Horse Power Letter Spring 2017

In the movies they say, “Action!” But at SAM we say, “Auction!” It has been officially announced that the Saratoga Automobile Museum will host our own auction. The Saratoga Auto Auction will take place September 22 & 23, 2017. The person most important to the success of the auction is our Auction Director, Jeff Whiteside. He resides right here in Saratoga. Jeff formerly worked for RM Auctions as the Chief Financial Officer. In his role with RM, he was able to learn the ropes of the auction world and bring his expertise to the Saratoga Automobile Museum, and it has paid dividends as Jeff has consigned some tremendous cars to the auction to date. If you would like to consign a car or become a bidder contact Jeff at jeff.whiteside@saratogaautomuseum.org.

There are many reasons why we took on this exciting endeavor. Hosting an auto auction will elevate the status of the Museum on a local and regional level. The event will bring in the necessary funds for the Museum to think strategically instead of reactionary. The Museum will use the additional funds to expand the Distracted Driving Initiative and educational programming. In looking to the future, the Museum would like a permanent space for a restoration/education shop. The auto auction allows the Museum to achieve long term goals, like a restoration shop, through the creation of an endowment and a reserve fund. As the Museum grows, other opportunities will present themselves, and we will be able to consider those opportunities with better financial means.
The Saratoga Auto Auction will be held on the stage at SPAC. This wonderful venue in the historic Saratoga Spa State Park seats over 5,000 people, with more space available on the lawn. Staging of the cars will begin earlier in the week under the 17,000 square foot tent used by the Wine & Food Festival. Under the tent, bidders and the general public will be able to view the cars consigned to the auction before they go on stage. We selected the name “Saratoga Auto Auction” to illustrate that we are auctioning cars from 1900 to 2017 and will include classic and modern cars. You may see a car from 1905 followed by one from 2017. There will also be a large spectrum of price ranges. For example, a 1957 Buick Special could go for $12,000, while a 1957 Chrysler 300 could go for $150,000. Our goal is to have something that the average person could afford, while showcasing exclusive cars that could garner high end bidding excitement.
One of the most important pieces to hosting the auction is volunteer support. We need approximately 80 volunteers a day for the two day auction. There will be multiple volunteer opportunities available including seating spectators and prepping cars. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Holly Hullfish at holy@saratogaautomuseum.org.
More information will follow on the sale of bidder’s packets and tickets for the general public to observe the excitement. Food and alcohol will be served at the auction. Vendors from the automotive industry will also be present.
We are excited about the auction and hope you will join us as a volunteer, bidder, consigner or a spectator.
Jim Letts

Executive Director