Russo Steele Tent Collapse

[quik9r]

Hope everyone is OK and not to much damage to the cars.
http://www.azfamily.com/weather/Tents-co...m-82320467.html (http://www.azfamily.com/weather/Tents-collapse-at-luxury-car-auction-due-to-severe-storm-82320467.html)

[Smokey]

I think a few stiff drinks will be poured tonight. My heart goes out to a quiet a few of you guys there.

[camarojoe]

Wow... that sucks bad.

[mockingbird812]

I heard from Bruce and Jacquie and they are fine! They had left just before the tents blew. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Tenney]

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=438856

[quick-bowtie]

Got out of there just in time but from what Ive been told my COPO didnt fair so well.. Sounds like a pole came down on the hood. I hope the damage is light and its just the hood we'll see come morning.

P.S. Ive had my fair share of STIFF drinks and then some!! Just glad no one was hurtly badly from whats being reported

[Bill Pritchard]

That is an absolute disaster for Russo & Steele. Hard to imagine that they will be able to repair any of the tents in time to keep the auction on track. The storm is expected to lessen, but rain is expected to continue through the day tomorrow and into Saturday morning. Pretty tough to auction cars that have been sitting outside exposed to this type of weather. My symapthies to Drew Alcazar and all the car owners whose vehicles have sustained damage.

[CC Rider]

Glad no one was hurt and hoping car damage was minimal.

[442w30]

Want pics of the disaster?

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-16064...tsdale-auctions (http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-16064-NY-American-Muscle-Car-Examiner~y2010m1d22-Disaster-at-the-Scottsdale-auctions)

I also talked with Tommie Lee cuz I thought, "OK, maybe now's a good time to visit his collection!" but he had a few cars at the auction so he was caught up in the hubbub. In fact, he was checked out by some paramedics because he was caught in part of the collapse. He's fine but a little disturbed - nothing that a good night's sleep can't help. I guess in the next few days we'll learn more about the damage to the cars at the auction.

I guess tomorrow B-J for me?

[kwhizz]

Talk about the worst possible thing happening at the worst possible time.................I can't even Imagine the damage done to the History of Muscle Car America.....But........Hopefully no one was hurt or worse.......The cars can be bumped back into shape and repainted..........People hurt or killed would be a much larger Disaster..........Keep it in "Perspective"

Ken

[Xplantdad]

You are right Ken! It could have been much worse...since the time the collapse and tent throwing happened was during rush hour on the freeway(in one of our worst storms ever).

I am glad to hear that no one was severely hurt. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[AutoInsane]

News Video

http://www.azfamily.com/news/Tents-collapse-at-luxury-car-auction-due-to-severe-storm-82320467.html

Hope no one is hurt....

SUCKS that this happened...

[Smokey]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqAnXEOSLHw

[bashton]

Very scary situation. I give Drew and his crew credit for clearing things out clearly and quickly.

Stefano, Mike, Dennis and I were able to clear out literally minutes before the tents cut loose.

I got caught on the 101 right next the auction, and when things let loose, debri was flying through the air, tent poles, canvas....

Everyone is OK and news reports one minor injury. Talk about lucky!

Ditto on what Kwhizz said!

Bashton
MCACN Managing Member

[Ngtflyr]

I feel for all of you caught up in this situation. This year was the first in a long time I didn't have something there, just lucky. I can imagine how you feel with your baby incurring damage, especially those who just finished a restoration. No one needs this in this economy. It will be interesting to see how the various insurance companies rectify the situation. Let me know if there is anything I can do, I will be available today if needed. I have a truck, trailer and one garage stall open.

[AutoInsane]

From Russo & Steele via Facebook:

"Due to the storm the fire department has taken control of the auction site. Once they allow us the ability to enter the site, the Russo and Steele crew will go in and assess the situation. We are grateful that there were no major injuries and will inform you of any status updates as soon as possible."

[BUIZILLA]

you just gotta feel for Drew and the whole situation.. what a lump in my throat..

i'm going to go out on a limb and say Craig wasn't at all displeased with what happened either on the *other* turf.. an announcer at BJ even made, what I consider cruel and uneccessary, reference to it on national TV...

