When the Russo and Steele Newport Beach Collector Car Auction rolls into the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort from Wednesday, June 18, through Saturday, June 21, expect to see more than 400 highly collectible European sports cars, American muscle cars, restored classic cars, hot rods and customs offered for sale in a high-energy auction-in-the-round format — an informal and interactive arena-type scenario that resembles a rock show mixed with a car auction.

The second annual event kicks off Wednesday at 10 a.m. with a day of auction previews, followed by a charity gala featuring dinner, dancing and a live auction at 6 p.m. to raise funds for the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). Cars then can be inspected daily beginning at 10 a.m., from Thursday-Saturday, with auctions taking place at noon. The event also includes a vendor marketplace and celebrity memorabilia for purchase.

Now in its 14th year, the Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auction has grown from two shows in its early years to four now in Monterey, Scottsdale, Newport Beach and Las Vegas. This year’s Newport Beach show is set in one of Southern California’s premier ocean-side retreats and showcases some of the most rare and sought-after cars in the world.

“Russo and Steele prides themselves in having a little bit of everything,” says the show’s Darin Roberge. “Some auctions are centered just around muscle cars or another type of car. We try to have something for everybody, and our selection for Newport is no different.”
Among the highlights are a 2014 Lamborghini Aventador Roadster; a selection of E-Type Jaguars; a 1968 Porsche 911S coupe with a sunroof that is extremely rare in the U.S.; a couple of Aston Martins, including a Series 4 “Oscar India” V-8 Vantage model (one of just 172 produced between 1979 and ’85); multiple beautiful Woody Wagons, and a phenomenal limited-edition black ’59 Cadillac Series 62 convertible; plus a varied selection of muscle cars, hot rods and even a few pre-war vehicles.

A special red-white-and-blue 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby Supersnake GT 500 coupe signed by hundreds of Americans will be sold to benefit the Wounded Warriors Family Support Fund.

All of the action takes place in a specially constructed “mini-city” at the beautiful locale of Newport Dunes. “We pride ourselves in having engaging backdrops and we’ve gone with the Newport Dunes for that reason,” Roberge says. “It’s a beautiful resort and flows with the trends of the Southern California car culture very well. Our motto is ‘for enthusiasts by enthusiasts,’ and we put the auction in places that reflect that enthusiasm.”

On-site bidder’s registration begins June 16, at 10 a.m., and continues through June 21, and also is available online at russoandsteele.com or by calling (602) 252-2697. General admission is $20. For more information and to view a digital catalog of the cars offered, visit www.russoandsteele.com.