Amelia Island, Florida - From Chatham to Maranello... with stopovers in Phoenix and London. This is the extraordinary journey traveled over three decades by a mechanic from south-western Ontario, a journey that has led him to the top of the collectible automobile world.
Rob Myers has been involved with vintage automobiles since 1976 when he started a small restoration shop in his native Chatham. In 1980, with the help of two new partners, Myers started selling restored classic cars to individuals and auction houses who quickly became his major customers. This led to the creation of RM Auctions Inc. whose first sale was held in Toronto in 1992.
Since then, one achievement has led to another, mostly in North America and more recently in Europe, the latest major success being the first sale held three years ago at Maranello, Ferrari's home turf and the world's most prestigious venue for collectible automobiles.
We have met Rob Myers at the Amelia Island Concours d'Élégance recently held in Florida, following the RM auction conducted at the posh Ritz-Carleton resort.
Auto123: In the span of three decades, RM Auctions has become the world's number one catalogue auction house. Can you tell us the secret of your success?
RM: Nothing magic, that's for certain. Just hard work, honesty and know-how. Make sure you deliver quality, take care of your customers and treat them right. The rest will follow.
Auto123: Where do you see your company in the next 5 to 10 years?
RM: We intend to continue focusing on growth and market share. To achieve this objective, we need to prepare the next generation of employees, both in management, sales and the restoration shop. We have started a partnership with local secondary schools in Chatham-Kent to allow students to acquire the skills needed in the auto restoration field. We have also expanded into Europe and we now have an office based in London, England.
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| Rob Myers, the small garage owner from Chatham who has brought Canada to the top of the collectible car world. |
Rob Myers has been involved with vintage automobiles since 1976 when he started a small restoration shop in his native Chatham. In 1980, with the help of two new partners, Myers started selling restored classic cars to individuals and auction houses who quickly became his major customers. This led to the creation of RM Auctions Inc. whose first sale was held in Toronto in 1992.
Since then, one achievement has led to another, mostly in North America and more recently in Europe, the latest major success being the first sale held three years ago at Maranello, Ferrari's home turf and the world's most prestigious venue for collectible automobiles.
We have met Rob Myers at the Amelia Island Concours d'Élégance recently held in Florida, following the RM auction conducted at the posh Ritz-Carleton resort.
Auto123: In the span of three decades, RM Auctions has become the world's number one catalogue auction house. Can you tell us the secret of your success?
RM: Nothing magic, that's for certain. Just hard work, honesty and know-how. Make sure you deliver quality, take care of your customers and treat them right. The rest will follow.
Auto123: Where do you see your company in the next 5 to 10 years?
RM: We intend to continue focusing on growth and market share. To achieve this objective, we need to prepare the next generation of employees, both in management, sales and the restoration shop. We have started a partnership with local secondary schools in Chatham-Kent to allow students to acquire the skills needed in the auto restoration field. We have also expanded into Europe and we now have an office based in London, England.
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| A very rare 1940 Tatra T87 sedan, with air-cooled rear-mounted V8. This design was copied by Ferdinand Porsche when he created the VW Beetle. Sold for $121,000. |