[al8apex]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqAnXEOSLHw

wow, the potential for injury was incredible, it is amazing the poles didn't hurt anyone ...

Imagine driving down the road (the 101 freeway) and having a tent come at you ...

There was a confirmed tornado that touched down ~ 8:30 last night just 2 miles west of the auction site ...

We were in a Tornado WATCH, 1 step up from the warning, most of the evening, the weather maps were crazy ... and they kept on cutting in with flood warnings, tornado watches, warnings, a real scary evening

glad no one was hurt

[ORIGLS6]

I really don't want to see what's under that tent. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Did any of our folks have cars damaged, or do we know yet? Sad, sad situation, but I'm relieved to hear there were no serious personal injuries. For Drew and the car owners, I hope everyone's insured and the R-S group survives.

[Xplantdad]

Jacquie and Fred may have damage...along with Stefano. We have to wait and see when they will let people in...

It's still not safe... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif

[AutoInsane]

FB Update:

"We are still waiting on access to the site after the severe winter storm that roared through Arizona. As soon as the Fire Department let us in, and we can make it a safe environment for everyone, the car owners will be allowed in. We are optimistic we can continue with the auction this weekend."

[AutoInsane]

FB Update:

"We are being told by the Scottsdale Fire Department that the earliest the car owners might be granted access to the auction site is this afternoon. The general public is not being allowed in at this time. Stay tuned for details."

[gb70]

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-16064...tsdale-auctions (http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-16064-NY-American-Muscle-Car-Examiner~y2010m1d22-Disaster-at-the-Scottsdale-auctions)

[Don_Lightfoot]

This certainly is heartbreaking for any enthusiast, especially the ones with cars involved. Even if a car did not get hit by a pole, the wind flapping the tent fabric against the car could cause some serious paint damage. About the only good thing here is no serious injuries.

Very sad indeed http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[lbnaz]

Phoenix channel 3 has pretty good coverage of what it looks like.
http://www.azfamily.com/video/featured-v...e-82364787.html (http://www.azfamily.com/video/featured-videos/Russo-Steel-car-owners-still-not-allowed-in-to-assess-storm-damage-82364787.html)

[1969z280]

It's great that noone was seriously injured. The cars that would concern me the most are the original paint, original glass, original sheetmetal cars. The insurance companies will have a difficult time calculating the loss of an original paint car. You just can't re-restore it? R&S had asked me to bring my 4,200 mile 65 GTO ... I can't even imagine how I'd feel today. My best to everyone involved, Ed

[AutoInsane]

FB Update:

"The Scottsdale Fire Marshall will not declare the auction site safe today given the continued storm activity in the area. The earliest time the consignors might be able to access their cars is Saturday morning. We will continue to post updates as new information becomes available."

[Jonesy]

What I dont understand is why someone with the auction couldnt go and at least throw a tarp over the open top convertibles. Its pretty obvious the tent is already down and not even over those cars anymore.

[musclecarjohn]

Glad no one was seriously hurt,sad to see those poor cars...

[XXXGoldL34M20]

WOW,thats awfull.
its great no one got hurt but all those poor owners that own some of those cars must be badly hurting inside.
it would kill me to have just rain upon my LS6 car. i can feel or imagine the pain watching those convertibles and hard tops being rained on for many hours and tents and poles flying around.
i really hope the best for everyone over there,it sure is going to be a nightmare for the insurance claims for companies like Hagarty Etc...
What a sickening mess to see http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

[markjohnson]

Can you imagine standing on the highway there looking through the fence at your convertible or roadster getting getting rained on while you can only watch. That's a nightmare!

[Shevelle]

We have the Don Hardy 62 Impala convertible that some of you may remember from my earlier posts there. The best we can tell from driving down the 101 is that it is under one of the collapsed tents...we can't see it anywhere. At this point we are hoping it's not one with a pole lying across it. It's bad for everyone involved...not just car owners but Russo too. As bad as we want to get in there we're not looking forward to what we will find. Very sad....so many nice cars ruined http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[talwell]

Lets just hope that the BJ clowns dont try to exploit this very unfortunate situation to thier benefit in any way.

