1929 Minerva Model AK Coupe Chauffeur by Hibbard & Darrin. Photo by: RM Sotheby’s
January in Arizona is an exciting time for car collectors, as Arizona Car Week kicks off with multiple auctions and events taking place in the mild winter climate. Near the base of Piestewa Peak mountain is the luxurious Arizona Biltmore resort, which will once again set the stage for one of the most highly anticipated collector car auctions of the year.
The RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2025 event, now in its 27th year, features a spectacular showcase of automobiles, from pre-war antiques to modern day supercars.
Event Details
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable experience:
- Free Preview Day: January 23, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Auction Start: January 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM
The Arizona Biltmore’s elegant ambiance provides the perfect backdrop for this prestigious event, which will feature a catalog of 92 exceptional vehicles. From vintage classics to rare collector’s items, this auction is a must-see for car enthusiasts, collectors, and historians alike.
A Highlighted Collection: The Janet Cussler Cars
Headlining this year’s auction is the offering of 32 antique and pre-war vehicles from the personal collection of Janet Cussler. These remarkable cars are a testament to the legacy of her late husband, Clive Cussler, a renowned novelist and passionate car collector.
Clive Cussler (1931-2020) was a literary giant, best known for his thrilling adventure novels. Over his prolific career, he penned more than 80 books that captivated readers worldwide. Beyond his writing, Cussler had a passion for classic cars, amassing an impressive collection of pre-war and 1950s automobiles. With over 150 vehicles in total, the bulk of his collection resides at the Cussler Museum in Arvada, Colorado, now managed by his children.
After Clive’s passing, Janet Cussler, his devoted wife and partner since their marriage in 2008, has chosen to part with a selection of vehicles from their Arizona home. These 32 vehicles, each with its own unique story, will take center stage at RM Sotheby’s Arizona auction, offering a rare glimpse into the couple’s shared passion for automotive history.
What to Expect
This year’s auction catalog reflects the diversity and richness of automotive design through the ages. Whether you’re drawn to the craftsmanship of antique cars, the innovation of pre-war models, or the enduring charm of 1950s classics, this event is sure to have something for everyone.
The free preview day on January 23 provides an opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in the collection, appreciating the intricate details and storied pasts of these iconic vehicles. For serious collectors, the auction on January 24 is a chance to bring home a piece of history.
The Janet Cussler Car Collection
- 1869 Western Concord-Style Stagecoach Recreation
- 1903 Oldsmobile Model R ‘Curved-Dash’ Runabout
- 1906 Packard Model S Touring
- 1907 Cadillac Model M Touring
- 1908 Columbus Autobuggy
- 1910 Buick Model 10 Touring
- 1911 Ford Model T Runabout
- 1911 Pierce-Arrow Model 66-A Runabout
- 1911 REO Thirty Touring
- 1914 Chevrolet Series H-2 ‘Royal Mail’ Roadster
- 1914 Renault Type EF Town Car by Locke
- 1916 Pierce-Arrow Model 48-B-4 Touring
- 1917 Cadillac Type 55 Victoria
- 1919 Kissel Model 6-45 Speedster
- 1919 Locomobile Model 48, Series 6 Town Car by Demarest
- 1921 Mercer Series 5 Sporting
- 1921 Wills Sainte Claire A-68 Touring
- 1922 Cunningham V4 Town Limousine
- 1923 Jewett Model 18-22 Special Touring
- 1923 Stutz Speedway Four Roadster
- 1927 Cadillac V-8 Sport Phaeton by Fisher
- 1929 Minerva Model AK Coupe Chauffeur by Hibbard & Darrin
- 1929 Packard 640 Custom Eight Phaeton
- 1930 Cadillac V-16 All-Weather Phaeton by Fleetwood
- 1930 Packard 740 Custom Eight Sport Phaeton
- 1931 Cadillac V-12 Touring by Fleetwood
- 1931 Ford Model A DeLuxe Roadster
- 1932 Lincoln Model KB Dual-Cowl Sport Phaeton
- 1936 Packard 1407 Twelve Five-Passenger Coupe
- 1937 Chrysler Airflow Eight Sedan
- 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged ‘Sportsman’ Cabriolet
- 1939 Lincoln-Zephyr Three-Window Coupe
Join the Legacy
RM Sotheby’s Arizona auction has long been a hallmark event of Arizona Car Week. This year, the Janet Cussler Collection presents a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to see and appreciate the beauty of these vehicles, as well as celebrate the lives and passions of those who cherished them.
Whether you’re an avid collector, a casual enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the artistry of classic automobiles, the 2025 Arizona auction is an event not to be missed. Join RM Sotheby’s at the Arizona Biltmore for an extraordinary journey through automotive history and design.
For more information and to view the full catalog, visit RM Sotheby’s website. We’ll see you in Phoenix for a celebration of automotive excellence and enduring legacy.
