Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auction Weathers the Storm

Following the severe storm that hit Scottsdale on Thursday night, January 21st, causing the company’s “Decade of Distinction Celebration” to shut down for two days until the Fire Marshall deemed the site safe and secure. Russo and Steele and its avid supporters rallied together to make the biggest come back of the year by opening its doors to the public Sunday and Monday, Jan. 24-25, 2010 and resuming its collector car auction.

Drew Alcazar, co-owner and president & CEO of Russo and Steele, described the re-opening of the auction as symbolic not profit driven. “It was important to us to show our clients and the community that we were still standing. That Russo and Steele was not going to bury its head in the sand and leave our clients to fend for themselves. We’ve built our reputation on service and being the true enthusiasts’ auction and we needed to show everyone who has supported Russo and Steele that we will continue that level of professionalism over the next ten years and beyond.”

Continuing with Russo and Steele’s tradition of superior customer service Alcazar shut down the auction Saturday, January 23rd, 2010 to focus on and assist only his clients who had an automobile onsite. As the owners filled the main auction block Saturday morning awaiting Alcazar to address them he said “I’m a car guy, I know what you’re going through, but today I am the luckiest guy because I not am visiting any of my close friends, family or clients in the hospital or morgue. None of these great cars are worth someone’s life; everything can get fixed and most important, everyone is safe.” Alcazar went on to say that after the many times he had walked onto the auction block, this by far was the most difficult time he ever had to do it.

As the auction events doors opened to the public for the first time following the severe storm enthusiasts and clients poured into the auction site in an effort to show their support to the Russo and Steele team.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with the efforts put forth by Russo and Steele and their staff. I made the decision to stay the course and run all 8 of my consigned cars through. I am happy to announce a 100% sale. The attention and personal service given by Drew and the auction staff was second to none. I will continue my association with this organization bolstered by their handling of an adverse situation.” – Russo and Steele Consignor

“Russo and Steele has always been a first class operation and I am glad to be part of it for the past 5yrs at the Scottsdale Auction. Thank you Drew and all your staff!” – Russo and Steele Bidder

After the Sunday and Monday auction the high sale for the event was a rare 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Pininfarinia Series II. The Pininfarina-designed cabriolet is the fourteenth Series II Cabriolet built in the first run of 100 cars of the 200 ever produced by Ferrari. This collector car has undergone a complete restoration by well-known authorities, including Bob Wallace, Squadra Nouvolari, Bill Pound and others. This automobile sold Sunday night, January 24th, 2010 for $797,500.

Alcazar added that the positive response from clients, vendors and supporters has been overwhelming. In fact, several Russo and Steele consignors stepped up and donated auction proceeds from the sale of their collector cars to local Scottsdale charities; such as, the Scottsdale Fire Fighters Charities, the Boys and Girls Club, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona.

In the face of adversity Russo and Steele would like to publicly say thank you to all of the clients, enthusiasts, volunteers, friends and family that stood by them, The City of Scottsdale, Scottsdale Police Department and Scottsdale Fire Department for assisting in ensuring everyone’s safety, and the volunteers like Arizona Wash Boys and Steve’s Detailing that assisted with the covering of the collector cars. In addition, Russo and Steele would like to thank Phil Neri and Michael’s Catering for their kind gesture of sending lunch over to the tent crews that were working in conjunction with the Scottsdale Fire Department to create the auction site safe once more. The overwhelming outpour from the collector automobile community at large was a clear indication of the company’s integral part of the collector car industry and positive foreshadowing that Russo and Steele will continue to be “for enthusiasts, by enthusiasts” for years to come.

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; www.twitter.com/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 format. 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.