Tucked away on the outskirts of the East Texas city of Marshall is a gearhead’s oasis: A series of state-of-the-art shop and garage buildings dotted across a manicured estate. Housed within is the Gene Ponder Collection, an eclectic assemblage of over 120 cars, motorcycles, and boats, as well an enviable and expansive selection of automobilia. Ponder—a serial entrepreneur—built and sold not one, but two highly successful Marshall-based commercial cabinetry manufacturers, allowing him to indulge in his lifelong passion for exciting automobiles.

Blue-chip purebreds highlight the collection, including a 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, 1960 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder, 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC, and 1956 Porsche 356 A 1600 Speedster; a pair of dazzling Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupes features a notable one-off example by Graber. Also on offer is an impressive survey of MGs spanning 1927 to 1971—with rarities such as a 1935 MG PB Airline Coupe taking center stage.

The collection is also notable for its hand-crafted recreations, many of which are of all-but unobtainable European sports cars seldom seen outside of museums or prestigious private collections. Mr. Ponder’s love of these rare cars led him to commission his own recreations with the help of a respected Texas coachbuilder. The age-old English wheel method was used to form aluminum bodywork that hews as closely as possible to the originals. While some cars have chassis and running gear from the marque in which they are recreating, albeit a few years newer, most feature the underpinnings of a 1950s Jaguar chassis and running gear, a personal favorite of Mr. Ponder. The four-decade-plus working relationship between Mr. Ponder and the Texas coachbuilder has produced a stunning assemblage of rolling sculptures, the cost of which was never questioned.

The impressive automobilia portion of Mr. Ponder’s collection ranges from mascots to classic signage, juke boxes to fuel pumps, neons to wall art, and much, much more. No matter your interest, there is truly something for everyone to discover in the Gene Ponder Collection.

Bidders are advised to carefully read through the Conditions of Business prior to participating in the auction. We invite you to contact us should you have any questions or view our FAQ page for further details.

ADMISSION TO PREVIEW

ADMISSION TO AUCTION

Auction attendance is reserved for registered bidders and qualified media only.

Buyer’s Premium
Buyer’s premium is clearly displayed under the ‘Additional Information’ tab on each lot page when viewing the site. This fee applies to the final hammer price achieved at auction and is non-refundable.

Taxes/Import Duties
Buyers are responsible for any applicable duty and/or local taxes on any lots purchased. International bidders are advised to inform themselves of potential import duties that would be due upon the arrival of the lot to its final destination. You are advised to speak with your local representatives in advance of the sale to understand what these costs may be. The location of the lot is clearly indicated on each lot page when viewing the site.

Buyers are required to make immediate arrangements for the collection and transport of purchased lots. It is the buyer’s responsibility to make their own arrangements, but RMS is pleased to offer our clients the services of the following companies:

Vehicle Shipping
Reliable Carriers
Contact – Bob Sellers
+1 413 537 3354
bsellers@reliable-carriers.com

CARS Europe
Contact – James Walker
+44 7908645852
james@carseurope.net

Cosdel
Sara Rider
+1 925 451 1136
sara@cosdel.com

Note, if the car is to go into storage, lot removal and storage fees will be applicable as outlined in the Bidder’s Conditions of Business.

Automobilia Shipping

Shipping
+1 800 981 4202
auctions@trustnls.com

The UPS Store
+1 903 935 9990 
store3526@theupsstore.com