Recap – Scottsdale Auto Auctions – RM Auctions, Russo and Steele, and Barrett-Jackson

January is the month when car nuts and people with lots of green visit the Arizona hamlet of Scottsdale for the Barrett-Jackson auction. But did you know there are other auctions going on at the same time? You may have seen Barrett-Jackson coverage on the Speed Channel over the years, but B-J is merely the biggest—is it the best?

For three days, I attended three auctions: RM AuctionsRusso and Steele, and Barrett-Jackson. The latter, of course, is the “heavy gorilla” of the bunch, but there are niches to be exploited, and that’s where RM and Russo and Steele come in.

Day 1 – RM AUCTIONS

Founded by Ron Myers in 1979, this Ontario, Canada-based operation first started out as a restoration shop. Since then, they’ve developed a nice business of auctioning the best classics from the 1920-30s, pedigreed sports cars, and the most desirable cruisers from the 1950s—we’re not just talking about your typical 1955 Bel Air ragtop (although they most certainly have been popular at RM) but those little nuggets like DeSoto Adventurers and fuel injected ’58 Bonnevilles that usually fall under everyone’s radar except the most discriminating enthusiast.


1963 Ford Galaxie 427 “Lightweight”


1960 Pontiac Bonneville convertible with Tri-Power

RM’s Scottsdale auction was held at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, which had nice, dry accommodations for a week filled with rain and winds (more on that below). This is noteworthy because it was possible to preview all the cars in the adjacent parking garage free from muddy terra firma that was problematic at the other auctions. The auction stage is in one of the conference rooms where you’ll probably find a Bar Mitzvah on any other weekend, so the cacophony is also missing compared with the other two. Understated, perhaps? Sure, but this ain’t about glitz and glamour—it’s about the cars.


A BMW Isetta contrasts nicely with the King of Fins, a 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Seville


1930 Ford “Faster Pussycat” Roadster-Pickup

The spotlight this year was “The British are Coming!” which was a Thursday evening auction of automobiles from the United Kingdom. While the Austin-based Mini Moke seems to be a random auction staple, the top seller this year was a 1963 Aston Martin DB4 GT, a special edition of the DB4. It boasts lightweight coachwork, a shorter wheelbase, and increased horsepower through twin-plug heads, among other things. How much coin did it earn? Just over a million. In second place? A 1967 Shelby Cobra 427 at over 600 grand.


The million dollar Aston Martin


1933 Rolls Royce PII Three-position Drophead Coupe by Gurney

Day 2 – RUSSO AND STEELE

This was the 10th year for Phoenix-based Russo and Steele. So who’s Mr. Russo and Missus Steele? Russo is supposed to evoke the aura of Italian cars, while Steele is all about “American Iron.” That’s not to say their niche confines them to those two types of cars, but in the auction world where Barrett-Jackson has no reserves, Russo and Steele has become the upstart in Scottsdale by exploiting “All reserve all the time.” It’s been a tough road for Russo and Steele, and certainly they were not prepared to what was to follow.


1969 “COPO” Camaro 427 L72


The 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham cost 13 grand when a Chevy cost under three!

In a previous life, Cucamonga, California’s Drew Alcazar was one of the premier concours Mustang restorers. Later, as a resident of Phoenix, he and his restaurateur wife used their connections in the old car hobby to establish Russo and Steele. Barrett-Jackson tried to play hardball and create a hostile environment (after all, that’s business, right?) but Drew and his wife have weathered the storm… or so they thought.


This 1960 Dodge Dart Phoenix was equipped with Ram Induction


Pastel Blue is the rarest color for 1970 Boss 429 Mustangs – owner claimed that it was 1 of 18

The Wind Storm Heard Around The World

The weather forecast last week was rain throughout the week. On Thursday, though, things got a bit out of hand. I was there taking photos for this article but the wind started to get stronger and they evacuated us from the display tents. My friend Dan and I decided to go out for dinner, but an hour later we came back to see this.

One of the tents blew away to the 101 loop, tying up traffic. Cars were exposed to the elements, which ordinarily wouldn’t be a big deal except for the fact there were convertibles with their tops down and coupes with their windows damaged. Luckily, physical injuries were few, but the grounds were shut down for two days while the fire marshal secured the area. Incredibly enough, Russo and Steele were able to continue the auction on Sunday, but the results have yet to be published on their site. What you can view, however, is the damage to the cars plus some video of the winds if you go to All Classics LLCMustang Magazine, and this photo gallery on Picassa.


The engine of a 1971 ‘Cuda 440-6 convertible – 1 of 17


There were nine or ten 1960 Chrysler 300-Fs built with 4-speeds, and this is one of them

Truly a sad week for the Alcazars and their consigners.

Day 3 – BARRETT-JACKSON

The granddaddy of all Scottsdale auctions, it’s an extravaganza that attracts people not necessarily due to the cars, but because “There’s somethin’ goin’ on in a little western town in Arizona.” Scottsdale is basically a suburb of Phoenix yet it’s also its own entity, but the days of the “Wild West” and Rolls Royces on every corner are pretty much over—Scottsdale has been gentrified as all the areas around Phoenix have grown at a rapid pace. If you’ve ever driven on the 101 loop and cursed under your breath at the left lane squatters and speed cameras, you know exactly what I mean.


A 1970 Coronet R/T sits in front while spectators and buyers mingle


Only 54 1966 Oldsmobile 4-4-2s were built with the W-30 package


When was the last time you saw a vintage Diamond T?

Barrett-Jackson’s auction is held at WestWorld, described in the city’s website as “A premier, nationally recognized, user-friendly equestrian center and special events facility…” Outside, there are rows of tents housing cars and more cars. If you’re hungry, there are vendors selling food that run the gamut from BBQ to state fair-esque items just in case you’re unsure if you’re not obese enough. Tuners (think Camaros, not ricers) and other race-related entities have their modded models on display, complementing parts manufacturers, car magazines, old car insurance companies, and rich-people’s-toys-on-wheels.. However, inside is a different story.


The first year of the Gran Sport package was 1965, as reflected by this Riviera GS


People inspect this Sublime 1970 Charger R/T before it goes on the block


1968 was the first year for the Super Bee, Dodge’s mid-year entry to compete with its cousin, the Plymouth Road Runner

The main event is inside a building with wings on either side. To one side, Ford had a display, exploiting the equity they’ve earned from their lack of government bailout and tweaked model line. Walking along you’ll also notice vendors selling more rich people’s stuff like boutique-y hi-fi equipment, stuff for your garage, neon signs, and car art. Of course, there are diecast car models and other more relevant car stuff for the minions like you and me.


This 1970 Mercury Cyclone would make Jimmy Durante proud


Ever see a 1966 Mercury Comet Cyclone funny car?


A Jaguar E-type sits next to a 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

But go to the other wing and you’ll see the highlighted cars that were expected to bring the most interest. Their diversity was lacking since they were mostly Vettes, multi-carbed Mopars, Chevelle Super Sports, Camaros (BBCs and Z/28s), Boss Mustangs and Shelbys, and some one-offs including the coolest hot rods this side of Modesto (American Graffiti), but a 427 Mercury Comet, trio of 4-4-2 W-30 ragtops, and finned and Art Deco classics balanced things out to keep things interesting


This 1956 Chrysler wagon hot rod was sweet!


A 1933 Imperial is perhaps the most classic Chrysler of the era


This car was owned by gangster John Dillinger

All told, the market was up from last year’s weak showing. Certainly the economy is doing better in America, if not globally, so everyone was watching with baited breath to see where the bidding would go. Visit here to see what bargains you missed and what cars drunk guys overspent!


This 1971 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 W-30 convertible sold for $78,000

About the author

Kevin Shaw

Kevin Shaw is a self-proclaimed "muscle car purist," preferring solid-lifter camshafts and mechanical double-pumpers over computer-controlled fuel injection and force-feeding power-adders. If you like dirt-under-your-fingernails tech and real street driven content, this is your guy.
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