When construction magnate Ron Pratte decided to part ways with his legendary garage, the collector car community stopped in its tracks. Few automotive assemblies match the historical significance, meticulous restoration standard, and sheer financial scale of what came to be known simply as the Ron Pratte Collection. Comprising hundreds of pristine vehicles and thousands of pieces of automobilia, the entire portfolio crossed the auction block at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, fetching a staggering total of over forty million dollars.
Unlike casual accumulators who buy based on impulse, Pratte operated with the eye of a curator and the patience of a master restorer. Every vehicle in his Arizona warehouse received meticulous care to ensure showroom authenticity or flawless custom execution. Understanding this collection requires looking past the multi-million dollar price tags to examine the specific machines that defined an era of American automotive culture.
The Crown Jewels of the Garage
Every legendary collection has standout pieces that capture public imagination, and Pratte's garage housed several one-of-a-kind automotive unicorns. These vehicles weren't just rare; they represented watershed moments in design, engineering, and pop culture history.
The 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake
Shelby American built only two original 427 Competition roadsters converted into semi-facelifted street-legal Super Snakes. One was famously wrecked, leaving Pratte's acquisition as the sole surviving model. Featuring twin Paxton superchargers bolted onto a fierce 427 cubic-inch V8, this machine pushed roughly eight hundred horsepower. When it crossed the auction block, it commanded an astonishing $5.1 million, reflecting its unmatched status in muscle car lore.
The 1950 GM Futurliner
As part of General Motors' famous Parade of Progress tour, twelve custom Futurliners were built to showcase future technology across America. Only a handful survived the decades. Pratte acquired one of the most thoroughly restored examples in existence, featuring its original aviation-inspired cockpit and side-display panels. It later sold for $4 million during a high-profile charity auction benefiting the Armed Forces Foundation, setting a benchmark for heavy commercial concept vehicles.
The 1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special
Designed under the direction of Harley Earl for the GM Motorama circuit, the Bonneville Special was a fiberglass-bodied dream car meant to test public appetite for American sports cars. With its low-slung stance, bubble windshield, and sleek rear deck, it looked like a spaceship built for the highway. Pratte preserved this masterpiece in factory-correct metallic green before sending it to a new home for $3.3 million.
Rare Muscle and Coachbuilt Masterpieces
Beyond the multimillion-dollar headliners, the collection featured deep dives into American muscle, hot rods, and coachbuilt rarities. Pratte didn't just chase badges; he hunted down specific serial numbers and unique drivetrain configurations that enthusiasts spent decades tracking.
- 1969 Chevrolet Yenko Chevelle: Out of a tiny production run, Pratte owned a rare variant equipped with a factory column-shift setup, blending sleeper subtlety with heavy-duty 427 power.
- 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429: Maintained with its matching-numbers NASCAR-derived semi-hemispherical engine intact, representing the absolute peak of factory Ford muscle performance.
- 1958 Plymouth Fury "Christine": Built using parts salvaged from vehicles used in the cinematic adaptation of Stephen King's horror novel, this iconic red-and-white cruiser brought a touch of silver-screen menace to the warehouse floor.
Why Did the Collection Sell?
For years, spectators wondered how large the collection might grow before Pratte finally hit pause. In mid-2014, the announcement dropped that every single vehicle and automobilia sign would be liquidated.
Pratte never offered a single, definitive public explanation for the sale, choosing to maintain the private demeanor he held throughout his collecting years. Industry insiders pointed to the sheer logistical challenge of maintaining over one hundred museum-quality vehicles, alongside a desire to let a new generation of stewards experience the thrill of ownership. The move effectively restructured the high-end collector market, proving that single-owner provenance can drive historic auction results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the entire Ron Pratte Collection sell for?
The total sales figures for the vehicles and thousands of accompanying automobilia lots surpassed $40.44 million during the January 2015 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale event.
Did Ron Pratte build the cars himself?
No, Pratte sourced vehicles from elite builders, estate sales, and previous high-profile auctions. However, he funded extensive, uncompromising restorations to elevate them to elite exhibition standards.
What happened to the automobilia portion of the collection?
Before the main vehicle auction days, Pratte auctioned off over 1,600 pieces of vintage neon signs, gas pumps, and garage memorabilia, setting a world record for an automobilia-only catalog.
Are any of these cars still displayed together today?
No. The dispersal distributed the collection across private international garages and museums, meaning they are now held by separate private owners worldwide.
