Milestone to Auction 'King of Hershey' Charlie Schalebaum's Legacy Collection of Cars, Automobilia & Antiques, Oct. 14

WILLOUGHBY, Ohio, Oct. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, October 14, Milestone Auctions of Willoughby (suburban Cleveland), Ohio, will transform its premises into a motorhead's dreamscape, as it presents the Charlie Schalebaum Legacy Collection of fine automobiles, automotive art, and antiques. The nearly 500-lot auction – with highlights that include two Rolls-Royces and three Mercedes-Benzes – represents the crème de la crème of a collection amassed by the dealer and car enthusiast widely known as "the king of Hershey."

Charles Schalebaum Jr, who passed away last May, didn't give himself the royal title by which he was known in the trade – it was bestowed upon him by classic car fans who religiously visited his booth at the Hershey Car Show.

"Charlie was one of the most respected antique dealers and collectors of his time," said Milestone Auctions co-owner Miles King. "He had an infallible eye and always brought a large, high-quality display of automobilia to Hershey."

Schalebaum didn't feel there was a limit to his car-buying, as long as each prestige vehicle was maintained to perfection. He owned two 1981 Rolls-Royce Corniche convertibles: a stunning classic blue over silver example with black interior and only 15,000 miles, auction estimate $15,000-$25,000; and a pampered white-on-white version with a modest 50,000 miles on its odometer, $10,000-$20,000.

Schalebaum also owned three Mercedes-Benzes – two elegant sedans and a jaunty maroon convertible. His dark blue 1999 S500 is in virtually brand-new condition, with only 6,076 original miles. The average retail for this beautiful car when it first came to market was $87,500. Auction estimate: $20,000-$30,000. Charlie's gorgeous 2001 S600 sedan, classic black with a tan interior has clocked only 40,257 original miles. Originally retailing at $114,000, it has a $15,000-$25,000 auction estimate. For top-down motoring, the Schalebaum collection features an exceptional 2005 CLK320 with 54,900 original miles. Super-clean with spectacular paint, the roomy convertible packed with power options is estimated at $10,000-$15,000.

The automotive lineup features vehicles to please every motoring mood, including a 1954 Chrysler Imperial Crown Sedan, 1960 Morris Minor Traveller Woody, 1972 Volkswagen Bus, 1948 Studebaker Regal Deluxe Champion convertible in Balsam Green Metallic paint, 1989 Chrysler TC by Maserati convertible with 15,000 miles, and a 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit Custom Limousine that was built as a joke for NFL great John Madden.

A 21-ft Chris-Craft Continental with super-sleek jet fins is one of the most desirable of all wood boats – "and of course, Charlie owned one," King said. "Only 96 of these boats were built in 1961, the sole year of their manufacture, and perhaps a dozen have survived. Charlie spared no details in restoring his Continental, using original materials." Turnkey ready for its next water adventure, the craft even comes with a tandem-axle trailer. Estimate: $30,000-$40,000

Schalebaum's automobilia collection encompasses paintings and sculptures; porcelain and bisque automotive figures; Lalique hood ornaments, early auto-racing programs, photos, posters and memorabilia (including Indy 500); drivers' helmets and trophies, license plates, antique car accessories, and much more. 

Schalebaum also had a deep interest in historical memorabilia of all types and enjoyed acquiring original art archives, including those of famed New Yorker artist Garrett Price and automotive artist Dexter Brown.

Milestone's Oct. 14, 2017 auction will begin at 10AM ET, with all forms of bidding available, including live online. Information: tel. 440-527-8060, [email protected]. Online: www.milestoneauctions.com.

Media contact:
Miles King, 440-527-8060

SOURCE Milestone Auctions