Auto123: What about Asia?
RM: Asian countries do not have a strong automotive tradition. For now, Asian collectors attend our auctions either in person or by phone or Internet. Things could change however, notably in the Middle-East.
Auto123: Are you feeling the impact of the economic and financial crisis?
RM: I have elected not to participate... (laughter...). Sooner or later, the crisis will be over. Sure, overall sales are slightly off, but if you compare figures from yesterday's auction to last year's figures, you will see that the drop is relatively mild. Take for example the 1941 Chrysler Newport sold last year in Arizona for $748,000. An identical car sold yesterday for $687,500, a difference of less than 10 percent. Certainly not dramatic. And if I were asked, I would advise collectors to watch the market carefully for the dream-car they have been thinking about. Some of the irrational euphoria is gone, and prices are more in line with real values.
Auto123: Are you a collector? Do you have a hobby?
RM: My wife and I appreciate art and I am particularly fond of art deco. I have finished restoring an art deco boutique hotel in Chatham. And to escape the hustle and bustle, we take off on our Harley and forget about everything else. I am not a collector as such, although I have been surrounded by collectibles for 30 years. One day, I may treat myself a 289 Shelby Cobra. By the way, Shelby, that's also my son's name.
Next auctions by RM: April 3 to 5, Toronto - May 17, "Leggenda e Passione", Maranello, Italy.
Details on www.rmauctions.com
photo:Alain Raymond
RM: Asian countries do not have a strong automotive tradition. For now, Asian collectors attend our auctions either in person or by phone or Internet. Things could change however, notably in the Middle-East.
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| RM Auction at Amelia Island's Ritz-Carleton. Total sales: $12,528,400 for 89 out of 107 cars (83 %). |
Auto123: Are you feeling the impact of the economic and financial crisis?
RM: I have elected not to participate... (laughter...). Sooner or later, the crisis will be over. Sure, overall sales are slightly off, but if you compare figures from yesterday's auction to last year's figures, you will see that the drop is relatively mild. Take for example the 1941 Chrysler Newport sold last year in Arizona for $748,000. An identical car sold yesterday for $687,500, a difference of less than 10 percent. Certainly not dramatic. And if I were asked, I would advise collectors to watch the market carefully for the dream-car they have been thinking about. Some of the irrational euphoria is gone, and prices are more in line with real values.
Auto123: Are you a collector? Do you have a hobby?
RM: My wife and I appreciate art and I am particularly fond of art deco. I have finished restoring an art deco boutique hotel in Chatham. And to escape the hustle and bustle, we take off on our Harley and forget about everything else. I am not a collector as such, although I have been surrounded by collectibles for 30 years. One day, I may treat myself a 289 Shelby Cobra. By the way, Shelby, that's also my son's name.
Next auctions by RM: April 3 to 5, Toronto - May 17, "Leggenda e Passione", Maranello, Italy.
Details on www.rmauctions.com
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| Renowned collector Mike Fairbairn has been a partner of Rob Myers for a long time. His dream-car: the Bugatti 57 SC. |
photo:Alain Raymond
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