Russo Steele Tent Collapse

[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&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&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&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 & 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!

[Stefano]

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

Great Service

[Shevelle]

[ QUOTE ]
Money and Titles from R&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.

[sYc]

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