One-of-a-kind collector car up for public auction for the first time in history

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions announced today that when the 10th Anniversary Collector Car Auction re-opens to the public and resumes auction operations on Sun., Jan. 24 at 8 a.m., the world’s only 1948 Tucker Convertible will be sold on the Russo and Steele block.

Following the severe storm that hit Scottsdale on Thursday night, the 1948 Tucker Convertible was extremely fortunate that it only sustained minor damages. However, Justin Cole, President of Benchmark Classic Restoration, is providing the new owner with a guarantee that Benchmark Classic Restorations, a world-class restoration company, will restore 100 percent of the minor damages caused by the storm. Benchmark Classic’s was the original restorer of the 1948 Tucker Convertible, so is intimately familiar with the automobile and its restoration needs.

“It is unfortunate that this freak storm occurred on Thursday but Drew and his team have done a remarkable job of getting things back in order,” said Cole. “Having only received minor damage, I am certain the Tucker Convertible will arrive to its new owner in pristine condition. I am thankful that no one was hurt and the auction will go on.”

Due to the overwhelming amount of qualified buyers contacting Russo and Steele stating that they plan on being at the auction when it re-opens on Sunday, Cole decided to remain on the Russo and Steele program.

“The support of our clients has been overwhelming,” said Drew Alcazar, co-owner and CEO of Russo and Steele. “Because of the support from all of our clients including Justin, we are able to resume the auction on Sunday and expect a phenomenal two days of bidding.”

There is only one Tucker Convertible in the world. When it comes across the block on Sunday it will be the first time ever that this automobile is up for public auction.

For additional information or images, regular updates will be made to the company website at www.russoandsteele.com, on the company’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Phoenix-AZ/Russo-and-Steele/63384680796 or follow on Twitter @RussoandSteele.

About Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions:
Russo and Steele Collector Automobiles is one of the nation’s premier collector car auctions; specializing in the world’s finest European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods and customs. Its two auctions each year attract clients from all over the globe not only because of its reputation for stellar collector automobiles, but also unique auction experiences unattainable at any other collector car auction in the world. Its auction events take place with its signature auction in Scottsdale, Ariz. every January, and Monterey, Calif. in August. Additional information please visit www.russoandsteele.com or call (602) 252-2697.

Russo and Steele Monterey Auction Event Reports a Successful Sale of Over Nine Plus Million in Two Evenings.

Breaking a world record with the sale of a 1973 Porsche Carrera RS Coupe

Monterey, California (August 20, 2008) – Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions 8^th annual Sports and Muscle in Monterey auction event held August 14^th -16^th, 2008 at the downtown Marriott was an exciting auction that resulted in a successful two evening sale; approximately 150 cars ran over the auction block for a preliminary combined total of $9.1 million in sales and a 50%+ sales rate.  Post sales are currently working, with full results posted by the end of next week.  Although reaffirming the current conservative trend, these results prove the market is still strong when selling impeccable collector automobiles with provenance.   The quality of collector automobiles in this year’s Monterey auction event far surpassed previous year’s selections; this is a direct result in the ALL RESERVE format Russo and Steele converted to last year.  The major beneficiaries of the All Reserve platform was overwhelmingly the bidders; the promise of high quality automobiles at market relevant prices is just one of the major benefits Russo and Steele bidders saw as a result of the platform change.  Russo and Steele Monterey clearly demonstrated that demand from selective discriminating buyers remains strong for well documented, numbers matching, high caliber collector automobiles.

A rare example of a 1973 Porsche Carrera RS Coupe sold Saturday, August 16^th, for a world record breaking $302,500.  It was fully documented, numbers matching, and one of seventy-one RS’s produced; it sold with the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, shipping documentation from Germany, its original German license plate and a impressive collection of historical documentation and records pertaining to this automobile.    

Drew Alcazar, owner of Russo and Steele, said, “The marketplace in Monterey performed as we anticipated.  The highly selective, discriminating and conservative trend was clearly evident and our savvy and astute bidders responded accordingly.  Without a doubt, the market continues to show strength for extremely desirable and well-documented examples.  The Porsche RS Carrera Coupe, the Maserati Ghibli Spyder, the Bizzarrini Strada, and the Shadow Rods XL-27 among many others are clear evidence of this.”

“The quality and caliber of consignments this year far surpassed any to date.  I believe that this selection of automobiles proves our ALL RESERVE format is working.  This platform benefits everyone.  The consignors get a measure of control over the sale of their automobile, the auction house has the opportunity to increase the quality of its selection offered at the sale, and bidders have the opportunity to buy some of these stellar automobiles that might not otherwise be available.  Russo and Steele is merely the first auction to realize this, but I am sure we won’t be the last” Alcazar continued.

