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Auction PR Publicity Announcements News and Information

The Astor Collection at RM Auctions

Discerning collectors will have a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of Hollywood’s Golden Age when the esteemed private collection of renowned radio magnate, Art Astor, crosses the auction block in June.

A Californian native with over 50 years in Southern California broadcasting, Art Astor is a renowned entrepreneur and passionate collector, having built one of the country’s most impressive and diverse collections of vintage automobiles and memorabilia.

Encompassing over 280 vehicles, his remarkable fleet of classic motor 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 in the area. In pristine condition, the majority remain in working condition, with Astor himself regularly taking them to the road.

In addition to the cars, the Astor Collection also boasts an extensive range of rare and highly sought memorabilia, including one of the world’s largest collections of early radios and telephones, a diverse microphone collection – all in working condition, and an outstanding assortment of Art Deco furniture 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 27 through June 29, will be held at the renowned Astor Classics Event Musuem in Anaheim, California.

“At RM Auctions, we are delighted Art Astor has entrusted us with the task of auctioning his magnificent collection,” says Ian Kelleher, Managing Director of RM Auction.

“It is perhaps one of the most diverse, highly original and extremely well maintained collections we have had the privilege of offering, and the auction is set to offer many exciting and exclusive ownership opportunities for discerning collectors.”

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 Tom Mix, famous cowboy actor of the late 1920s and 1930s; and an ultra-rare 1957 Chrysler 300C Convertible, formerly owned by 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, American automaker and once President of the Hudson Motor Company; a professionally restored, multi-award winning 1939 Packard Model Sedanca DeVille with a fascinating World War II history; a 1941 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Sedan, specially built for the US Navy and converted to military standards, prior to use US Admirals Kimmel and Nimitz; and a custom 1955 Chrysler 300C, which was delivered new to NASCAR.

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

WHEN/WHERE: The Astor Collection – June 27 to 29, 2008 Astor Classics Event Center 1045 S East St Anaheim, CA 92805