Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions returns to Scottsdale next week, January 18-22, now at the event’s new home at the Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.
The annual auction is a staple event in the Valley with exclusive, select and diverse automobiles available.
Bidder registration is $200 and includes admission for all five days of Auction in the Round action for the bidder and one lucky guest. Below are just some of the more rare of the 800 cars that are set to go on the block.
A true piece of automotive history, Ford GT prototype CP-1 was the first fully-functional Ford GT prototype built in 2003 as part of the all-new GT’s development phase. Assigned VIN 004, it was the first Ford GT prototype to be equipped with an engine, drivetrain and full interior. In addition to its early provenance, the originality of CP-1 is perhaps what makes the car so tantalizing to hard-core Ford enthusiasts. Its body and engine compartment feature an array of non-standard components and many design features that are exclusive to this prototype, including the air bags, which are in fact Mustang components, and the steering column that was sourced from a Ford Windstar van. The silver trim rings on the seats were eliminated on production cars, the striking Camillo Pardo-designed all-aluminum headliner was replaced in production by a more traditional padded item, and a note scrawled in marker on the center console instructs test drivers to “push red button to start” the mid-mounted V-8 engine, which is mated to a 6-speed transaxle. Outside, the right quarter-panel features two quick-release valves connected to the fuel tank that allow quick changes of fuel grades. Extending beyond the rear bumper, a set of experimental exhaust pipes incorporate a “sniffer pipe” that allowed the engineers to determine engine emissions during testing.
One of just 80 examples produced for 1968, this Silverstone Silver Corvette L88 coupe was built on May 1, 1968 with optional 4.56:1 gear set, N11 Off-Road Exhaust, Soft Ray tinted glass, telescopic steering column and head restraints. In addition to the original interior, it retains its original matching-numbers engine and drivetrain and was expertly restored by Tim Thorpe, after which it earned Bloomington Gold and NCRS Top Flight certifications and was included in the Bloomington Gold Earthquake 88 Special Collection.
This 1971 Galen Govier documented Dodge Hemi Challenger is the stuff of which collector dreams are made. A genuine, unrestored 426 Hemi 4 speed, it is one of 70 Hemi Challengers originally produced and one of only 36 still known to exist today. It comes handsomely equipped with A34 super track pack, power brakes, bucket seats, V68 strip delete, longitudinal R/T sport tape and iconic pistol grip shifter. Of the 6 remaining black cars accounted for, this is the only unrestored car, thus making it a thoroughly exceptional find.
Numbered 6S2389 and documented in the Shelby American World Registry, this 1966 Shelby GT350 convertible is one of the 12 continuation cars that were commissioned by Carroll Shelby and built at Beverly Hills Mustang for Shelby American, Inc. during the 1980s. As offered, 6S2389 remains highly original and as new in specification. While kept in a private collection and very well preserved, the GT350 was driven by the current owner on the 2014 Sun Valley Road Rally, at one point hitting 130 miles per hour. Vividly described by him as being “fast, loud, and awesome,” 6S2389 is complete with the dash plaque that was affixed when it was built, stating it was test driven and personally inspected by Carroll Shelby himself. This 1966 GT350 convertible is complete with the original sales contract and beautifully represents Shelby’s long-awaited return to automobile production.
This fully-restored and stunning beige over tan Series I Roadster is the best version of the iconic E-type line. A very late production number, Jaguar’s Heritage Trust Archive states that it was in a run of approximately 20 vehicles all of which were sent to Jaguar Cars New York. Recipient of a meticulous ground up restoration, all the original parts were removed, polished and painted then refitted on the car. Even the original Chenney hose clamps remain. No expense was spared making sure the car was correct and ready to take on the show circuit.
This very fine 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS is listed in the online Dino Register as an original left-hand drive, European-specification model originally equipped with Daytona-style seats or Chairs. The Dino was subsequently imported to the United States by 1980 with subsequent owners recorded in the Dino Register. A complete restoration was performed to great effect by the noted experts at McCabe Auto Restoration of Mundelein, Illinois from 2014-16 at a cost of 120,000 to its current glory.
