Hartung collection to go to auction

[Dog427435]

<span style="font-size: 17pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">Hartung collection to go to auction
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From Hemmings Blog





Photo by Darin Schabel, courtesy Auctions America / RM Auctions
Lee Roy Hartung was, by many accounts, a hard man to know. His renowned collection in suburban Chicago had little to no organization to it and was more or less open by appointment only. Yet collector-car insiders around the world recognized it for a genuine effort at preserving history and at curating some unique vehicles. Word came to us earlier this year that Hartung died back in May, and now Auctions America by RM has announced that his collection will go up for auction in November.
Contrary to reports published years ago (and which Hartung denied) that he would bulldoze the collection into a big hole dug on his property, the collection – amassed over five decades – remains intact and includes everything from motorcycles, bicycles and license plates to Model As, a unique twin-grille Lincoln, a Spohn-bodied BMW Veritas and an Edwards.









Geoff Hacker visited with Hartung a few years back and kindly sent along these photos from his visit, including the one above showing that, despite appearances, Hartung’s collection was fairly well organized and curated.









The auction will take place November 3-5 in Glenview. From RM’s press release:
Auctions America by RM in partnership with RM Auctions announced today it will lift the gavel on one of the Chicago area’s best known treasures, the famous Lee Roy Hartung Collection, during a multi-day sale in Glenview, Illinois, November 3 – 5, 2011.
Well-known to collectors around the world, the Hartung Collection was amassed over five decades by the late Mr. Lee Roy Hartung for display in his private museum. From motor cars to motorcycles, bicycles, license plates and other vintage memorabilia, the amazing collection is comprised of items Hartung acquired locally, many from within a 15-mile radius of his Glenview location.
Following his passing in May 2011, Hartung’s impressive collection will be offered ‘without reserve’ in November, presenting a unique range of ownership opportunities for those looking to continue his amazing legacy. In fact, in Lee Roy’s own words and sentiments, he always viewed himself as a caretaker to the items in his collection, and he anticipated its dispersal to appreciative collectors greatly.
“Lee Roy Hartung was the ultimate collector with an incredible passion for history and a remarkable eye for originality,” says Rob Myers, Chairman &amp; Founder, RM Auctions and Auctions America by RM.
“We are honored to have been entrusted with the sale of his vast collection. In terms of its originality and diversity, it is unmatched, presenting a true treasure chest and range of exclusive ownership opportunities for the savvy collector,” Myers adds.
For the motoring enthusiast, the collection is highlighted by a wonderful series of highly-original motor cars, from a rare and exquisite BMW Veritas Convertible with a Spohn body to a thoroughbred Edwards that won two races in its class at Pebble Beach, as well as an amazing collection of Ford Model T, Model A and V-8 motor cars, many presented in all-original untouched condition.
Those with an affinity for classic two-wheelers will appreciate the collection’s outstanding series of vintage motorcycles, including an all-original 1911 Pope, a 1912 Sears Twin and a time-warp 1913 Flying Merkel Twin, which with its original paint and lettering is believed to be one of the most original examples in existence. Beyond motorized vehicles, Hartung was also known for his avid love of bicycles, which like almost everything in the collection remain in time-warp, original condition. Highlights include a like-new 1934 Iver Johnson, an Elgin Bluebird and a Schwinn Aerocycle.
For the mechanical engineering enthusiast, the collection boasts a large assortment of NOS Ford parts, highlighted by Ford “Speed Equipment,” including heads, carburetors and upgrade kits, many of which have never been used.
Rounding out the collection is an diverse assortment of other collectibles including:
* an extensive collection of hit and miss engines
* vintage outboard motors
* vintage toys and antiques
* aircraft engines
* promotional models
* automotive mascots and motometers
* automotive badges and emblems
* political buttons and ephemera
* porcelain signs and advertising
* typewriters and housewares
* fire and law enforcement memorabilia, and
* petroliana and gas pumps.




Be ssure to check out thr YouTube tours!!

Tour 1



Tour 2


Tour 3

[mockingbird812]

RIP Mr. Hartung. Man looks tuff and he keeps his &quot;muscle&quot; close at hand. Very interesting collection. Thanks Dog!

[Rixls6]

Wow!
Gotta be at that auction, and right in my back yard.

[Xplantdad]

That's cool as heck (and looks like Crumbly's garage...LOL)

Thanks for sharing [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img]

[Rixls6]

The guy on the left in the last picture looks like &quot;Crash&quot; , but dressed as a biker guy. What you say Eric?

[Bill Pritchard]

That last picture looks like something you'd see on &quot;American Pickers&quot; [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/haha.gif[/img]

[1969z280]

Those two guys look like they would make Mike &amp; Frank cry, run or both! Great photo.. Great collection!

[x Baldwin Motion]

I just want a framed copy of this photo. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif[/img]

Rest in Peace Mr. Hartung, cool collection.