Paul Andrews Car Collection Offered by RM Auctions

RM Auctions will offer the Paul and Chris Andrews Car Collection during a single-vendor sale on April 30th to May 2nd, 2015 in Fort Worth, Texas. A total of 75 automobiles will cross the auction block, all offered without reserve.

The Andrews Collection represents years of acquisition by lifelong enthusiast and successful entrepreneur, Paul Andrews, and his son Chris, an accomplished artist and businessman in his own right. The father and son’s shared passion for the hobby and dedication to preserving automotive history is apparent when touring their museum. It is also reflected in a collecting philosophy, which has seen them actively research every acquisition, nurture relationships with experts in a variety of marques and genres, as well as commission work from top craftsmen and restorers.

Ultimately however, all the activity surrounding the collection has proven to be challenging and time consuming for the Andrews. Aside from the mechanical work required to keep the cars in superb shape, their museum is used multiple times each year for a variety of charity events in Fort Worth. Add to that family and professional commitments (Paul sold his company in 2007 although is yet to retire), and the result is a near round-the-clock endeavor, which takes them away from that which brings them the most joy. This is best summarized by Paul, “When you get down to it, the most fun you can have in a car is using it how it’s meant to be used…on the road.”

It is this statement that has guided the collection over the years and is also behind RM Auctions’ upcoming sale on May 2, 2015, an event planned to help the family pare down the collection to a more manageable level. The collection will be available for preview on April 30 and May 1 ahead of the sale.

“We want to get down to a smaller number of cars – perhaps 15 to 20 – that we very much enjoy driving and that we can use on events with the family. There are a number of events we’d still like to try overseas and here in the United States, and in order to do that, we need to focus on a more manageable collection,” said Chris.

In total, the RM Andrews Collection sale will lift the gavel on a roster of 75 motor cars, joined by a wide assortment of memorabilia. All lots will be offered without reserve, selling to the highest bidder.

The automobile offering includes a group of hot rods, a selection of American classics and sports and GT cars, each vehicle is among the best of its kind, and has been expertly maintained by a team of specialists. Included among a long list of highlights slated for the sale are:

1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Town Car, engine no. J-553, one of the most outrageous and ornate of all Duesenbergs, penned with actress Mae West in mind though ultimately delivered new to candy-making heiress and horse racing legend, Ethel V. Mars;
Covered headlight 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica SWB Cabriolet, chassis no. 3309 SA, the last of seven examples bodied by Pininfarina and displayed as a factory show car at the Geneva and New York Auto Shows in 1962; and,
1963 Shelby 289 Competition Cobra, CSX 2011, the first Cobra racing car sold to the public and one of three factory competition examples.

“We’re honored to have been selected by Paul and Chris Andrews to present their collection. I’ve known Paul and Chris for many years and their collection comprises some of the finest and rarest cars the hobby has ever seen – cars of amazing provenance, restoration, preservation and true driving pleasure,” said Rob Myers, Chairman and Founder, RM Auctions. “What is particularly special about their group of motor cars is their extraordinary quality and presentation. Paul and Chris have not only built one of the world’s leading collections, but have curated it in such a way that ensures each car is on the button and ready for any rally or driving event. It is, without question, one of the finest collections we’ve had the privilege of offering.”

In addition to the automobiles, the Andrews Car Collection catalogue will feature an assortment of memorabilia, including some neon and porcelain signs, a variety of handmade model cars and a selection of mechanical musical instruments and rare mascots.

Further information on the Andrews Collection sale will be available in early 2015.

A short video with commentary from Paul and Chris Andrews is available for viewing here: