Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions Kicks Off 15th Anniversary with Eight Initial Offerings to Watch

By: Russo & Steele

Scottsdale, Arizona (December 1st, 2014) – For Enthusiasts – By Enthusiasts. ™ This is far more than a tagline at Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions. It's a lifestyle, and we are gearing up to deliver that singular passion to the High Desert of sunny Scottsdale, Arizona for our annual flagship event during the world renowned collector car week. Additionally, Scottsdale marks the kick-off of the year-long celebration of our 15th anniversary. Held over five thrilling and action-packed days from Wednesday January 14th through Sunday January 18th, this 'must attend' event promises to deliver our signature high-octane experience with a huge selection of today's finest and most interesting collector automobiles, ranging from time-honoured European sports classics, to legendary and historically important competition cars, to the most sought after of American muscle machines, with virtually everything in between.

Leaving the gates and leading the charge into our 15th year in Scottsdale, Arizona and sure to generate intense action on the auction block are:

1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Coupe - This Plum Crazy 1971 Hemi 'Cuda is a two-owner example with history documented back to the original owner. It was sold new in Southern California and current mileage is 12,000. It features a variety of original parts down to the wheels, front rotors and calipers, rear drums, power steering pump and more. The Galen Govier Reference Manual states that this vehicle is one of 59 Hemi 'Cudas built in 1971 equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission. A full list of options and features accompanies this extremely rare and highly valuable musclecar legend.

1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback - An outstanding example of one of the most famous American muscle cars ever built, this 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback is a 2-owner car. Features include a Toploader 4-speed manual transmission, Drag Pack, and Competition Suspension. A recipient of a complete restoration overseen by a senior Mustang Club of America official in 2011, all parts used in the restoration were NOS or OEM components and are documented in its accompanying restoration book.

2007 Creative Workshop Sport Speciale SPCNS - Completed in late 2007 after a build involving over two years and 7,000 man-hours, the Speciale was inspired by the big-bore European racecars of the late 50s and early 60s with styling cues from such icons as the Ferrari TR 59/60, Aston Martin DBR1, and Maserati 450S. Power is provided by an Fl-inspired, custom-built aluminum BMW V-12 by Dinan Performance, displacing 5,972 cc and delivering 450 horsepower and 480 pounds-feet of torque. Weighing in at just 2,300 pounds, the Speciale's power-to-weight ratio is an amazing 5 pounds per horsepower. The subject of much media attention since its inception, this one of a kind machine is offered at NO RESERVE.

1970 Plymouth Hemi Superbird - Listed in the Chrysler Registry and with its VIN decoded by Galen Govier, this real Hemi Superbird was factory-finished in FY1 Lemon Twist 'Hi-Impact' paint and equipped with a stout A-727 TorqueFlite automatic transmission, plus N96 Air Grabber hood, Charcoal and Black bucket seats, and a 3.55:1 Sure-Grip rear end, 26-inch radiator, and wood grain floor console. Built in November 1969 this Superbird is confirmed as the 313th of the 1,935 Superbirds produced. Only 135 were factory-equipped with the legendary 425-horsepower, 426 cubic-inch Chrysler Street Hemi V-8 engine, including the incredible example offered here.

1968 Firebird Titus Vintage Trans-Am Race Car Daytona Winner S/n 7L141852 - This is the actual TG Racing Pontiac Firebird that competed in the '68 Trans Am season and was driven to victory by Jerry Titus in the 1969 24 Hours of Daytona. The car was restored and race prepared by Bill Elliott Racing to its '69 Daytona livery, as it is presented today. Campaigned with the Historic Trans Am group, it has competed at the most prestigious vintage events including the Monterey Historic Automobile Races, Coronado Speed Festival, Wine Country Classic, and Goodwood Festival of Speed. A bio of the car was published in Hemmings and additional information and photos can be found in Dave Friedman's seminal book on the era, 'Trans Am, the Pony Car Wars.'

1957 Porsche 356 Speedster – Originally offered as a lower cost option designed to appeal to the U.S. market, Porsche 356 Speedsters are now considered one of the most beautiful and sought after production Porsche models of all time. Then sole Porsche U.S. importer Max Hoffman initially sold the idea believing that a raw, open top version of the 356 would be a hit in the United States. With its low profile, racing inspired removable windshield, bucket seats and minimal folding top, the Speedster became an instant object of desire. Just 1 of approximately 1,171 Speedsters produced in 1957, this Ivory over red example continues to prove just how correct he was.

1959 Echidna Chassis #2 'The Grierson Car' Class 'CM' Sports Racer – During the 1950s 'Golden Age' of sports-car racing in the United States, one of the most competitive and consistent specials was the Echidna, conceived, designed and built by Ed Grierson, Bill Larson, and John Staver of Hibbing, Minnesota. Named after the reclusive Australian spiny anteaters immortalized in Greek mythology as the mother of all monsters, Echidnas – numbering just three in all – ruled SCCA C- and B-Modified competition. Echidna number 2 is powered by a hot small-block Chevy equipped with the legendary Rochester fuel-injection unit and backed by a T-10 four-speed gearbox. On the track, the Echidnas competed against and beat many of the era's best sports racers, including Jaguar D-types, Lister-Jaguars and Corvettes, Ferrari 750 and 860 Monzas, Mondials and Testa Rossas, and the Maserati 450S, making them some of the most important American race cars of the era.

1953 Jaguar XK 120 - This 1953 Jaguar XK 120, a Special Equipment model sometimes known colloquially in the US as the XK 120M, was built in 1952. The speed plaque on the XK 120 SE certified 132mph, from a naturally aspirated 3.4 engine in a 3,100lb car. The restoration began with the purchase of an incredibly rare set of dual-throat SU carbs and manifold manufactured in the 1950's and appearing only on a few race cars such as some of the Lemans Triumphs and the Hughes Kircher Jaguar Special XK 120. The former owner purchased the carbs and began searching for a competition XK 120 as a home for them. This car was featured in the Robb Report and the English magazine 'Jaguar Quarterly.' An issue of each is included in the sale.

For additional information regarding our Scottsdale '15 auction, the exciting selection of featured collector automobiles being assembled daily, and our 15th Anniversary events, visit our website at www.russoandsteele.com. For further supporting documentation, high-resolution images, or more advance information about the Russo and Steele Scottsdale 2015 auction event, please contact Darin Roberge at darin@russoandsteele.com.

Photo credit: Russo & Steele
posted on conceptcarz.com

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