The Corvette Enthusiast’s Preview to Russo and Steele’s 2013 Scottsdale Auction

Continuing our Corvette Enthusiast’s Preview of the Scottsdale Auctions, we next take a look at the Russo and Steele auction which will feature over 40 Corvettes.

Russo & Steele expect to auction 700 cars in their five day event hosted in their impressive spired tents. The Scottsdale 2013 catalog has just been released and it is filled with sports, muscle, hot rods and customs, the types of cars they specialize in. Quality consignments are a major focus and they try hard to offer individual personalized attention as well as a commitment to not let a car get “lost” because of too many consignments.

It would be hard to imagine astronaut Gus Grissom’s 1967 red L88 Corvette ever getting lost. Russo & Steele will offer this NCRS Top Flight car, with its impressive history as just one example of the quality cars crossing the block this January. The L88 engine option was only ordered by twenty customer’s in 1967 even though it produced over 550 HP. It is lot # 3406.

Lot #3406 Astronaut Gus Grissom’s 1967 L88 NCRS Top Flight Award Car. The Corvette Will be sold at approximately 7:54 – 8:14pm on Saturday, January 19, 2013.

Also being offered is a highly optioned Daytona Yellow 1969 L89 coupe. Lot 3261. This car has most performance options and ironically has the headrest delete. The car has matching numbers and has had a complete body off restoration with 47,000 original miles.

Lot #3261 1969 Corvette L89. Out of total Corvette production of nearly 39,000 units for 1969, just 390 of them were equipped with the L89 option, which added $832 to the basic Corvette’s already considerable $4,781 retail price.

Another great example of Corvettes to be sold at Russo & Steele is a 1994 ZR1, Lot 3222. It is one of the “big motor” cars produced after 1993. The car rated at 405 HP has just over 18,000 miles and has the original window sticker and owners kit.

Lot #3222 1994 Corvette ZR-1. With 18,078 miles it’s barely broken in. It comes with two tops, one clear and one painted. The Owners kit (including VHS video) and original window sticker are included.

Andrew Alcazar, CEO, believes that in the auction business “less is more” which allows more personalized service to the seller and the buyer. Alcazar’s formula is obviously working since the twelve year old corporation continues to be among the top collector car auctioneers in the business. Alcazar created Russo & Steele’s unique format for auctioning their cars, the “auction in the round”. Unlike most auctions there is no stage separating the cars from the buyers. At Russo & Steele® the car is presented at ground level surrounded by the bidders. This format creates more excitement and interaction between the bidders.

One of the main differences that set Russo & Steele apart is they actively participate in car shows, road rallies, auctions, and vintage racing to stay in tune with the hobby. They have a loyal following and a long list of repeat consignors. Drew knows many of his consignors and bidders creating more of an intimate atmosphere. Along with an impressive list of amenities for bidders, Russo & Steele leads the other auction houses in offering discounted consignment fees and reduced transportation costs to consignors. In addition they offer seminars and lectures on various aspects of the collecting hobby as well.

Here is a preview video from Russo & Steele:

Russo & Steele’s 2013 Scottsdale auction will take place January 16th-20th. Daily Admission price is $20 daily or $80 for the full week. Visit www.russoandsteele.com for more information.

Source:
Russo & Steele
Images used with permission courtesy of Russo & Steele

Related:
The Corvette Enthusiast’s Preview to Barrett-Jackson’s 2013 Scottsdale Auction
The Corvette Enthusiast’s Preview to the Scottsdale Auctions
[VIDEO] Zora’s 1989 Corvette Sells for $27,000 at Russo and Steele
Gus Grissom’s 1967 427 Corvette Sells at Russo & Steele