Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions

 

Drew and Josephine Alcazar live, breathe and yes, decorate with cars.  It is their life and has been for nearly three decades.  Owners of Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions, they started the family business in 2001 and have seen it played out on the auction block. 

The couple, married for almost 16 years, decided to create an auction name that would reflect their appreciation for the legacy that automobiles have in our history. 
 
They gravitated to Russo, Italian for the color red, and Steele for its homage to the home of the American auto industry in Detroit.  “We added the “e” on Steel for a little élan,” quips Drew.

Five grandchildren later, the Alcazar family is well into the process of hosting collector car auctions that are riveting and heart-stopping.  Based in Scottsdale, Russo and Steele also conduct auctions in Monterey and Florida.  As their auction house has grown, they have added services that give consignors and buyers even more experiences within the collector car market. 
 
“A lot goes into getting a car ready to auction,” explains Drew.  “When it comes to collectible cars there are often issues of restoration, documentation, history, memorabilia and provenance.”  And, this does not even take into consideration the personal history that surrounds the mystery of reverence of one’s car.  From a first purchase to a first tumble in the backseat, American’s have a love affair with their car.  Russo and Steele are capitalizing on this.   

“A car can represent our past and future at the same time,” says Josephine.  Where you were in your life, how you expressed yourself and the freedom you had once you were behind the wheel is a huge element of our relationship with automobiles.  Your parents couldn’t control you once you took command of your car.  You could listen to your own music as loud as you wanted, go where you wanted and be commander of your fate, if only on the way to high school or over to your local Dairy Queen. 

The American car became a central figure in how we matured as a society, and in the West the car was king.  None of this is lost on the Alcazars.  “I admit to having a tough time selling anything from our collection,” says Josephine.  The petite brunette is remarkably involved in the business and as savvy as it comes in the world of cars.  “You see a guy pull up in a vintage car and you can read his personality.  Anyone can have a new car, but someone who takes the time and interest in caring for an older car has a different point of view.”

Drew drives the point home:  “A vintage automobile has its own quirks and issues.  Even off the assembly line and brand new, it probably had issues, squeaks and characteristics that I like to call personality.”  America’s first cars were often on the cutting edge of technology.  This meant that not only was the overall design of the auto being continually refined, but the desire of a nation to have a more comfortable ride, power and panache was behind the improvements to each model. 

“I often think that the collector car owner has a lot of confidence in themselves,” adds Drew.  “They have opted for the romance of the auto.  They probably spend a great deal of money on the maintenance of their car, perhaps garaging it in meticulous fashion and treating it with reverence.”  

What he doesn’t add is that a lot of collectible cars are never driven or see the light of day.  Indeed, value can be dramatically altered by mileage, not to mention the issue of wear and tear.  “Besides,” adds Drew, “when you roll up to a valet, have you noticed how the vintage cars are now parked up front?”  This is the new status of the automobile.  Everything old is new again.

At home, the Alcazar’s passion for collecting rare cars is alive and well.  A 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 holds court in the Alcazar’s living room.  Oddly enough, it doesn’t seem strange.  It is an honest part of their fascination and dedication to the place that automobiles occupy in their lives.  “I am lucky that my wife allows me to park my car in the house,” muses Drew.  But this is no regular Joe’s car.  

The creamy exterior is perfect.  It gleams like a mirror, reflecting its owner’s dedication to the art and craft of collecting.  It tells a story of attention to detail and reverence for a different time in America when muscle cars echoed our national pride, curiosity and race towards speed.

You might say it’s like the race that occurs during a collector car auction.  There is drama, passion, loss and gain.  It’s definitely life in the fast lane.

Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auction calendar of events

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday – January 18-22, 2012
Automobile Preview | On-site Bidder’s Registration
10:00 am – Open for Preview
General Admission $20.00 per ticket

Wednesday Evening – January 18, 2012
Charity Preview Gala – An Evening of Great Food, Good Friends and Hot Cars
Benefiting Boys and Girls Clubs of Scottsdale
6:30 pm  
$100 per ticket
Purchase your ticket online HERE

Thursday – January 19, 2012
10:00 am – Open for Preview
Auto auction immediately follows memorabilia

Friday – January 20, 2012
9:00 – 11:00 am Seminar:  “It’s You Hobby:  The Past, Present and Future of the Collector Automobile Hobby.”  Guest speaker Randy Fox will discuss estate planning for your collection.
10:00 am – Open for Preview

Saturday – January 21, 2012
10:00 am – Open for Preview
Auto auction immediately follows memorabilia

Sunday – January 22, 2012
10:00 am – Open for Preview
Auto auction immediately follows memorabilia

For more information – visit www.russoandsteele.com 

Source:  www.frontdoorsnews.com