If they were faithful to the collector car hobby they would be stepping up to offer assistance - whether it be to offer thier facilities to allow R&S to complete thier auction after BJ has completed thiers or to send staff to begin to unfold what has happened. I do not expect this of them and think to the contrary that they will exploit the situation.

[x Baldwin Motion]

[ QUOTE ]
Phoenix channel 3 has pretty good coverage of what it looks like.
http://www.azfamily.com/video/featured-v...e-82364787.html (http://www.azfamily.com/video/featured-videos/Russo-Steel-car-owners-still-not-allowed-in-to-assess-storm-damage-82364787.html)

[/ QUOTE ]



This is absolutely heart breaking. I am sorry for the loss but also very glad it's just cars and NOT PEOPLE !! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[budnate]

[ QUOTE ]
FB Update:

"The Scottsdale Fire Marshall will not declare the auction site safe today given the continued storm activity in the area. The earliest time the consignors might be able to access their cars is Saturday morning. We will continue to post updates as new information becomes available."

[/ QUOTE ]


I will be surprised if that flies till sat morning, betting by now outside legal council is leaning hard on the Phoenix powers to be about controlling damage, everyones actions will be under a microscope in the next few days.

.

.

[Verne_Frantz]

I have to agree with you Bud. Removal of the tent and poles should be all that's needed to deem it safe for people. Otherwise, they'd have to shut down every parking lot in town.
Verne http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[Smokey]

I suprised a few big ins. companys haven't stepped in.

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
Lets just hope that the BJ clowns dont try to exploit this very unfortunate situation to thier benefit in any way.

[/ QUOTE ]

Too late,I think B-J already poked fun on their broadcast last night.

[Late BrakeU2]

[ QUOTE ]
You are right Ken! It could have been much worse...since the time the collapse and tent throwing happened was during rush hour on the freeway(in one of our worst storms ever).
I am glad to hear that no one was severely hurt. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


Bruce, you guys got what went through here yesterday afternoon. Still very convective weather today- lot's of micro cells, hail and snow down to 1000ft.

Less wind today ,but yesterday was epic. It's headed your way so be careful cuz it iz the desert!

[BUIZILLA]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Lets just hope that the BJ clowns dont try to exploit this very unfortunate situation to thier benefit in any way.

[/ QUOTE ]

Too late,I think B-J already poked fun on their broadcast last night.

[/ QUOTE ] yup, they sure did... heard it myself... then Craig snickers and gets back on his laptop looking at something... check the video..

[talwell]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Lets just hope that the BJ clowns dont try to exploit this very unfortunate situation to thier benefit in any way.

[/ QUOTE ]

Too late,I think B-J already poked fun on their broadcast last night.

[/ QUOTE ] yup, they sure did... heard it myself... then Craig snickers and gets back on his laptop looking at something... check the video..

[/ QUOTE ]

This should show everyone the lack of class that they have and judge them based on this in the future.

[rockn69]

I am blown away with what I am watching and reading here. My heart goes out to all the owners and conventioneers who may have lost or had damage done to their cars. Sunny Arizona sure showed us the flip side. Shame on BJ and the pom-pas self serving stage they set.

[XXXGoldL34M20]

Does anyone have a video of that comment made on speed from the BJ auction that smurks at what was happening near buy.
i missed it as i must of been snoozing at that point.

[BUIZILLA]

the commentator made a comment about tents blowing over at another *smaller* event across the road or nearby

then Steve Davis announces something about taking an auction break due to weather watch

then Craig grabs the mic and says something about watching storm cells blowing over, then hands the mic back and goes back to the laptop, watch his face at that point.. maybe I misconstrued the expressions.. but it sure looked cynical to me..

a friend of mine summed it up perfectly today, he said it was like being a Capt of a ship and watching another ship sink right next to you, and smiling and looking the other way, and motoring off without offering to help..

[Xplantdad]

The latest on the news radio here said that the earlirst that they could get going to do anything would be Sunday morning

[southernfriedcj]

[ QUOTE ]
I have to agree with you Bud. Removal of the tent and poles should be all that's needed to deem it safe for people. Otherwise, they'd have to shut down every parking lot in town.
Verne http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Why second guess the incident commander if you are not on scene and have not done a proper size up?
From my past experience as a Professional Firefighter I would assume that after ensuring that the scene is safe the next priority will be saving property.

