Classic Car Auction to benefit Wounded Warriors, CHOC, and feature top cars

Local motoring enthusiasts are anxious for another spectacular set of European sports cars, hot rods, American muscle cars and custom autos that will be featured in Newport Beach June 19th-21st for the 2nd annual Russo and Steele collector car auction, taking place at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. Represented will be some of the most sought-after cars in the world. Last year’s show, for instance, witnessed the sale of a 2008 Bugatti Veyron for $1,078,000, a 1968 Aston Martin DB6 for $456,500 and many other exciting and memorable moments. Hailed by Classic Motorsports magazine as “the best group of cars we’ve ever seen,” the Russo and Steele show is open to the general public for $20 and bidder credentials are available at registration.

Russo and Steele is a top collector car auction house, and the  collection of cars last year made a splash not only among car enthusiasts but also with the general public. Its theatrical “auction in the round” is a visceral experience unlike other car shows/auctions. This year’s event will be similarly staged. Embracing a “for enthusiasts by enthusiasts” philosophy, Russo and Steele staff are knowledgeable car fans themselves – not simply auctioneers — so collectors appreciate having a shared passion in an environment of camaraderie.

According to Drew Alcazar, who with his wife, Josephine, own and operate Russo and Steele, last year’s event in Newport Beach proved successful for both buyers and sellers of collectible cars.  “While those in the market to purchase have access to an extraordinary selection and variety of high-quality vehicles, sellers will take comfort knowing that Russo and Steele is able to get them the best price possible thanks to our worldwide marketing efforts and highly experienced and knowledgeable sales staff,” said Alcazar, who said that Russo and Steele run annual auctions in Newport Beach, Monterey, Scottsdale and Las Vegas.

Also featured is an auction to benefit the Wounded Warriors Family Support, offering a 2013 Shelby Supersnake. This high-performance “supercar” features patriotic red, white, and blue vinyl wrapping bearing the signatures of hundreds of Americans in silent tribute to the wounded warriors of our country’s Armed Forces and their families – in addition to its 850-horsepower supercharged 5.8-liter V8 engine and other major high performance upgrades. It’s the same car toured through all 48 Continental states on the “High Five” Tour to thank the American people for their support of our nation’s military and to raise much-needed money to build “smart homes” for our combat-wounded military veterans and their families. Proceeds from the sale of this outstanding supercar will further support the Wounded Warriors Family Support in its mission to provide support to the families of those who have been injured, wounded, or killed during combat operations.

Like last year, Russo and Steele is holding a charity preview benefiting Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) on Wednesday, June 18 at 6 p.m. Tickets to the cocktail party, dinner and live auction are $150 each.

The public may purchase tickets at $20 each to view the cars Wednesday, June 18 – Saturday, June 21 with gates opening at 10 a.m. Tickets for those participating in the auction — Thursday – Saturday at noon — are encouraged to register in advance at www.russoandsteele.com as space is limited.

The event is at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort,  located at 1131 Back Bay Drive, in Newport Beach. For more information about Russo & Steele, to obtain tickets, bidding registration, or to consign a vehicle for sale at this auction, visit www.russoandsteele.com or call (602) 252-2697.