Posted: Sunday, December 16, 2007 (12:47 PM HST)

You can also see:
• 12/6/07 Kruse to hold Hawaii auction
• 9/12/07 Kruse to hold Hawaii auction

Classic Car Auction Seeks Isle Street Rods

By Hui K. Aloha
Honolulu Streets Magazine.

HONOLULU HI — If you haven’t already heard, Kruse International, an Indiana based auction firm announced last September that they will be holding a first of its kind classic car auction and show in February at the Hawaii Convention Center.

INSIDE SCOOP:
What you won’t hear however, is what’s been going through Robert P. Smith’s mind, lead representative, consignment agent and promoter for the Hawaii auction.

Though his job of finding local cars and getting the word out has been made easier with the help of Dean Kruse himself, president of Kruse Int. and at least two other appointed Hawaii reps, Moani Pai and Ed Doo. Smith’s work-load of raising island street rods for the auction has become somewhat difficult.

In an email to Honolulu Streets, Smith said a strange thing is happening. “I'm getting lots of rather high end European sports cars, a few really nice, original American cars like an original 1951 Henry J and a nice 1957 Thunderbird.” At the same time he questioned why almost no street rods have signed up.

THEORY:
It’s no secret among local street rodders that many would rather buy something from the mainland, unknown to others on the island than to say that their new pride-n-joy had a long history of owners. And no one wants to hear at a cruise night, “wow brah, I know that car. My cousin built it years ago. First.” That’s only one theory Smith heard.

On the other hand Smith wanted to make clear the auction has the ability to gather rods from all islands, “so someone on Oahu might end up owning another rod from Kauai-and no one from either island has ever seen the other.” He said.

He pointed out additionally that the auction is actually a worldwide event that combines telephone and internet bidding. Plus, “we are bringing 100 or so buyers from the mainland.”

The problem might not be solved by adding new buyers to an already saturated local market - supply and demand kind of thing - but when it comes to selling merchandise in Hawaii; houses, cars, specialty items like street rods, there have always been more buyers than sellers.

Smith now realizes it might be street rods that are in short supply and not the other way around.

OUTCOME:
While Smith’s hopes dwindle of more street rods showing up, his expectations remain very optimistic. He seems to also really care that everyone just has a good time. “I guess at the very least we will get a chance to get everyone in the islands, particularly on Oahu, together at the convention center for some great entertainment.”

“I still think a Hawaii classic car auction will be a good thing for the state, and will help bring car lovers together, whether buyers, sellers, or just lookers.”

Before the auction even begins, could the whole operation be in jeopardy by holding just a single show? Only time will tell. “We'll probably have to just do it the first year for people to see the benefit of bringing a major auction to Hawaii,” Smith said.

“Dean Kruse really believes it will work, so we will give it at least one good try.”

Sellers who would like to enter their vehicles into the Hawaii auction can contact Robert P. Smith at (808) 342-1036, or neighbor islands 808-985-8906. Interested parties can also contact Kruse Headquarters directly at: 800-968-4444 or see their website at: www.Kruse.com

• KRUSE HAWAII CLASSIC CAR AUCTION AND SHOW
  When: February 8-9, 2008
  Location: HAWAII CONVENTION CENTER

• Contact: Robert P. Smith
  Email: smith1127@aol.com
  Phone: (808) 342-1036
  Neighbor Islands call: (808) 985-8906
  Kruse Headquarters: (800) 968-4444

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