The combination of higher caliber automobiles and the intense excitement found on Russo and Steele’s auction block in Monterey made this auction event an unforgettable experience; no other auction event on the peninsula had a more electric and exciting atmosphere.  With a conservative and discriminating market environment now prevalent, Russo and Steele’s clients walked away pleased and eagerly anticipating Scottsdale 2009.
About Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions

Russo and Steele Collector Automobiles is one of the nation’s premier collector car auctions; specializing in the world’s finest European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods and customs.  Its three auctions each year attract clients all over the globe not only because of its reputation for stellar collector automobiles, but also unique auction experiences unattainable at any other collector car auction in the world.  Its auction events take place with its signature auction in Scottsdale, Arizona every January, Monterey, California in August and South Florida in March. Additional information please visit www.russoandsteele.com or call 602.252.2697.

A Piece of Racing History, 2001 Ford Taurus NASCAR Super Speedway Racecar, offered at Russo and Steele Monterey

Monterey, California – Russo and Steele’s ‘Sports and Muscle in Monterey’ auction event is an experience unattainable at any other auction event. It presents a range of the most luxurious and collectable European sports, American muscle, Hot rods and custom automobiles, but will also provide every enthusiast a unique and memorable event. Russo and Steele Monterey’s collection of automobiles has never been better.

The auction event will be held August 14th-16th at the Marriott Hotel in historic downtown Monterey. It will present a diverse range of highly collectable marquees and models suitable to satisfy any automotive desires.

It’s not often that a former NASCAR car comes to market, but even less common is it that one with a unique tie to America’s first racing scene goes across the auction block. Russo and Steele Monterey offers all that and more with the 2001 Ford Taurus NASCAR Super Speedway Racecar that is schedule to cross the block this August 14th-16th.

The lot featured here ties together the history of racing with the modern era in NASCAR more than any other known example. Once an ex-Jimmy Spencer K-Mart sponsored car built to NASCAR Super Speedway specification to compete on the high-speed ovals of Daytona and Talladega for the 2001 season, the story takes a sharp turn in the car’s “retirement”. On July 3, 2006, a new World Stock Car Speed Record was set in a NASCAR-spec Ford Taurus of 222.623 miles-per-hour at Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats. The previous milestone of 216.946 mph was set in September 1971 by legendary NASCAR Champion Bobby Isaac in his winged Dodge Charger Daytona. Not only was the event notable in its own right, it also made the current owner the only living person to have set official speed records of over 200 mph on land and water, as he holds the mile record for prop-driven boats of 205.494 mph. Along with running it under all current NASCAR Cup specifications, the current owner also drove the vehicle in a non-spec NASCAR configuration and made a 237 mph one-way pass through the measured mile.

About Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions
Russo and Steele Collector Automobiles is one of the nation’s premier collector car auctions; specializing in the world’s finest European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods and customs. Its three auctions each year attract clients all over the globe not only because of its reputation for stellar collector automobiles, but also unique auction experiences unattainable at any other collector car auction in the world. Its auction events take place with its signature auction in Scottsdale, Arizona every January, Monterey, California in August and South Florida in March. Additional information please visit www.russoandsteele.com or call 602.252.2697.

The ONLY FACTORY VALIDATED 1971 LAMBORGHINI MIURA SV JOTA OFFERED AT RUSSO AND STEELE MONTEREY EVENT

Legendary engineer, Bob Wallace, developed this experimental car in late 1969 – Its full restoration was completed by marque specialist Gary Bobileff – will be sold at the much anticipated ‘Sports and Muscle in Monterey’ auction event in California, August 14th- 16th , 2008.

Monterey, California – Russo and Steele’s ‘Sports and Muscle in Monterey’ auction event is an experience unattainable at any other auction event. It presents a range of the most luxurious and collectable European sports, American muscle, Hot rods and custom automobiles, but will also provide every enthusiast a unique and memorable event. Russo and Steele Monterey’s collection of automobiles has never been better.

The auction event will be held August 14th-16th at the Marriott Hotel in historic downtown Monterey. It will present a diverse range of highly collectable marquees and models suitable to satisfy any automotive desires.