[GTO_DON]

[ QUOTE ]
We have the Don Hardy 62 Impala convertible that some of you may remember from my earlier posts there. The best we can tell from driving down the 101 is that it is under one of the collapsed tents...we can't see it anywhere. At this point we are hoping it's not one with a pole lying across it. It's bad for everyone involved...not just car owners but Russo too. As bad as we want to get in there we're not looking forward to what we will find. Very sad....so many nice cars ruined http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[/ QUOTE ]I thought that was a kepper??????? I dont understand http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[TORONADOXS]

My brother was there and left about 10 minutes before the tent blew away. He works for a restorer in Phoenix. He says the problem is the generators blew over and there was diesel fuel EVERYWHERE, and it was Hazmat that shut the place down because of the fire hazard.

[AutoInsane]

FB update:

"Throughout the night we've been working on covering the automobiles - We started with cars that were the most exposed first and then continued with covering as many automobiles as possible."

[sYc]

Looks like Drew is doing his best to move forward, and take care of his clients. Hope everything goes smoothly for everyone.

<font color="red"> Dear Friend and valued Seller,

As a result of the severe storm that hit Scottsdale on Thursday evening, the Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auction has been temporarily closed due to sustained wind damage to our auction tents.

I would first like to thank you for your kind patience as we work with the City of Scottsdale Officials to inspect the area and allow us to re-open. I clearly realize how difficult it has been to wait along with us to finally get on site. The safety of our clients is of utmost importance and we are working diligently to re-open and accommodate your needs.

Our top priority is servicing you, the collector, and to ascertain the status of your collector cars that are on site in Scottsdale. I would like to personally invite you to a Consignor Only breakfast briefing on Saturday, January 23 at 8 a.m. at the Russo and Steele Auction site at Scottsdale Rd. and Union Hills in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Due to pending approvals by the Scottsdale Fire Marshall, this briefing will be open only to the Consignor of Record. No additional attendees or guests will be permitted and this briefing is not open to the public.

Tomorrow is devoted exclusively to you, our client. My entire staff and many contract resources will be on site to assist your needs, no auction will take place. Once we have determined the status of your vehicle, we will proceed with assembling our Sunday (and possibly Monday) Auction Program pending fire marshal approval.

Please know how much Josephine and I appreciate your patience, understanding, and efforts to work together as we soldier forward. Again, please, ONE person per car(s) only, as this will expedite your personal service.

Sincerely,
Drew Alcazar
Co-owner and CEO </font>

[kwhizz]

In reading about this tragedy.......I can across this.....Seems there were two 1 of 1 cars there.......

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/01/22/20100122tucker-convertible0123.html

Ken http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[Shevelle]

Glenn is over at Russo now for the meeting. Guess we'll find out soon what they are going to do. I'm stuck sitting at the hotel room following the "only one person" rule, hoping I'm not stuck here alone for the entire day. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif What a mess...

Don...are you are thinking of the Caprice? That's the one I wanted to keep but Don wanted it back.

[Verne_Frantz]

Ken, As I always say in cases like this, show me the photos of the "Unrestored" car. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif
Verne

[Xplantdad]

Jacquie...good luck. Let me know what happens. You can text me if you'd like!

[Shevelle]

Thank you Bruce. Glenn just called. They let everyone go look at their cars. The Impala has minimal damage...antennas broken off, dent in the trunk and paint rubbed off of the hood and front fenders. They are going to continue with the auction tomorrow...start where they left off. They have given the sellers the option of whether they want to run their cars or not. They say they think there will be a lot of bidders. I'm not so sure....probably a bunch of people thinking they are going to get a scratch and dent deal. Not sure what we will do yet. He said the damage didn't look as bad as we feared, that there were a lot of cars that didn't appear to have any damage. They said in the meeting that none of the cars were totaled. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif I'm anxious to hear how Andy's COPO made it through.

They are going to start letting everyone in a little later today...no definate time given yet.

