Russian Rescue Craft "N007" to Turn Heads at the 36th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Event
 N007 Tupolev |
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--N007 Tupolev, a vintage, top secret Russian rescue water craft, will attract second glances and high bids when it boards the auction block at the 36th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event from January 13-21, 2007, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Lot #1307 was once used to rescue cosmonauts from the hazardous terrain of Siberia. This exclusive craft has been completely restored and tested on open water. Hailed as “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™,” the auction will feature more than 1,100 of the world’s finest collector vehicles, attract over 225,000 visitors and be featured on PEED with 40 hours of live coverage.
“Featuring a unique item like the N007 is always great for the diversity of our auctions,” said Craig Jackson, president of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. “Even the savviest collectors and enthusiasts haven’t seen a machine like this before. Distinctive automobiles, boats and motorcycles always create a great deal of excitement and attract high bids in Scottsdale.”
With an MP 14, 9-cylinder radial engine, boasting an intricate propeller unlike any other in the world, the boat spits out 365 hp and hovers just over water, marshland, ice or snow at a top speed of 80 mph. The craft has been tested as recently as June 2006 and the restored engine has only 50 hours of use.
“This historic relic of the Cold War is a must-have for a serious collector. Just seeing this rare craft will draw reactions from those in attendance,” said Steve Davis, senior vice-president of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. “This is not only a one-of-a-kind collectible, but an exclusive watercraft that is completely capable of running and taking to the water. Each year, we feature an array of wild-card, crowd-pleasing items that are sure to surprise, and this year, the Tupolev will certainly be one of them.”
In 1961, Andrei Tupolev, known as the “Father of Soviet Aviation,” was commissioned to design and build the N007, which earned numerous engineering awards including the “Diploma of Finest Engineer in the USSR” as well as medals for the unique propeller and body style.
Juergen Shulte, a German-born businessman and resident of Clarksville, Ga., purchased the N007 Tupolev in 1999 and embarked on a rigorous restoration process with engineers across the globe. Since the rebirth of the rescue craft, it has been awarded the “Corinthian Award” in 2005 and 2006 at the Keels and Wheels Concours d’Elegance in Houston and the 2006 “Award of Excellence” at the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance in Greenwich, Conn.
“Owning this beautiful craft has been such an exhilarating experience and has made some of my wildest dreams come to life,” said Shulte. “At the Keels and Wheels Concours, the award was presented to me by legendary racer Stirling Moss, who has been a hero of mine for as long as I can remember.”
Barrett-Jackson continually reaffirms its leadership position in the collector car market by elevating consignment standards, breaking annual records and serving as the barometer for market trends.
Last year, more than 300,000 attendees and millions of television viewers from around the world witnessed over 1,600 cars being auctioned off for approximately $135 million at the two 2006 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Events held in Scottsdale and Palm Beach, Fla.
About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the “World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™” in Scottsdale and Palm Beach, Fla. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.