RM Presents The Astor Collection

The curtain will rise on an epic collection of vintage automobiles and memorabilia, June 27th to 29th as RM Auctions presents the esteemed private collection of Mr. Art Astor.

A California native and 50 year broadcasting veteran, Astor is a renowned entrepreneur and passionate collector, having built one of the country’s most impressive and diverse collections of vintage automobiles and pre and postwar memorabilia.

Encompassing over 250 vehicles, Astor’s remarkable fleet of classic cars is the result of over thirty years of dedicated acquisition. Highlighted by various American models from the 1920s through 1970s, the collection features a comprehensive selection of original, low mileage examples, including various magnificent ‘woodies’, and one of the largest collections of Packards ever offered. The cars are presented in top operating condition, with Astor himself regularly taking most to the road.

In addition to the cars, the Astor Collection also boasts an extensive range of rare and highly desirable memorabilia, including one of the world’s finest collections of early radios, telephones, televisions and microphones, all in working condition. Also offered at this ‘no-reserve’ auction is an eclectic variety of Art Deco furniture, decor and automobilia.

As Astor prepares to downsize his collection this summer, some 250 vintage automobiles from the collection will cross the auction block, along with some 1100 lots of memorabilia. The three-day auction event, which will kick off on June 27th through June 29th, will be held in Anaheim, California.

“The Astor Collection is perhaps one of the most diverse, highly original and extremely well maintained collections of its kind ever offered to the public,” said Ian Kelleher, Managing Director of RM Auctions.

“Those that have been fortunate to visit the museum over the years can attest to the significance and importance of this great American collection” he added.

Highlighting the automobile line-up are a range of cars with celebrity provenance, including a remarkable 1940 Cadillac Series 75 Formal Sedan, built for American aviator and industrialist Howard Hughes; a restored 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Playboy Roadster, purchased new by silent film star Tom Mix; and an ultra-rare 1957 Chrysler 300C Convertible, formerly owned by musician Richard Carpenter and displayed in his ‘Yesterday Once More’ museum collection.

Additional highlights include a stately, one-of-a-kind 1948 Hudson Limousine by Derham, the personal limousine of Roy Chapin, former President of the Hudson Motor Company; a professionally restored, multi-award winning 1939 Packard Model 1705 Sedanca DeVille with a fascinating World War II history; and a 1941 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Sedan, converted to military standards and delivered to the US Navy for use by US Admirals Kimmel and Nimitz.

For further information on this auction event, please visit www.rmauctions.com.

WHEN/WHERE: The Astor Collection – June 27th to 29th, 2008 Anaheim, California

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: For further information, please call 1-519-352-4575 or visit www.rmauctions.com.