Dan Morphy, founder and president of Morphy Auctions, has confirmed the appointment of Thomas A. "Tom" Hathazy to the position of president of the company's newly launched Classic Car division.
In his capacity as head of the department, Hathazy will oversee all aspects pertaining to the consignment and sale of antique and classic cars, motorcycles and other vintage vehicles auctioned by Morphy's. The company will host its automotive-auction debut on Saturday, Oct. 11, during the midpoint weekend between the popular October Carlisle and Hershey car shows.
A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., Hathazy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from California University in Western Pennsylvania. Earlier in his career, before the lure of special interest cars took hold, he taught 11th grade history. Later, he operated his own retail automotive business as a sideline to his 30-year career in the circulation department of the Pittsburgh Press and Post-Gazette newspapers.
Over the years, Hathazy developed a particular expertise and interest in Chevrolet Corvettes.
"I've probably handled 250 Corvettes over the years. Part of my car business was a body shop that did restorations. That experience gave me the ability to look at a car and know immediately if the paint was right, the upholstery was original or a part had been replaced," Hathazy said.
Hathazy also developed his eye for discerning paint and structural originality from studying antique and vintage automotive toys, which he has collected since 1986.
"My friendship with Dan Morphy and his family goes back 20 years. We share many common interests in addition to toys," said Hathazy. "I've been a Morphy's customer, so I've seen that side of his operation and, on the other hand, I've worked with Dan at other business levels over the past 10 years, so I know how he conducts himself. His word is his bond, and he has a strong entrepreneurial spirit. That's one of the reasons I've joined Morphy Auctions. I know Dan will invest that passion, and his well-proven way of dealing with consignors fairly and honestly into the new classic car division. I'm going to do everything I can to help make Morphy Auctions' latest venture a great success."
Hathazy said he intends to takes a hands-on approach to the consignment process.
"I will personally be paying visits to potential consignors who call us, to inspect their cars and see if they meet our standards. In our sales, we're going to focus on quality, not volume. Our first auction will not contain any car valued at less than $20,000," Hathazy said.
Potential consignors of antique or classic cars, motorcycles or other collector vehicles can contact Tom Hathazy for a confidential consultation by calling 412-403-4924 or 412-655-2010 or emailing natgateway@yahoo.com.