Rob Myers was a teenager when he started restoring old cars in a single-stall garage in his hometown of Chatham, Ontario, located about 50 miles east of Detroit. That was 40 years ago. Since that start, RM Sotheby’s has become a major force in the collector car world, both for its auctions and a restoration business which has been responsible for six Best of Show winners at Pebble Beach.
Come June 21-22, RM Sotheby’s, RM Auto Restoration, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and RetroFest will stage a 40th anniversary celebration.
“Our 40th Anniversary celebration is going to be an unforgettable weekend in Chatham-Kent,” Myers said in the news release announcing the weekend festivities.
“The Friday evening parade and RetroFest show on Saturday will be the biggest yet, with incredible floats and celebrity judges, and RM’s collector car show will gather some of the world’s best cars, never before seen in Canada and unlikely to ever be seen again.
“We’re hoping to bring thousands of automobiles to Chatham-Kent for the weekend – everywhere you look on 21-22 June, you’ll see a classic car.”
“RM has been making our community proud for decades,” said Darrin Canniff, Chatham-Kent mayor. “Linking RetroFest with RM’s 40th anniversary celebration is an amazing collaboration. Add in the fact that local charities will benefit, and it takes it over the top.”
RetroFest is the community’s annual car show, but usually is held the final weekend in May, but is being moved this year to coincide with the RM anniversary date.
“RM has been working with the RetroFest team to grow and support the event since its inception,” said Paul Shettell, chairman of the Historic Downtown Chatham business development association. “This year, we are excited to partner with RM Sotheby’s 40th Anniversary celebration.”
Plans call for the RetroFest Cruise and special RM anniversary parade on Friday, June 21, followed by a special performance by Canada’s acclaimed Sam Roberts Band, with proceeds benefiting local charities.
The 19th annual RetroFest continues June 22 with a car show augmented by a special concours-style RM display, followed by an “evening of entertainment” at the Capitol Theatre, again with proceeds benefiting local charities.
For more information, and event updates, visit the RM Sotheby’s anniversary website.