There is only one vehicle purpose built by the Lamborghini works as a prototype car with the Jota modification that has factory validation as purpose-built. Serial Number 4892 is this particular car offered at Russo and Steele Monterey; it was built on the 13th of July, 1971 and sold to a Japanese enthusiast Mr. Tomita who imported it into his country originally; where it remained with him until three years ago when he sold it to the current owner. He received a written declaration as to the car’s authenticity from Ubaldo Sgarzi in August of 1974 when he himself returned to the factory for a new LP400 Countach. Additional documentation from Claudio Zampolli and the original Jota’s creator Bob Wallace, also convey to further document this car’s authenticity. Originally finished in white with blue, it was apparently refinished in 1974 to its current Rosso Granada livery with ‘Naturale’ tan leather interior to match the aforementioned Countach. It is fully detailed in the Lamborghini registry and its full restoration was completed by marque specialist Gary Bobileff.
About Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions
Russo and Steele Collector Automobiles is one of the nation’s premier collector car auctions; specializing in the world’s finest European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods and customs. Its three auctions each year attract clients all over the globe not only because of its reputation for stellar collector automobiles, but also unique auction experiences unattainable at any other collector car auction in the world. Its auction events take place with its signature auction in Scottsdale, Arizona every January, Monterey, California in August and South Florida in March. Additional information please visit www.russoandsteele.com or call 602.252.2697.

Rare 1973 Ferrari Daytona Spyder Offered at Russo and Steele’s Sports and Muscle in Monterey 2008 Auction Event

This all original, genuine Daytona Spyder – multiple Ferrari Club of America Platinum level recipient – is only one of many award winning collectables that will cross the auction block at the most exciting auction event in Monterey this August 14th-16th, 2008. This three day event will offer over 150 of the finest European sports, American Muscle, Hot rods and custom automobiles; including a variety of important vintage racing automobiles.

Monterey, CA – Only 122 genuine 365 GTB/4 ‘Daytona’ Spyders were built in essentially GTS configuration as delivered new from Ferrari. This particular example has been with the current owner for the last fifteen years and is the finest restored Spyder ever presented as evidenced by the long history of world class awards. A multiple Ferrari Club of America Platinum level recipient, other notable accolades include many first in class awards at national Concour d’Elegance events from Newport, Los Angeles, Palos Verdes, Italiano, and the Ferrari Nationals at Watkins Glen.

Awards won by this 1973 Ferrari Daytona Spyder:
-Shown at 2004 Cavallino, Palm Beach FL. The car received a Platinum Award
-Shown at 2006 Los Angeles Concours. The car received 1st Place
-Shown at 2007 Italiano Concorso. The car received Gold Award.
-Shown at 2007 Le Belle Macchine d’Italia. The Car received 1st Place
-Shown at 2007 Ferrari Nationals, Watkins Glen. The Car received Platinum Award
-Shown at 2007 Palos Verde Concours D’ Elegance. The Car received 1st place.
-Shown at 2007 Newport Concours D’ Elegance. The Car received 1st place

To be held August 14th-16th at the Marriott Hotel in historic downtown Monterey, the event will present a diverse range of highly collectable marque and models suitable to satisfy any automotive desires.
Also on offer at the Monterey sale are a range from the highly elusive, legendary, and the superb quality of collector automobiles that Russo and Steele has become known to provide at its auction events. Please visit www.russoandsteele.com to view a variety of featured consignments.

About Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions
Russo and Steele Collector Automobiles is one of the nation’s premier collector car auctions; specializing in the world’s finest European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods and customs. Its three auctions each year attract clients all over the globe not only because of its reputation for stellar collector automobiles, but also unique auction experiences unattainable at any other collector car auction in the world. Its auction events take place with its signature auction in Scottsdale, Arizona every January, Monterey, California in August and South Florida in March. Additional information please visit www.russoandsteele.com or call 602.252.2697.

“THE KING’S” 1965 SHELBY COBRA 427 ROADSTER OFFERED AT RUSSO AND STEELE MONTEREY EVENT

Featured in MGM’s movie Spinout, this 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 Roadster was Elvis Presley’s automobile for the featured film – will “spinout” over the much anticipated ‘Sports and Muscle in Monterey’ auction event in California, August 14th- 16th , 2008.

Monterey, California (July 1, 2008) – A range of the most luxurious and collectable European sports, American muscle, Hot rods and custom automobile will cross the block this August as part of Russo and Steele’s Monterey auction event. The quality of Russo and Steele Monterey’s collectable automobiles has never been better.

To be held August 14th -16th at Marriott Hotel in historic downtown Monterey, this visceral auction event has a range of collector automobiles sure to satisfy any collectors taste.

