Paul Russell and Company
Sales Retrospective
1949 Ferrari Barchetta 166 MM
The coachwork for this first of the road-going Ferraris was designed and built at Carlo Felice “Cici” Anderloni’s Carrozzeria Touring workshop. When Alex suggested that his client purchase this Barchetta, it was during a low point in the Ferrari market. Thanks to his timely advice, the owners have been able to purchase and fully restore this car for less than what an unrestored example would cost them today. Click here for more on this car.
1960 Porsche RS-60 Spyder
At a dealership in California, Alex happened upon this wonderful original, unrestored Spyder. He immediately called one of his clients to say, “Trust me. You should buy this car”. It turned out to be of remarkable value, as Alex’s research discovered that this racecar had placed first in its class in 12 out of 17 starts before being put away in the 1960s. The original engine, rebuilt by Bill Doyle, was still in its crate awaiting installation. We reinstalled that engine and recreated the original seats in preparation for vintage road rally events.
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe
Adrian Conan Doyle, son of the Sherlock Holmes creator, special ordered this silver-violet coupe, the only one to be painted this color by the factory. Though the body was painted white when Alex found it, during disassembly a sample of the original paint color was discovered under the handles on the dashboard. The new owner has so enjoyed the restoration process that, after a bit of showing and touring with this gullwing, he is considering having a roadster done for his wife.
1955 Jaguar D-Type
Alex was one of the first brokers to be called when, due to financial difficulties, this fully restored car became available. His contacts know that his clients are sincere collectors who are prepared to respond in a timely manner. The new owners of this short nose version have since enjoyed over 2,000 miles of road rallies. In 1996 they joined Jaguar’s Commemorative D-Type Cavalcade, driving their D-Type from Coventry, England to LeMans, France in celebration of Jaguar’s victories at LeMans in 1955, 1956 and 1957.
1955 Porsche 550 Spyder
The 550 Spyder was raced by the factory and sold to the general public. For the past 20+ years we have had the honor of preserving this wonderfully original car. Since purchasing it in the mid 1950s and driving it in the occasional hill climb or road rally, the owner became interested in acquiring a touring class car. Alex was happy to accommodate, arranging a tax-free exchange of the Porsche for a 1959 BMW 507 plus two other cars.
1966 Ferrari 275 GTS
After locating this Ferrari GTS for our client, we detailed the engine bay while performing the necessary mechanical service; duplicated the original convertible top; rechromed a few trim pieces; and stripped and repainted the body. Components in excellent condition, such as the drivetrain and the original seats, were retained. It has since gone on to win Best of Show at the 2001 Museum of Transportation's Tutto Italiano.
Alex Finigan, our Sales Manager, has handled the acquisition or sale of many of the great classics, including the Mercedes-Benz SS and 540K Special Roadster, plus the 300 SL, 300 S and SC; the Ferrari 275, 166, and California Spyder; Porsche Spyder and Speedster; Jaguar D-Type; and the BMW 507, among others. For assistance with finding or selling your classic car, call Alex at 978-768-6092 or contact him via .
“Alex Finigan recalls struggling to contain his excitement when
finding great automobiles in the most unlikely surroundings.”
Phil Llewellin
“Finders of Keepers”
Automobile Magazine