JOYRIDE Foreword
By Jake Auerbach
My introduction to the world of cars began with the fingerprints I left on the glass of a dusty "exotics" garage on West Broadway, conveniently along my walk to and from elementary school. That fascination never left me, and I have been fortunate to spend the better part of two decades immersed in the world of collector cars. I’ve had the privilege of experiencing some of the most storied and valuable cars ever made, but today I find the most rewarding part of this industry is showing a new or early collector that one car or moment that makes them say “wow.”
When we first conceived the idea for Morton Street Partners, our goal was to create a space where a broader audience of collectors felt invited and could leave more than just their fingerprints on the glass; somewhere we could parse the clinical, often sterile world of high-end car collecting into the vernacular of provenance, rarity, and culture, but more importantly, give a chance to experience the visceral thrill of a pure driving experience. With our inaugural "Joy Ride" event, curated in collaboration with JOOPITER, we have the opportunity to share this vision with a larger audience than we typically see at our garage.
These cars are dynamic objects, each with its own unique story to tell. From the Lancia Delta Integrale, affectionately known as "Bastarda," from the collection of Scarr Pimentel, owner of the iconic LES pizzeria, to the profound personal connection Michael Strahan holds with the BMW 850 and his first NFL deal, these automobiles represent the very best of what it means to be a collector. They are not just investments, but cherished possessions that have the power to evoke emotions and memories that will last a lifetime.
That said, none of the cars in this sale were meant to be put on a shelf and admired from afar—they were meant to be driven. Hard. The joy of owning one of these machines isn't just in possessing them, but in experiencing the raw, unfiltered thrill of pushing them to their limits. It's the click of the Ferrari 550's gated shifter rowing through the gears, the whistle of the BMW's turbos force-feeding the massive V12, the brapp of the Integrale's exhaust backing into a corner at full send. These are the moments that define the essence of driving passion and full experience of collecting cars.
It's a privilege to curate this event, and I'm excited to share these remarkable cars with the world. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a first-time collector, I encourage you to explore these extraordinary machines and imagine the thrilling experiences they can offer. In the realm of collecting, it's the connections we make—to the objects, to each other, and occasionally to the road—that create the most powerful experiences and fuel our passion.