As one of the finest Shelby American automobiles, the ex-Lothar Motschenbacher 1965 Shelby 427 Cobra Full Competition offered here is an absolutely beautiful example is one of only 22 full competition models to leave the factory. Motschenbacher successfully campaigned this car in the ’65 USRRC Championships against Ken Miles in the factory 427 and Jim Hall’s legendary Chaparrals. A year later, Elvis Presley and CSX 3012 co-starred in the hit movie “Spinout.” From the fame this added to both Shelby and the music legend, CSX 3012 was to be known as The King’s race car for all time. This Cobra includes complete ownership history and thorough documentation. Further, it features a concours-quality restoration and continues to achieve significant awards on both the show-field as well as the track.

Also on offer at the Monterey auction event are a range from the highly elusive, legendary, and the highest quality of collector automobiles that Russo and Steele has become known to provide at its auction events. Please visit www.russoandsteele.com to view a variety of featured consignments.

Russo and Steele Collector Automobiles is one of the nation’s premier collector car auctions; specializing in European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods and customs Three auctions are staged each year with the signature auction taking place in Scottsdale, Arizona every January, Monterey, California in August and South

1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE RACECAR OFFERED AT RUSSO AND STEELE MONTEREY EVENT

Monterey, CA – This competition winning 1967 Corvette Racecar is for sale at Russo and Steele’s auction block in Monterey, CA this August 14th-16th, 2008.

Corvette chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov came up with a lightweight version of the C2. However, the plans never came about and only five were built. They were driven by historic drivers such as Roger Penske, A. J. Foyt, Jim Hall, and Dick Guldstrand among others. Dick Thompson was the only driver to drive the Grand Sport to victory. He won a Sports Car Club of America race at Watkins Glen. Today there are only five left, cars 001-005 all held by private owners. They are among the most coveted and valuable Corvettes ever built.

Finished in the American flag colors of red, white and blue, this unique competition-bred 1967 Corvette coupe on offer here is the legendary “Sally” made nationally famous in vintage racing circles by the late long-time owner Steve Prewitt. Converted to racing livery in its first year as confirmed by the rollbar log-book stamping on the rollbar, logbooks dating back to 1972 confirm this car as a veteram of national-level SCCA competition. Later, as a documented SVRA medallion car from 1990 to 2000, Sally took her class victory, if not the overall win in 90% of races run up until her last outing in the summer of 2007. Still truly in race-ready condition with a sole event on a fresh and comprehensively-built 427 sporting vintage-legal L88 heads and a dual-plane intake as well as a comprehensive suspension, brake and differential refreshing.

Also on offer at the Monterey auction event are a range from the highly elusive, legendary, and the highest quality of collector automobiles that Russo and Steele has become known to provide at its auction events. Please visit www.russoandsteele.com to view a variety of featured consignments.

Russo and Steele Collector Automobiles is one of the nation’s premier collector car auctions; specializing in European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods and customs Three auctions are staged each year with the signature auction taking place in Scottsdale, Arizona every January,Monterey, California in August and South Florida in March. Additional information is available at www.russoandsteele.com.

1967 BIZZARRINI STRADA 5300 COUPE OFFERED AT RUSSO AND STEELE MONTEREY EVENT

This 5300 Strada represents the ultimate in period Italian automotive styling with the bulletproof reliability and proven performance of the Chevrolet small-block

Monterey, California – A range of the most luxurious and collectable European sports, American muscle, Hot rods and custom automobile will cross the block this August as part of Russo and Steele’s Monterey auction event. The quality of Russo and Steele Monterey’s collectable automobiles has never been better.

To be held August 14th -16th at Marriott Hotel in historic downtown Monterey, this visceral auction event has a range of collector automobiles sure to satisfy any collectors taste.

This 1967 Bizzarrini Strada 5300 Coupe offered for sale at Russo and Steele’s Monterey auction event is a stunning restoration inside and out; finished in silver with a black suede interior. Under the hood, finned Corvette valve covers and a quartet of Weber DCOEs represent the business-end of this take-no-prisoners Gran Touring coupé, while inside the low-slung doors, the interior is finished in fine black suede, cloth and carpet set off only by a few instruments and a beautiful wood steering wheel. It is among the most exotic of Giotto Bizzarrini’s creations throughout his entire career and is eligible for countless Italian and European sports car events.

Also on offer at the Monterey auction event are a range from the highly elusive, legendary, and the highest quality of collector automobiles that Russo and Steele has become known to provide at its auction events. Please visit www.russoandsteele.com to view a variety of featured consignments.

About Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions
Russo and Steele Collector Automobiles is one of the nation’s premier collector car auctions; specializing in the world’s finest European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods and customs. Its three auctions each year attract clients all over the globe not only because of its reputation for stellar collector automobiles, but also unique auction experiences unattainable at any other collector car auction in the world. Its auction events take place with its signature auction in Scottsdale, Arizona every January, Monterey, California in August and South Florida in March. Additional information please visit www.russoandsteele.com or call 602.252.2697.

ONE OF TWO 1965 BENTLEY EXHIBITION CHASSIS EVER BUILT OFFERED AT RUSSO AND STEELE

MONTEREY EVENT The only Rolls Royce factory chassis sold to be a road-going competition car during that seventy one year factory hiatus from circuit racing.

Monterey, California – Russo and Steele’s ‘Sports and Muscle in Monterey’ auction event is an experience unattainable at any other auction event. It presents a range of the most luxurious and collectable European sports, American muscle, Hot rods and custom automobiles, but will also provide every enthusiast a unique and memorable event. Russo and Steele Monterey’s collection of automobiles has never been better. The auction event will be held August 14th-16th at the Marriott Hotel in historic downtown Monterey. It will present a diverse range of highly collectable marquees and models suitable to satisfy any automotive desires.

The 1965 Bentley Exhibition Chassis Club Racer, Chassis #2 S.S.S. C-2, is believed to be the only factory chassis sold to be a road-going competition car during that seventy one year factory hiatus from circuit racing. This is the one that got away. The conversion from prototype chassis to a finished alloy bodied race car was done by Lyncar Engineering, masters of open wheel, single seat racecar construction. The beautifully proportioned body was originally designed by the legendary Bentley racecar designer and builder, Alan Padgett. Under the sleek bonnet is a blueprinted aluminum Rolls Royce 6.23 liter dry sump V-8 engine. It has a single four barrel carburetor in the “road configuration” and a supercharger with twin carburetors in the “racing configuration”. This is a true dual purpose, sport racing car that was both raced and road driven on the roads and tracks of England. It is also a correct, unaltered, authentic, un-restored and original one of a kind piece of historic automotive art, patina and all.

Accompanying documentation includes two signed original and confidential factory letters from John Craig to Barry Eastick that clearly explain the terms and conditions of the sale, the original Rolls Royce “Bill of Sale”, an original letter with concept drawings from Alan Padgett, photos of the car racing at Silverstone, the complete invitation package to the 1996 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, photos at Pebble Beach, the invitation package to the 1999 Meadowbrook Concours and Historic Races, various magazine articles about this historic car.

About Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions
Russo and Steele Collector Automobiles is one of the nation’s premier collector car auctions; specializing in the world’s finest European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods and customs. Its three auctions each year attract clients all over the globe not only because of its reputation for stellar collector automobiles, but also unique auction experiences unattainable at any other collector car auction in the world. Its auction events take place with its signature auction in Scottsdale, Arizona every January, Monterey, California in August and South Florida.

Russo and Steele Florida Reports Strong Inaugural Sales

Hollywood, CA – Russo and Steele Collector Automobiles, one of the nation’s premier collector car auctions, specializing in European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods and customs reports a strong first event sales total of $5.2 million dollars. With strong Post Sale activity still pending, preliminary sales percentage estimates are between 42-43%.The Florida 2008 event was held in over 50,000 square feet of tents at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. This auction event was Russo and Steele’s first auction event held as an ALL RESERVE format.

“We had a tremendous amount of sales in our post-sale at this event. This is a-typical for a 1^st event since many of our new clients are getting familiar with Russo and Steele’s auction style. Our Florida event was definitely a success for an inaugural program and we look forward to building on the many new relationships built in Florida,” said Drew Alcazar, owner of Russo and Steele.

The 8th Annual “Sports and Muscle in Monterey” event at the downtown Marriott Hotel in Monterey, CA is this August 14-16, 2008.

Russo and Steele 2008 Inaugural Sales Results (PDF version)

For further information, or full sales results from the “Russo and Steele Florida” event visit www.russoandsteele.com.

About Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions

Russo and Steele Collector Automobiles is one of the nation’s premier collector car auctions, specializing in European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods and customs. Two auctions have been staged each year with the signature auction taking place in Scottsdale, Arizona every January, followed by Monterey, California in August. 2008 marks the addition of a third auction, in Hollywood, Florida.