1934 Ford Custom Sedan, Formerly Owned by Eddie Van Halen, Ignites the Stage at Russo and Steele's 3rd Annual Newport Beach Collector Automobile Auction

    NEWPORT BEACH, CA, May 18, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- For 1934, Ford blanketed much of the American automobile market, offering strong V-8 power and a wide range of no fewer than 12 distinct passenger-car models to the buying public. Ranging from basic coupes, roadsters and two-door sedans to more luxurious and well-appointed cabriolets, convertible sedans and four-door sedans, Ford had put high-quality automobiles within reach of ordinary Americans with low prices and rock-solid reliability.

Perhaps the biggest part of Ford's success story from the 1930s to today was the company's styling prowess. Pioneered by Henry Ford's son Edsel, an immensely talented and creative designer, who collaborated closely with Eugene T. "Bob" Gregorie, who translated Mr. Ford's vision into physical reality, Ford's design studios set the standard for the industry and the world. Both men also shared an affinity for nautical design principles, which added streamlined flair, uncanny balance, and a sense of speed even while sitting still to Ford's "value-priced" models of the era. Accordingly, all Fords of the 1930s, especially the 1934 models with their beautifully raked and V-shaped grilles and wonderful proportions, continue to provide the perfect canvas for customizers, hot rodders, and racers in California, a trend that continues uninterrupted today.

This '34 Ford custom sedan was built during the 1990s and previously owned by world-famous guitar legend Eddie Van Halen, who began rocking his native Pasadena during the 1970s and went on to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame by 2007. A solid, obviously well-built custom ride, the '34 features 4-door sedan bodywork with shaved door handles for a clean and smooth overall presence, finished in rich red paint and very well complemented by a striking tan cloth interior. Power seats, power windows, Ice Cold AC and of course, a killer audio system, heighten the experience delivered by this outstanding '34. Ample motivation is delivered by a hot B&M-supercharged Chevy 350 V-8 engine, topped with polished and billet goodies and mated to a new GM 700R4 four-speed overdrive automatic transmission. Underpinnings include fully independent suspension with full Jaguar IRS system. Excellent supporting items include plenty of braided-stainless hoses underhood and a custom full-stainless exhaust system. Rolling on a set of Halibrand-style Real wheels and continuing to exemplify the term "Hot Rod," this ex-Eddie Van Halen '34 Ford is offered complete with a guitar signed by members of the legendary band Van Halen.

Russo and Steele's 3rd annual Newport Beach auction event takes place June 5th-7th at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. Auction previews run daily from 9:00 AM Thursday June 4 through Sunday June 7, and be sure to contact us for advance bidder registration and accommodations. For updated information regarding our Newport Beach '15 auction and the exciting selection of featured collector automobiles we are busy assembling, visit our website at www.russoandsteele.com.

About Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions:
For Enthusiasts by Enthusiasts . It's not just a tagline - it's our lifestyle! As one of the nation's premier collector-car auction houses, Russo and Steele celebrates its 15th Anniversary in 2015 and continues to innovate, set new records, and attract clients worldwide. In addition to offering stellar collector automobiles, our thrilling "auction in the round" experience and passion are simply not unattainable anywhere else. Auctions include our signature event in Scottsdale, Arizona every January, followed by Newport Beach, California in June, and Monterey, California in August.

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