Once again for 2016, Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions is presenting an exciting and diverse selection of collector automobiles during this year’s installment of Monterey California’s world renowned collector car week. As a central component of car week’s festivities going back 16 years, Russo and Steele’s action packed event has become one that those “in the know” consider to be a can’t miss engagement. Part sporting event, part concert, part cocktail party and all about the best quality collector automobiles available to the broadest spectrum of collectors and enthusiasts alike, Russo and Steele offers a high impact, “Auctions in the Round” style experience that can be achieved nowhere else in the world. Held again from the companies beautiful and exclusive location on the waterfront at Downtown Monterey’s historic Fisherman’s Wharf, this year’s event, taking place August 18-20, will feature a handpicked selection of European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods, customs and late model exotics and promises to deliver another signature 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 Russo and Steele’s 2016 Monterey line-up are:
#7125 2015 Porsche 918 Weissach
Owned by legendary racing outfit Team Rahal, this incredibly rare Viper Green 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach is a technical and performance tour de force. Powered by a naturally-aspirated 4.6 litre V8 engine, developing 608 horsepower, with two electric motors delivering an additional 279 metric horsepower for a combined output of 887 horsepower, the 918 boasts a top speed of 210 mph and runs 0-60 in an absolutely scorching 2.2 seconds. In September 2013 a 918 Weissach utterly obliterated the Nürburgring’s previous lap record by a shocking 14 seconds, turning a time of just 6:57 on the 12.8 mi road course, making it the first series production street-legal car ever to break the 7-minute barrier. Originally the darling of the 80th Geneva Motor Show in March 2010, the 918 is a highly limited production automotive masterpiece that will only continue its rocket ship appreciation in value into the future.
#7012 2004 Ford GT PB2-1
Originally assigned to Manufacturing and designated for mileage accumulation and electrical prove-out, PB2-1 is the first example produced in the second prototype run of the exciting Ford GT Supercar. After successfully completing its testing cycle, PB2-1 was transferred to Product Development at SVT and briefly used as the program vehicle for the planned Ford GT Mk II follow-on program. During this phase, PB2-1 was equipped with a prototype small-diameter pulley for greater supercharger boost, with this part later offered separately for sale by Ford Racing. Exhaust manifold heat shields, printed with “Mark II,” and a “Ford GT” logo fuel-filler cap were also added to the car. Original testing equipment on PB2-1 also included a roll bar which has been removed from the car while the attachment points remain in place. This is an incredible opportunity to acquire a true and extremely exclusive piece of Blue Oval performance history.
#7100 1993 Jaguar XJ220
Finished in rare and highly exotic Monza Red, this beautiful 1993 Jaguar XJ220 benefits from a gentle life of pampered and enthusiastic preservation-minded use. Currently displaying just 871 kilometers (541 miles), this flagship supercar offers showroom cosmetic quality and mechanical condition and is surely one of the most finely preserved examples available anywhere in the world today. Featuring near time capsule level low mileage and a perfect ownership history, it marks a once in a lifetime discovery that most certainly qualifies it as an important piece of road going automotive performance history. An undeniably rare and incredibly exciting example of Jaguar’s fastest street machine, it would make a magical addition to any collection of modern or classic performance cars.
#7115 2007 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
This stunningly beautiful Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is a highly desirable example featuring a 6-speed manual transmission mated to an ultra-sophisticated 610 horsepower, front mounted V12 power plant. As the designated replacement for the 575M Maranello, the 599 was styled by the legendary Pininfarina design house under the direction of Ferrari’s Frank Stephenson. Named for its total engine displacement (5999 cc), Gran Turismo Berlinetta nature, and the Fiorano Circuit test track used by Ferrari, it is believed to be 1 of only 20 in the United States. As offered, this exquisitely sculpted example of Maranello’s commitment to flagship exceptionalism comes complete with clean Carfax and Autocheck reports.
#7010 1965 Shelby GT350
This very special Shelby is 1 of 562 first-year GT350s built for 1965. It is a true matching numbers example with Ford VIN and Shelby serial numbers confirmed by the SAAC, fully documented in the Shelby American World Registry and includes copies of the original delivery documents to Tasca Ford. Meticulously restored, it retains its original 289/306 HP V-8 and aluminum-case Borg-Warner T-10 4-speed transmission. In addition to the first-year Shelby features, it is equipped with the trunk-mounted battery seen on only the first 300 cars built plus Shelby/Cragar wheels. It marks a truly exceptional example of Shelby’s most sought after version of the legendary GT350.