[Xplantdad]

Thanks Jacquie http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks Jacquie http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

...and good luck! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[kwhizz]

Jacquie.........Good news on the car http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Ken http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[Shevelle]

Thanks! Hagerty is being really good. They are offering to pay for a new paint job http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif and the other repairs and letting us run the car as is. May as well let it run and see what happens...it's got a reserve so no worries http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif Glenn is coming back to get me...now they will let the consignor and one person in. I'll try to get some pictures.

[budnate]

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks! Hagerty is being really good. They are offering to pay for a new paint job http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif and the other repairs and letting us run the car as is. May as well let it run and see what happens...it's got a reserve so no worries http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif Glenn is coming back to get me...now they will let the consignor and one person in. I'll try to get some pictures.

[/ QUOTE ]

Good point about Ins, we will get to see how all the Ins Co's do and if they perform with no hassles as promised when we bought the policies.

Glad to hear your car is really not hurt bad, that vert is a cool piece.

[427TJ]

[ QUOTE ]
the commentator made a comment about tents blowing over at another *smaller* event across the road or nearby

then Steve Davis announces something about taking an auction break due to weather watch

then Craig grabs the mic and says something about watching storm cells blowing over, then hands the mic back and goes back to the laptop, watch his face at that point.. maybe I misconstrued the expressions.. but it sure looked cynical to me..

a friend of mine summed it up perfectly today, he said it was like being a Capt of a ship and watching another ship sink right next to you, and smiling and looking the other way, and motoring off without offering to help..

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, they are competitors after all. When big money is at stake I'm pretty sure there is no love lost when your competitor--no, your "enemy"--sufferes a loss. The Japanese say: "Business is war." By other means, of course.

If you think Craig Jackson is difficult to watch win in his business, you'd probably throw-up if you got to watch two large corporations duke it out with their legal departments firing at each other.

[Late BrakeU2]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Thanks! Hagerty is being really good. They are offering to pay for a new paint job http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif and the other repairs and letting us run the car as is. May as well let it run and see what happens...it's got a reserve so no worries http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif Glenn is coming back to get me...now they will let the consignor and one person in. I'll try to get some pictures.

[/ QUOTE ]

Good point about Ins, we will get to see how all the Ins Co's do and if they perform with no hassles as promised when we bought the policies.

Glad to hear your car is really not hurt bad, that vert is a cool piece.

[/ QUOTE ]

You can bet the house the big collector car insurers will pay quickly on this deal- it's a highly visible marketing dream, they will postion and promote their paid claims from this event for years to come IMO

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
the commentator made a comment about tents blowing over at another *smaller* event across the road or nearby

then Steve Davis announces something about taking an auction break due to weather watch

then Craig grabs the mic and says something about watching storm cells blowing over, then hands the mic back and goes back to the laptop, watch his face at that point.. maybe I misconstrued the expressions.. but it sure looked cynical to me..

a friend of mine summed it up perfectly today, he said it was like being a Capt of a ship and watching another ship sink right next to you, and smiling and looking the other way, and motoring off without offering to help..

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, they are competitors after all. When big money is at stake I'm pretty sure there is no love lost when your competitor--no, your "enemy"--sufferes a loss. The Japanese say: "Business is war." By other means, of course.

If you think Craig Jackson is difficult to watch win in his business, you'd probably throw-up if you got to watch two large corporations duke it out with their legal departments firing at each other.

[/ QUOTE ]

True...but it was the perfect opportunity for Craig Jackson to step up and say a few words in support of a fellow auction house (and former employee) whether he meant it or not.It could very well have been his tent that collapsed.The positive press would have been priceless.

Instead,he chose to take the low road like the uncaring snake he is...

[AutoInsane]

Russo &amp; Steele post collapse video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cee2BLwRLnk

[CanadianPoncho]

Here's a link to photos of the damaged cars. Not for the faint of heart! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Click Here (https://sites.google.com/a/allclassicsllc.com/www/home/2010-russo-and-steele-damages)

[kwhizz]

Wow!!.....That's about as bad as one could imagine http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Ken http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[TC]

Yes it is Kwhizz...... very sad

[Xplantdad]

Agreed! I see some of my Pavillions friends cars in those pics http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Glad that the people are all okay!

