Russo and Steele is once again presenting a spectacular selection of ultra-premium collector automobiles on California’s Monterey Peninsula for this year’s highly anticipated collector car week. Celebrating their 15th year as one of car week’s featured fixtures, Russo and Steele’s action packed event will be held waterfront at the world-famous Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown Monterey August 13 – 15. Over the event’s three action-packed days, Russo and Steele will feature car week’s greatest selection of European sports cars, american muscle, hot rods and custom automobiles. This “must attend” event promises to deliver another signature high-octane experience that will continue to make Russo and Steele one of the most talked about automotive lifestyle events in Monterey for yet another year.
Leading the charge for their 2015 Monterey line-up are:
1963 Ferrari 250GTL “Lusso” Coupe
This 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, or simply “Lusso,” Italian for “luxury,” is one of just 350 of these achingly beautiful performers built during 1963 and 1964. Today, the Lusso remains a stylistic tour de force and, simply put, it stands tall as one of the finest all-around Grand Touring machines ever conceived. Bearing serial number 5003 GT, this 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso was sold new in 1963 via Chinetti Motors in New York City. It has since won the Ferrari Cup in 2011 and 2014 at the Carmel-by-the-Sea Concours and First in Class at the Concorso Italiano in 2014, establishing L5003 as a proven, platinum winning example. During September 2014, 5003 GT was acquired by Adam Levine, the noted classic sports-car enthusiast, Maroon 5 front man and panelist on NBC’s hit TV show “The Voice.” Given Mr. Levine’s well-known love for actually driving his cars as they were originally intended, 5003 GT was recently given a comprehensive service at Gran Touring Classics in Long Beach. Special attention was paid to its braking, cooling, electrical, fuel and ignition systems, as well as carburetor tuning and more. As offered, 5003 GT is highly attractive in black over red leather, complemented by iconic Borrani wire-spoke wheels and accompanied by books and a tool roll. Attractively presented, this wonderful and rare Lusso is a truly exciting find as a striking, yet highly drivable example, offering a virtually unmatched opportunity for astute Ferrari collectors and enthusiasts alike.
2005 Porsche Carrera GT
This staggeringly beautiful black on black example from the Carrera GT’s 2005 production year is believed to be one of the 604 original North American delivery Carrera GTs. A US-specification, emissions-compliant supercar, this Carrera GT is an investment-grade modern Porsche and an icon in its own time. Simply impressive throughout, this very highly equipped example demands serious consideration.
1966 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2
This 1966 Ferrari 330 Series II 330 GT 2+2 was one of only 455 examples built and is, by far, one of the most well-known and recognized surviving examples. It has passed through the hands of several prominent owners, including television and radio personality Adam Carolla. Additionally, this important 330 was featured in a variety of media, including as a feature vehicle in Jay Leno’s hit production “Jay Leno’s Garage.” Fully documented with the Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 registry, this is a completely “matching numbers” example with full known history and mileage from new, and is sold with all services completely current and up to date.
1958 Dual-Ghia Convertible
A recent and complete concours-level restoration orchestrated by former owner Joe Morgan, this exceedingly rare 1958 Dual-Ghia is one of only an approximate 100 examples ever produced. In keeping with its heritage as the vehicle of choice for the era’s top entertainers and personalities, this Dual-Ghia was invited post-restoration to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it was awarded Second in Class. Chosen from some 250 competitors to be featured as the poster car for the 2011 Greenwich Concours, it is accompanied by a large historical and information binder.
The Sinatra Wedding Collection – Offered at NO RESERVE
As mutual wedding gifts shared between Barbara Marx and Frank Sinatra on their July 1976 wedding and retained by Mr. Sinatra into 1995, these particularly desirable collectables come to auction in celebration of Frank’s 100th birthday. They are an absolute must have for any Sinatra fan, or collector of entertainment memorabilia of any kind. The early-model 1976 Jaguar XJ-S was a gift from Barbara to Frank and was supposedly selected in a shade of green that was to match her eyes. It is handsomely presented with just one complete repaint applied in 1996 and a recent tune-up and brake service. Equipped with an outstanding Panasonic Cockpit overhead console audio system, the Jaguar is further complete with outstanding documentation from new to 1995, with the vehicle’s California title document signed by the “Chairman of the Board” himself. Barbara’s striking 1976 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow was a gift from Frank and was reportedly selected in a color to match Old Blue Eyes’ most defining physical characteristic. It is well-maintained, very nicely presented and is accompanied at auction with copies of California registration and license documents, complete with Mrs. Sinatra`s name, address and signature. The Sinatra Wedding Collection is to be offered in Monterey at no reserve.
