Classic car auction in Naples raising money for charity

A one-of-a-kind collection of hot rods is on display in Naples ahead of Friday’s 85-collector and vintage car auction.

People love old vintage cars for the sound or the look, but there’s another reason to love the ones up for auction in Naples. They will help raise money for a good cause.

Car collectors are looking under the hood, inside, and all around. Each one hopes to find the right ride to take them back in time.

Ric Struthers is one of those people. “I like the nostalgia of the cars and reminisce back to when I had some of these early 50s and 60s cars in my household, and we enjoyed growing up around them.”

“I just love old cars. My parents had a friend with a huge 1930s Rolls Royce. And I remember seeing that when I was about eight years old. And I just fell in love with it,” said car collector Bill Longley.

Longley has hung on his 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC for more than 25 years. Now he’s prepared to let it go for a hefty price.

A whopping $600,000.

“They don’t make these old cars anymore, and they’re a very good investment,” said Longly.

Longley will make money at Friday’s auction, but so will two local charities.

Ultimate Garages will donate the 10% premium it takes to St. Matthews’ House and the Saratoga Auto Museum.

Jim Buonavolonta, president of Ultimate Garages, said, “it’s a great way that we can help the community give back.”

Bill Curry, vice president of development at St. Matthew’s House, said the money raised will be well spent. “Providing shelter for folks who are experiencing homelessness, food for folks who are experiencing food insecurity, and then also helps provide tuition for folks who are battling addiction in our 12-month residential program.”

The car auction is part of St. Matthew’s house’s biggest fundraiser, the automotive experience.

If you want to attend the auction, it costs $100 for general admission or $200 if you want the option to bid on one of the cars. Visit the Saratoga Auto Museum’s website to register to bid or buy a spectator ticket.

The auction will take place at Ultimate Garages on Terrace Ave. in Naples.