Posted on USAtoday.com on January 25, 2010
The show must go on, but many owners of classic cars who had hoped to be counting up their profits from a big auction were instead assessing the scratches and dents as a result of damage from a tent collapse during a windstorm in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Winds were so intense Friday night at the Russo & Steele Auction, one of several classic car sales in the swanky town over the weekend including Barrett-Jackson, that an 800-foot tent blew on to the adjacent Loop 101 freeway.
Tent poles crashed into the classic cars being inspected by potential buyers, causing what the Arizona Republic reported was more than $1.5 million in damage to cars.
Among the more painful sights: A 1913 White Gentleman's Roadster was struck by a pole. The New York Times' Wheels blog reported that a DeTomaso Pantera was crushed. While the incident was tough on the car, it's amazing there were no serious injuries either in the tent or on the freeway.
Hot Rod Shop Offers the Right Stuff" - Online article by Hagerty Insurance