Russo and Steele auction remains closed

The Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auction remained closed on Saturday as work crews continued to asses damage and clean up from high winds that destroyed two tents at the auction site in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Thursday night.

In a message posted on the Russo and Steele Web site, CEO Drew Alcazar said he would meet with consignors of the cars at the auction on Saturday morning. He added that the auction would remain closed on Saturday but that Russo and Steele would work to hold auction sessions on Sunday and Monday.

Alcazar said the auction site would not reopen to the public until it was approved by Scottsdale city officials.

During the storm on Thursday night, an 800-foot long tent broke loose from its anchors and blew onto a nearby freeway. Metal poles from the tent hit and damaged cars, while open-top cars at the auction received water damage from the rain.

Cars at the auction site received an estimated $1.5 million in damage, according to local media reports.

Other auto auctions in the Phoenix area--Barrett-Jackson, RM and Gooding and Co.--continued their sales on schedule.

By Dale Jewett