Press Releases

Fifth Annual Saratoga Motorcar Auction set for September 24 and 25 in Saratoga Springs
New York’s only classic and collector car auction to feature over 300 lots

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (Sept. 22, 2021) – The Fifth Annual Saratoga Motorcar Auction will be held on Friday, Sept. 24 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s (SPAC) west-lot on route 50 in Saratoga Springs, New York. Over 300 collectible vehicles plus automobilia will be available for bid.

"We are excited to have a vast array of excellent vehicles for our fifth year," said Dan Ritopecki, Auction Director, "The fact that we have such diversity amongst our consignments shows that we are gaining even more credibility and trust in the auction industry in the past five years." said Ritopecki.

Notable consignments include a rare 1941 Packard 120 Woody, a 19,000-mile 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, a limited production run, 1956 Arnolt Bristol roadster, and a 2017 Ford Shelby GT350 among others.

"Each year the Auction gets bigger and better, and this year is going to be spectacular." said Carly Connors, Executive Director, "Our annual auction is meant to be a fun and engaging way to support the Museum through a passion for collector cars. We are excited to welcome back spectators for this year’s event, an important piece that was missing in 2020 due to the pandemic."

There will be an Auction preview day on Thursday, Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. which is open and free of charge to the public. Spectator tickets for Auction days are $20 per person, per day, and will be on-sale at the entrance gate. Free parking is available in SPAC’s east-lot on route 50 with Auction site access via the route 50 pedestrian bridge.

The Saratoga Motorcar Auction is the largest, annual fundraiser presented by, and in support of, the Saratoga Automobile Museum, a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit institution.

There will be opportunities to bid in person, online, over the phone, or via proxy.

Questions about the 2021 Auction or current consignments can be made by calling Dan Ritopecki at (518) 369-1000, or by emailing dan@saratogaautomuseum.org

 

 

Saratoga Automobile Museum welcomes new Deputy Auction Director
Dan Ritopecki joins the Museum team as new deputy auction director

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (Mar. 4, 2021) –The Saratoga Automobile Museum is proud to announce Dan Ritopecki has been hired as the new deputy auction director.

Ritopecki’s background, diverse experience and automotive knowledge is anticipated to strengthen and enhance the Saratoga Motorcar Auction, the largest annual fundraiser for the Saratoga Automobile Museum.

“We are fortunate to be able to add this level of firepower to our annual Auction,” said Bill Windham, auction director. “Dan has been a volunteer at the last four auctions, he understands our procedures, the massive effort it takes, he knows automobiles inside and out and most importantly he knows and understands our clients.”

Ritopecki, a New York City native, attended St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y. and holds a B.A. in American government and politics. He has been an integral part of running his family-owned and operated automotive dealership and repair shop located in Fulton County for more than 30 years.

The 2021 Saratoga Motorcar Auction will take place on Friday, September 24 and Saturday, September 25, 2021 on the grounds of the Saratoga Spa State Park.

To consign a vehicle for the 2021 Auction, contact Bill Windham at (518) 587–1935 or by email at bill.windham@saratogaautomuseum.org or contact Dan Ritopecki at (518) 369–1000 or by email at dan@saratogaautomuseum.org.

For more information about the Saratoga Motorcar Auction, visit saratogamotorcarauction.org.

 

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Fourth Annual Saratoga Motorcar Auction reaches $3.7 million in sales

Auction achieves 70 percent sell-through rate in its fourth year; bolsters Saratoga Automobile Museum and its education initiatives

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (Sept. 23, 2020) – The Saratoga Automobile Museum has announced that the Saratoga Motorcar Auction, sold $3.7 million in vehicles and automobile memorabilia. The Auction took place on the grounds of the Saratoga Spa State Park on Saturday, Sept. 19.

“The Saratoga Motorcar Auction remains a tremendous undertaking and its success could not have been realized without the incredible partners and sponsors that the Museum has been able to attract,” said Kevin Biebel, Chairman of the Museum’s Board of Trustees. “Bravo to the entire staff and team of volunteers at the Saratoga Automobile Museum for putting together another world-class auction. In just four short years, this annual event has become a major attraction for car collectors and automotive enthusiasts alike.”

The Auction serves as the Museum’s major annual fundraiser. Proceeds from the Auction supports the Museum’s Safe Driving Initiatives, including the Distracted Driving Safety Program, a program that reaches nearly 25,000 students annually. Auction proceeds also support the Museum’s evolving exhibition programming.

“This year’s Auction further solidified the Saratoga Motorcar Auction’s standing among the national auction houses,” said Bill Windham, auction director. “The increased quality of consignments and the volume of online and phone bidders this year was incredible.”

Total sales were $3.7 million. The sell-through rate for the Auction was 70 percent, a substantial increase year-over-year, despite the fact that this year’s Auction was reduced in scope and length due to COVID-19 restrictions.

With NYS safety protocols enacted, which included closing the event to spectators, the Auction pulled in over 11,000 online spectators to watch the day-long event.

“The success of this Auction, in the midst of a global pandemic, is a massive win for the future of the Museum’s initiatives,” said Carly Connors, executive director. “I cannot thank our staff, volunteers, consignors and bidders enough for following all NYS and CDC safety guidelines to make our event successful and safe.”

Top sellers at the Auction included:

1958 Plymouth Fury “Christine” movie car: $275,000

2011 Porsche 911 Speedster: $239,000

1970 Porsche 914/6: $137,500

1959 Chevrolet Impala: $115,500

1931 Pierce Arrow Model 42 Phaeton: $82,500 (all proceeds benefiting the Saratoga Automobile Museum)

The 2021 Saratoga Motorcar Auction will take place on Sept. 24 and 25, 2021 on the grounds of the Saratoga Spa State Park. 
 
To consign a vehicle for the 2021 Auction, contact Bill Windham at (518) 587-1935 or by email at bill.windham@saratogaautomuseum.org.