[njsteve]

HOLY CRAP.

That is some major damage to some really serious cars. I see the one-of-17, Tawny gold, six-barrel 'Cuda ragtop got damaged.

I really hope no one cancelled their insurance before the auction.

Can you imagine having just bought a car there and then experiencing this.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[Smokey]

Not that it was a car for me...but the black TA...like a Smokey and the Bandit style. All I can do is pray for the family that owned it. I think that was the worst one.

[TC]

I hope that the original paint cars are ok....not that I don't feel for the guy's with restored cars (cause I do).... but the original paint cars are not replaceable..... I really hope it's not as bad as it looks.

my heart go's out to all you guys... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif


Tom

[YenkoYS-199Stinger]

Tough to stomach.........

[markjohnson]

Much, much worse than I ever imagined. I see that the best surviving example of an aluminum front end '62 SD 421 Catalina was there. The white one. I hope it survived. There's something that hits home for everyone there in that disaster.

[resto4u]

makes your stomach sick, http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif can't even image how the owners feel. I certainly hope the insurance companies are stepping up to the plate. The ones that do get fixed, the right shop doing the work will make all the difference. If the repair shop takes a short cut fixing it, then there is diminished value. And the owner loses again. Some of them will prove difficult to fix.

[bigsixman]

Way worse than I would have thought! My heart goes out to all who have experienced loss in this chain of events. I just hope the insurance works out for those owners with coverage and I certainly feel for those that may not have adequate coverage.

[SuperNovaSS]

WOW!

[rockn69]

I can't watch any more...unbelievable and sad! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[TORONADOXS]

The blue Judge and the black Trans Am belong to my brothers' boss.... I'm sure he's worked on both of them. Very hard to watch!

[69 Post Sedan]

Those pictures are horrible. I am sure glad no one was under/near the tents.

I can't imagine how I would feel if that happened to me but it sure makes me sick to my stomach...that's for sure.

[JRSully]

Those 2 Superbirds got Hammered.! and that Mr Norms Hemi Cuda Conv really took it on the chin, what a chain of events. I am sure Reggie Jackson can relate to this feeling when his storage facility burned

[JOZW30]

Feel for all involved. Sigh.........

Being an Olds guy, it breaks my heart to see that black 72 W30 post car. One of 19, and I thought it was an original unrestored car?

Wow.

[quick-bowtie]

my COPO took it on the front valance and hood.. sick to look at but really not that bad. Ive got a GM hood at home so with a littl luck I'll have it back to as new in a month. I feel so bad for alot of those guys some cars we destroyed! and I heard alot of people didnt have insurance.

[Xplantdad]

What color is your COPO Andy?

[BUIZILLA]

I can't even imagine all the havoc created that would even remove hubcaps in the process..

[Kurt S]

Wow. Quite the shame. Cars that were babied a lot of their life and then....
That has to be one of the biggest $$ damage loss in a single event.
Kinda like the hailstorm that hit the Airstream national event (hail and aluminum don't mix) a few years back.

[musclecarjohn]

Waaaay worse than I imagined...wow.All those crushed roofs...
How no one was seriously hurt there or worse is unbelievable.

I can just see my insurance premiums going up as we speak...

[rpoz11]

[ QUOTE ]
Here's a link to photos of the damaged cars. Not for the faint of heart! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Click Here (https://sites.google.com/a/allclassicsllc.com/www/home/2010-russo-and-steele-damages)

[/ QUOTE ]

My heart goes out to all of the owners of those cars!
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[Johnny Horsepower]

I hope that people did indeed have covergae in place.
That is some sad damage to some wonderful iron!
Hard to look at!!!!
Glad everyone is ok, and I also feel for the owners.

UNREAL!

JG http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif

[gb70]

This is way worse than I thought. To think that the sellers spend money to get there and be there, and before they get to sell their cars this. I smell letigation brewing. Would'nt the auction companies insurance cover this? I realize that it was an act of weather with strong winds, but how strong were those tents? Not strong enough.

