Writer Shannon Severson
Photo courtesy Russo and Steele
[dropcap]R[/dropcap]usso and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions is known for bringing drama and excitement to car enthusiasts. For this year’s car week, they’ve literally pulled up tent stakes, rolling out in a new location that will maximize that tradition: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. The event takes place on January 18-22 and features a range of auto styles, from muscle cars to sports cars, old or new, with a display based on precise algorithms that maximize visibility.
“Our vehicle display and our run order are a science for us,” says Darin Roberge, Russo and Steele director of marketing and media. “We arrange them so people who are interested have the most access to what may appeal to them, but we don’t box ourselves into one style. Anything cool with wheels, we’re open to having it cross our block. It’s an all-encompassing, enthusiast-style cars and camaraderie experience. We have something for everyone.”
After 16 years in North Scottsdale, the grass is truly greener on the other side. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick’s beautifully manicured fields and pre-existing amenities are the perfect backdrop for the concourse display of 800 collector cars that will be auctioned at the event, as well as expert-led seminars and vendor areas. The accessibility from Loop 101 and paved parking lots will also contribute to a premium experience for the expected 50,000 attendees throughout the week.
“We are really excited about our association with the Southwest’s premier sports and entertainment complex,” says Roberge. “The display of our vehicles is going to be beautiful and, while the event site is larger this year, the layout will feel smaller and attendees will be able to see and experience more.”
The dramatic auction in the round is the centerpiece of the event, and this year’s block will have a “Thunderdome” feel as vehicles are driven onto center stage. The energy builds as attendees walk right up to see and touch the cars before expert ringmasters preside over the fast-paced, American-style bidding. Russo and Steele dispels any preconceived notion of stuffy, staid auctions for a contagiously fun experience.
“For us, collector cars are about passion, excitement and fun,” says Roberge. “That feeling should be part of your car-buying experience, and it’s one of the things we pride ourselves on.
We’re a sporting event, rock concert, really cool cocktail party and collector car auction. We’re entertainment in addition to being an auction. If you’re into collector cars in any capacity or you’re just looking for something fun to do that’s exciting, we are the highest energy, most fun event during Arizona car week every single year. You have to experience it in person.”
True to its involvement in charities year-round, Russo and Steele will conclude this year’s event with a charity auction at high noon on January 22 when, in partnership with the Arizona Coyotes Foundation and Paul Yaffe’s Bagger Nation, a one-of-a-kind, hockey-themed motorcycle will cross the block. All money raised will be donated to Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix and the Arizona Coyotes Foundation.
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