#7038 1959 Tojeiro California/TCAL59 Barcheta
In 1959, the famous car designer and builder John Tojeiro, most recognized for his work on the AC Ace, which later became the Cobra, began creating of one of his last front engine sports cars. The new car incorporated a tube frame structure similar to the early Ecurie Ecosse Tojeiro Jaguar that ran at Le Mans, but with updates. Initially, John built a chassis to replace the crashed Ecurie Ecosse racer from an accident at the Nürburgring and a second one, the car offered here, intended for a Ferrari California-style body by Cavendish Morton. This outstanding and beautiful offering represents an “end of an era” creation from one of automotive history’s most critical designers.
#7035 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet
This exceptional, numbers matching 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet presents beautifully in its original hues of silver over black. Interior is original and in near flawless condition and the car features floor shift, air conditioning, and power windows with factory data card illustrating included options. The engine was removed and the body stripped and beautifully painted a few years ago and the engine compartment was painted and the engine fully detailed to like new standards. This highly luxurious and exclusive offering brilliantly represents the virtues of excellent maintenance, low mileage and enthusiast ownership.
#7016 1970 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2
Very well-documented and presented in handsome factory colors, this sleek, powerful and fast 1970 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 is a very fine example of the prancing horse’s best classic V-12 GT model. One of as few as 800 examples produced, this highly desirable left-hand drive, U.S.-specification model was sold new via Maranello Concessionaires in the UK to first owner Albert R. “Cubby” Broccoli, the film producer of James Bond movie fame. Accompanied by UK “ARB 007” number plate. This wonderful classic Ferrari comes very well equipped, documented, presented, and coupled with its important ownership history, presents an interesting and highly collectible enthusiast’s investment opportunity!
#7029 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster
Restored to an exceedingly high standard including the factory-specified color combination, this 1957 356 Speedster is complete with documentation. An outstanding original car from San Diego, California was the foundation used to begin a stunning restoration by Porsche marque specialists in Newport Beach, California. No other car stirs up images of speed and adventure quite like Porsche’s elemental 356 Speedster and this example is outstanding and investment-grade!
#7057 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T SE Convertible
Already extremely rare, this 440 Six-Pack, 4-speed 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T SE Convertible has all the right options including a Pistol Grip shifter. Adding to its allure, it is one of only two known to exist in its stunning Hi-Impact Go Mango over black color combination. It is heavily optioned per the original Broadcast Sheet including Track Pack with Dana 60, rare leather seats, molding group, tinted glass, chrome racing mirrors, hood pins, bumper guards, power top, 8-Track, and Rallye wheels. A fully restored example with matching numbers body and engine, fender tag, rare SE trim, it is a magazine-feature car with the fender tag decoded by Mopar aficionado Galen Govier.
#7060 1986 Ferrari Testarossa Monospecchio
This rare early “Monospecchio” Ferrari Testarossa is a one-owner, 3,700-mile example. Accompanied by Carfax and Autocheck reports, it is an original U.S. delivery Testarossa and features iconic Rosso Corsa over Tan leather and includes all original books, tools, jack, proper folding keys, and pouch. Coming from a prominent Ferrari enthusiast’s long-term stewardship, this Testarossa is sorted and ready to use in a way that few, if any, are and is equally ready to compete in a preservation class concours events.
#7011 1970 Chevy Corvette ZR1
This absolutely stunning Classic White on Blue 1970 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is one of just 25 examples of this ultimate small block Corvette produced for 1970. Even more incredibly, it was ordered as a convertible. Essentially a small-block LT1 version of the L88, it features identical chassis preparation, brakes, cooling, and accessory deletions. Powered by the mighty LT1 solid-lifter small-block fitted with a heavy-duty L88 starter and lightweight flywheel, mated to the famous Muncie M22 “Rock Crusher” 4-speed, it also features RPO J56 Heavy-Duty brakes, and larger-diameter front and rear sway bars, which additionally are all L88 equipment. It recently received an extensive mechanical restoration and detailing in 2015, earning it an NCRS Top Flight award and Bloomington Gold Certification. This amazingly well-presented ZR1 Corvette is a unique investment opportunity and would be a highlight of any serious collection.
Experience all the high energy excitement of Russo and Steele in Monterey for yourself! Bidder registration is just $200 and includes admission for all 3 days of exclusive “Auction in the Round” action for the bidder and one lucky guest. Join Russo and Steele as they continue to present the hottest nights in Monterey, August 18-20 at the Downtown Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf. Auction previews run daily from 10:00 AM with auctions beginning at 5:00 PM. Be sure to contact Russo and Steele for advance bidder registration and accommodations or to register your premium consignment today.
For updated information regarding the Monterey 2016 auction and additional information on the exciting selection of featured collector automobiles they are busy assembling, visit Russo & Steele’s 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.