[Smokey]

I wouldn't say its the tents fault...but the grounds fault. I would think legally they would of needed to have the land surveyed and tell them how to prep the grounds. I would be scared if I was the one that did the land survey work.

[1969L78Nova]

Technically, since the payee at these auctions is the auction company (and not the seller)....don't these vehicles belong to the auction company until they are PAID for by the new owner?

[Fast67VelleN2O]

How were the tents secured to the ground? If you want to see some extremely secure tents, check out anything over 30' long setup at any of the Carlisle shows. Carlisle usually experiences winds from 30-60 MPH on any given event for at least ONE night.

[njsteve]

[ QUOTE ]
Technically, since the payee at these auctions is the auction company (and not the seller)....don't these vehicles belong to the auction company until they are PAID for by the new owner?

[/ QUOTE ]

No.

[Shevelle]

On a positive note, the auction at Russo is live on their site right now. www.russoandsteele.com. (http://www.russoandsteele.com.) Looks like the cars that stayed are doing very well. Through all of this, Drew has proven to be a real Class Act and people appear to be behind him.

[92646]

Were there cables used to help support the tent poles and did they contribute to the damage of the cars? I can understand the large damage from the poles coming down and the scratches from the tent material but there was allot more than that going on. I noticed some of the cars had sold stickers on them. Would it be buyer's problem to fix the cars after the hammer drops? If so I wonder how many people notified their insurance companies right after they committied to buy the cars.

[427.060]

Here are more pictures of the damaged cars.
James

http://picasaweb.google.com/kingsfp/Russ...amp;feat=email# (http://picasaweb.google.com/kingsfp/RussosteelAuction110?authkey=Gv1sRgCNGlh-XG2vSxrQE&amp;feat=email#)

[Xplantdad]

Those pictures are courtesy of Fred...one of the Pavillions regulars who is a friend of mine and had two cars in the auction. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Jacquie...glad to see that you made it home safe!

[Shevelle]

There were two straps (or cables) extending from the top of each pole that were staked to the ground. The poles were about 8-10' apart the whole length of the tents..so there were a LOT of stakes but who knows how deep they were planted. I haven't looked at the photos referred to earlier in this post...but some of the cars looked as if someone had taken a ball ping hammer to them - the orange Superbird comes to mind. At first we thought it was large hail, but that didn't make sense because hail is not selective like this damage was. Just random cars with that type of damage. It turns out it was tent stakes..the ones that the pole cables were staked down with, still attached and hanging down from the partially collapsed tents. They were suspended over these cars, hanging down and beating them in the wind. Hard to explain...make sense?

[Bill Pritchard]

The stakes look like giant nails. I went to the Silver auction on Friday afternoon and the Event Management people were like a swarm of ants, checking and rechecking all the tent stakes and moving and re-securing them wherever they felt it necessary. They had those huge pneumatic hammers driving them into the ground.

[gb70]

What were the wind gust speeds at the time it all happened?

[Shevelle]

This Phoenix news station has raw helicopter footage taken early the next morning. On the right side of the screen under videos you'll see a link to Russo Damage Raw Video. Shows how the large poles fell across the cars.

Russo Raw Video (http://www.kpho.com)

[Xplantdad]

Better link... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif


Click Here (http://www.kpho.com/video/22315910/index.html)

[Xplantdad]

ttt

[Xplantdad]

ttt

[Lino]

The auctioneer / announcer across town at RM auctions took a moment to inform those attending about the mishap and GENUINELY expressed concern to the workers collectors and vintage cars involved in the disaster. Very well handled by the chaps at RM.

[PeteLeathersac]

As others have commented, it's truly great everyone's OK!.
That said, looking at the pictures the devastation is very serious and my heart goes out to Drew also Jacquie and anyone else w/ cars involved...especially those w/ survivor cars!.

Devastation pics...
https://sites.google.com/a/allclassicsllc.com/www/home/2010-russo-and-steele-damages

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
~ Pete

--------------------
I like real cars best...especially the REAL real ones!

