Photography by ©2016 Toni & Ron Avery
Among the numerous auctions taking place around the Monterey Peninsula, Russo And Steele is one of the most noted. 2016 brought in 10.9 million in total sales, which is more than 2015. Located right next to Fisherman’s Wharf, the auction showcases a wide variety of rare and collectible cars. This year, I chose my top five based on rarity, uniqueness and desirability.
In addition to the final results for each car, I have also included some important facts about each as well as my own condition rating system. The system ranges from 1-5 with 1 being Pebble Beach show car perfect (or close to it) to 5 being an un-restored car (with + and – for each if needed).
1955 Facel-Vega FV1 Coupe
FACEL stands for Foges et Ateliers de Construction d’Eure et de Loire (started by French Industrialist Jean Daninos).
Vega is after the brightest star in the Lyra constellation.
This FV-1 is one of three sold new to the USA on July 12 in California to a Mr. Milestone. It was also the preferred car of the Rat Pack.
Condition rating – 1-
Sold for – $181,500
1957 Porsche 356 Speedster
The 356 was the first production car from Porsche. Total sales for the 356 grossed about 76,000 examples.
Condition rating – 1
Sold for – FInal sale price unknown / Didn’t sell
1963 Apollo 500 GT Coupe
Italian design with an American driveline.
Between 1962-64 forty-seven cars were proceeded with forty-four of them being coupes.
Condition rating – 2
Sold for – $112,750
1965 Ford Mustang Race car
Raced for the last 15+ years. The car is sanctioned with VARA, HMSA, SVRA and HSR West. It has raced at Willow Springs, Thunderhill, Laguna Seca, Buttonwillow and more. The car also included all documentation including recent work, spec sheets, dyno results performance data etc.
Condition rating – 2
Sold for – $77,000
1993 Jaguar XJ220
871 Kilometers (541 miles).
This was Jaguar’s attempt at Supercar production in the 1990’s.
Properly imported from its original owner in Canada to the USA where it passed though several addition owners until now.
Condition rating – 1
Sold for – $435,000