The Unmatched Legacy: 7 Shocking Facts About Paul Russell And Company's Concours-Winning Empire

Paul Russell and Company stands as the undisputed pinnacle of classic car restoration and preservation, a legacy built over more than four decades that continues to dominate the world's most prestigious automotive events. Their commitment to authenticity and meticulous craftsmanship has cemented their reputation as the "Caretakers of Automotive History," particularly for rare European marques like Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, and Porsche. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the company remains at the forefront of the industry, evidenced by their continued success at the highest levels of international competition, including a stunning performance at the most recent Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The Essex, Massachusetts-based firm is not merely a repair shop; it is a dedicated workshop of master artisans and historians whose work consistently sets world records for sales and wins the industry's most coveted awards. This article delves into the fascinating history, the famous restorations, and the recent triumphs that define the enduring excellence of Paul Russell and Company.

The Mastermind: A Paul Russell Professional Biography

Paul Russell, the founder of the eponymous company, is widely regarded as one of the world's foremost experts in the preservation and restoration of historic automobiles. His career is marked by a deep-seated passion for honoring the original construction details of great automotive designs.

• Full Name: Paul Russell
• Primary Role: Founder and Visionary of Paul Russell and Company.
• Founding Year: 1978.
• Original Company Name: The Gullwing Service Company, Inc.
• Co-Founder: Alex Finigan (who later became the Classic Car Sales Manager).
• Specialization: Concours-level restoration and preservation of pre-war through 1960s European classic cars, notably Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, and Porsche.
• Key Industry Involvement: Long-time member and current Chairman of the McPherson College Auto Restoration National Advisory Board.
• Academic Honors: Recipient of an Honorary Doctorate for his contributions to automotive preservation and education.
• Business Location: Essex, Massachusetts.
• Core Philosophy: Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to historical accuracy in every facet of a car’s preservation.

The 2024 Concours Triumphs: Fresh Updates and Unprecedented Wins

The true measure of a premier restoration house is its performance on the world stage, and Paul Russell and Company continues to deliver headline-making results. Their recent achievements in 2024 underscore their position at the apex of the classic car world.

The 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance proved to be another landmark year for the firm. They secured a stunning "Class Win, Place, and Show" with several client cars, demonstrating their versatility across different eras and marques.

Most notably, a vehicle associated with the firm and its long-time patron, Harry Yeaggy, achieved a monumental victory. A Preservation Bugatti—a car that was kept in original, unrestored condition—was part of the success, highlighting the company's dual expertise in both full restoration and the delicate art of preservation.

This dedication to the highest standards of automotive history is also evident in their consistent presence at other elite events. Their work has previously earned top honors at the Villa d'Este Concorso d'Eleganza on Lake Como, Italy, and The Amelia, showcasing a truly global influence in the collector car market.

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The company’s ability to achieve such consistent, high-level success is a testament to its specialized workshop, which includes dedicated areas for every stage of the restoration process, from panel work to engine tuning, ensuring technical and artistic skills converge for a perfect result.

The Hall of Fame: Paul Russell's Most Famous Restorations

Paul Russell and Company's portfolio is a veritable museum of automotive masterpieces. Their name is inextricably linked to some of the most valuable and historically significant cars ever sold or shown. These high-profile projects have established the firm's legendary reputation for precision and authenticity.

The Pebble Beach Best of Show Winners

Winning Best of Show at Pebble Beach is the ultimate accolade in the classic car world. Paul Russell and Company is responsible for the restoration of several winners, including:

• The 1938 Bugatti T57SC Atlantic Coupe: A legendary pre-war automobile, this restoration is often cited as one of the most significant projects in modern history.
• The 1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK 'Count Trossi': This stunning roadster, famously known for its unique bodywork, secured the coveted Best of Show award, further solidifying the firm’s expertise in pre-war Mercedes-Benz models.

Other Iconic Masterpieces

Their work extends far beyond Pebble Beach, encompassing a wide range of rare and important collector cars:

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• 1950 Ferrari 166 MM/195 S: A winner of the prestigious Villa D'Este Best of Show, representing their mastery of early Ferrari race cars.
• 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster: This beautiful roadster has also secured a Best in Show award at The Amelia, showcasing their specialization in the 540K chassis.
• Mercedes-Benz Gullwings: The company's roots lie in the restoration of these iconic cars, having started as "The Gullwing Service Company." They remain a global authority on the 300 SL.

More Than Restoration: Sales, Brokerage, and Legacy Planning

While the restoration workshop is the heart of the business, Paul Russell and Company offers comprehensive services that cover the entire lifecycle of a collector car. The firm is a trusted partner for high-net-worth individuals and collectors seeking discretion and expertise in the volatile classic car market.

The Role of Alex Finigan

The firm's co-founder, Alex Finigan, was a crucial figure who transitioned from a restoration mechanic to the Classic Car Sales Manager. His expertise in classic car sales and brokerage was instrumental in the company’s growth, helping clients navigate the complex world of high-value transactions. His recent passing was honored by the establishment of the Alex Finigan Endowed Scholarship Fund at McPherson College, ensuring his legacy of passion and mentorship continues to influence the next generation of restorers.

Comprehensive Services for Collectors

Paul Russell and Company offers a suite of automotive preservation services designed to meet the needs of the most demanding collectors:

• Brokerage Services: Tailored sales and brokerage for classic European cars, ensuring both buyers and sellers receive fair market value and expert guidance.
• Maintenance and Storage: Offering long-term care and maintenance for historic vehicles, treating each car as a piece of "automotive history."
• Expert Consultation: Providing insights and opinions on residual values and market trends, acting as a trusted advisor to collectors.
• Panel and Bodywork: Specialized services that illustrate the high technical and artistic skills required for true concours-level restoration.

The company’s enduring success is a direct result of its unwavering focus on quality, historical fidelity, and a passion for the engineering and design of the world's most beautiful automobiles. Their work is a continuous cycle of preserving the past while setting the standard for the future of the collector car industry.

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