vanneck.
Miller Motorcars is not just a dealership, it is a reflection of Greenwich itself—discreet yet influential, global yet deeply local, built not on spectacle, but on substance.
And as you buzz along West Putnam Avenue and catch a glimpse of a Bugatti, a Bentley or a perfectly restored classic behind the glass, you’re not just driving by a showroom, you’re passing a legacy.
MILLER MOTORCARS / 342 West Putnam Greenwich, CT #475-271-4898