1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4
This 1972 Ferrari GTC/4 was originally delivered to Harrah USA with U.S. specifications. The exterior has been cosmetically restored in Rosso Corsa and the interior is the original black leather. The factory Borrani wire wheels are currently fitted with proper Michelin XWX tires. This wonderful automobile retains its ease of control, fantastic performance and that beautiful V12 sound. Interior is in very good condition and mechanically it runs and drives extremely well. It is complete with books and factory jack/bag. The 365 GTC/4 is by far the most sought after of the luxury touring models of the era, and has enjoyed considerable appreciation in recent years. With only 500 examples produced, the 365 GTC/4 was manufactured in less than one-third the quantity of the Daytona, giving it the edge in rarity.
1988 Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV
This amazing 5000QV came from a private collection. It comes complete with its original numbers matching drivetrain, and has only been driven a mere 29,645 km, approximately 18,420 miles, over the last 27 years. It’s mostly in un-restored condition, finished in its original Rosso color along with its original, refreshed tan leather seats and recently revived dash. Wearing mostly original decals, ID tags and stickers, it is one of the last of the great Lamborghinis produced. The Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection makes this car a pleasure to drive while providing a symphony of Italian muscle. The pure exhilaration this car provides the driver makes it all worthwhile. Fitted with the highly desirable rear wing and “five-hole” gold alloy wheels, this is the type of car many dream of, but few will own. An important Countach that has been preserved for you to enjoy today.
1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS Spyder
While all surviving examples are in high demand today, this wonderful 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS Spyder is even more so. This is due to its uncommon purity of line without the fender flares more commonly associated with the later-production cars. It is an original US-delivery Dino. Handsomely presented in a great color combination with the highly coveted and extremely beautiful “chairs and flairs package,” it has been clearly well-maintained to an exceptional standard and stands ready for a new and enthusiastic owner to enjoy its many sublime charms. As one of – if not the – most beautiful model ever to come from Ferrari, it will surely deliver a truly unforgettable driving experience as the aggressively snarling exhaust note and mechanical music emanating from its race-bred, mid-mounted DOHC V-6 engine provides the perfect soundtrack.
1989 Porsche 911 Speedster
This stunning 1989 Porsche 911 Speedster is just one of 823 imported into the US. It retains its original numbers matching drivetrain and has traveled only 16,060 miles since new. The exterior glows in its original black factory paint while inside it features its original, untouched, grey factory interior. The accompanying Porsche C.O.A. shows this vehicle to be equipped with an array of wonderful options, including factory air conditioning and original factory Blaupunkt Charleston radio. Considered one of the best-assembled Porsches of all time, this is a rare opportunity to own one of the legendary marque’s fastest rising stars.
1959 Porsche 356 T2 “Factory Hardtop” Cabriolet
This 1959 Porsche 356 T2 “Factory Hardtop” Cabriolet is of the last year for the 356 “A” T-2 model, which was the first to receive a factory hard top, front vent windows, much-improved transmission and ZF steering box, which were all major upgrades over the earlier models. This two-owner car from new is a US-spec automobile with bumper overriders, originally delivered in Germany. It came to Sacramento, California, for the first half of its life, then on to Greensboro, North Carolina until 2013 when purchased by the consignor and given a complete nut-and-bolt restoration.
1966 Shelby GT350H Fastback
This rare 1966 Shelby GT350H is one of very few Wimbledon white-on-gold cars sold to Hertz. Well-known and fully documented in the Shelby Registry, it has been owned by serious Shelby collectors in California for decades. Delivered new to Hi-Performance Motors in El Segundo, SFM6S496 features numerous “early” GT350 elements for 1966, including over-ride traction bars and a 4-speed transmission. Offered with a very recent cosmetic restoration by marque experts, SFM6S496 also benefits from a mechanical tune plus restoration of the bright work and interior.
The Thomas Scott Collection – Offered at NO RESERVE
Thomas Scott is an accountant and entrepreneur from Athens, Georgia who has had a love for all things automotive for as long as he can remember. He possesses a lifetime of passion for buying, selling and working on classic American cars. “Every car in my collection has been its own incredible ownership experience,” Scott states. “It’s been wonderful to take them to car shows and show them off, but I have also enjoyed owning and using these cars. I’m certain that their next lucky caretakers will continue to love and cherish these very special automobiles just as I have.” The Thomas Scott Collection features 12 American classics from Buick, Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet and Pontiac on offer in Monterey at no reserve.
Experience the refreshing Russo and Steele difference for yourself as they continue to celebrate 15 years of the hottest nights in Monterey from August 13-15 at the Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf. Auction previews run daily from 10:00 am August 12 to August 15. Be sure to contact Russo & Steele for advance bidder registration and accommodations or to register your premium consignment today.
For updated information regarding the Monterey ’15 auction and the exciting selection of featured collector automobiles they are busy assembling, visit Russo & Steel’s all new official website at www.russoandsteele.com. For further supporting documentation, high-resolution images or more advance information, please contact Darin Roberge at darin@russoandsteele.com.
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