[tirebird]

Well, first of all, I'm not a lawyer or clairvoyant but this mess is just beginning. The storm is "an act of god", so that provides legal protection to the auctioneer. Secondly, I've never sold a car at auction so I'm not sure of the "boilerplate" in the sellers contract protecting the auction house from claims of this type of damage. Thirdly, if some owners were foolish enough to "go bare" and have an expensive car at this event without insurance(if that's possible), then they're going to be hunting for someone else to make them whole for their foolish decision. Fourthly, even if the owners have insurance to cover the damage, it doesn't mean that the insurance companies themselves won't be hunting for someone else to reimburse them for damages. I'm not familiar with Arizona law, but "negligence" is a legal term that has broad meaning. Did the auction house look at weather forecasts? Did the auction house take reasonable steps to protect the cars in light of this storm? Was the tent structure designed to withstand what type of wind event? Had this type of storm ever hit Scottsdale before and if so, did the auctioneer know about that possibility? I'm not blaming anyone here or saying R&amp;S are responsible, but when you have high dollar damage to many high dollar owner, the legal system starts to heat up. Now, maybe R&amp;S have their own insurance to cover this type of event and everything will be paid in quiet settlement conferences. Maybe it won't have to because it doesn't have any legal responsibility for this damage. Even with that possibility, everyone loses from this terrible event. R&amp;S loses money with reduced sales. The owners, of damaged cars, have to deal with diminished value. The buyers don't get a chance to bid on a pristine undamaged great car.

[al8apex]

We have not had a tornado in ages, they are EXTREMELY rare, although they DID confirm it touching down just 2 miles to the west that night

a weather situation like that is NOT even thinkable at that time of the year ... summer monsoons, yes, winter tornado, no

[Stefano]

We had SIX cars there. Three were damaged to varying degrees.

The Fire Marshals and Police were on hand BEFORE the tents went down.

There were no major indicators of what was going to happen, just hours before the tents went down. We had just sold a car approx. 1/2 hour before the mass evacuation.

Sure, you can plan for an unforeseeable event AFTER it happens.

You can't just take 640 or so collector cars and several thousand spectator/bidder vehicles and just tell everyone to evacuate their cars and expect that no one would get hurt.

The authorities along with Russo &amp; Steele placed the safety of the people who were there over and above that of any specific vehicle(s).

The fact there were NO life threatening injuries is a Miracle.

Drew and his staff did the best they could under the circumstances and I for one applaud them for how they handled this catastrophic situation.

[quick-bowtie]

Stefano

Did your buyer come through on the 55'? I still want the car..

I agree there was nothing that could have really been done to prevent this from happening its just one of those unforunate events. Drew did a great job salvaging what he could and I hope they have enough money and backers to come back next year. Just glad no one was hurt thats the most important part

[Drew Alcazar]

To any and all who have posted your kind words about the Russo and Steele ordeal this past January, I thank you very, very much. This year's event was incredibly difficult for everyone involved.

As you all know, I am a genuine car guy too, and the heartbreak of this year affected everyone. Looking back I can not tell you how thankful we are that no one was seriously injured or killed. This, in and of itself is a miracle.

The heart, passion and soul that everyone has invested in their cars is now the issue at hand. We have posted a notice to all our consignment clients, so we are keeping them all in the loop as things progress.

The fact that, following the worst catastrophe to ever happen in the history of collector car events, the many relationships we have with our loyal clients allowed us to come back with 2 days of auction sale is amazing.

Again, to one and all who have posted their positive support and those who stood by us, stood up with us, and will mover forward with us, there are simply no words to thank you enough. I am humbled by your friendship.

My very best to all,

Drew Alcazar

[Xplantdad]

Thanks Drew...for coming onto the site. You guys did a phenomenal job in a crazy situation! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Stefano]

Money and Titles from R&amp;S have been in house for some time.

Great Service

[Shevelle]

[ QUOTE ]
Money and Titles from R&amp;S have been in house for some time.

Great Service

[/ QUOTE ]

Same here. We had cars consigned at BJ as well as Russo Steele. We received our Russo check weeks before the BJ check came in. I think that speaks volumes...in the face of catastrope and confusion, Drew and his staff did a remarkable job taking care of consignors and buyers alike. Hats off to you Drew! You set an example I wish more businesses would follow. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[sYc]

Drew, thanks for the update. Best of luck in the future.