Neon, Cars, Signs, Toys: Ontario Collector's Americana Goes to Auction

A Glimpse into a Neon-Infused Legacy

Last weekend, an unusual gathering of curious collectors and enthusiasts gathered in an industrial space in Ontario, drawn by the allure of one man’s extraordinary collection of Americana. The space was transformed into a neon-lit cave filled with vintage treasures, from glowing signs advertising Pep Boys and Union 76 to a replica 1950s diner tucked between a kitchen and a display of pre-World War II toys. Each item seemed to have been meticulously preserved, as if frozen in time.

The owner of this unique collection is Robert Richardson, a serial entrepreneur who has spent over 15 years amassing a vast array of vintage items. Known for his work in car restoration through his shop, Area 51 Restorations, Richardson has also built a personal museum that showcases his passion for neon signs, kiddie rides, and classic vehicles. His shop, located in an industrial park south of Ontario International Airport, features “Area 51” painted on the curb, marking its designated parking spaces.

A Final Farewell to a Lifelong Collection

Richardson, now 83, has decided to part with his entire collection through an auction. This decision comes not out of financial necessity but rather as a way to clear his estate. He explained that he doesn’t have much time left and wants to ensure his collection finds a new home where it will be appreciated.

The auction, handled by Bonhams with assistance from the Museum of Neon Art (MONA), includes nearly 750 items, with an estimated total value of $3 million. However, all items will be sold without a reserve price, meaning they could potentially go for significantly less than their market value—“pennies on the dollar,” as MONA put it.

The auction will take place over two days, with 25 classic cars being sold at Bonhams’ storage facility in Ventura County on September 19, and the rest of the collection going up for sale in a live auction at Bonham’s Hollywood office and gallery on September 20–21.

A Community of Enthusiasts

The event attracted a diverse group of visitors, including experts in neon sign restoration, art curators, and local historians. Among them was Paul Greenstein, a neon sign specialist who had previously appeared in a video about the restoration of The Sire, a historic bar in Riverside. Jennifer Mermilliod, a local enthusiast, was also present, highlighting the strong connection between the community and the preservation of vintage neon signs.

Greenstein shared details about his work on The Sire’s iconic horseshoe-shaped neon sign, which required careful repair and future maintenance. Mermilliod is hopeful that the sign can be fully restored by 2026, a goal she’s working toward with the help of local experts.

The Stories Behind the Items

For Richardson, each piece in his collection holds a story. Some items were acquired through personal connections, while others were crafted from scratch. For example, a Van de Kamp’s windmill sign was included because of his early career at a coffee shop, and a Native American warrior’s head sign came from Knott’s Berry Farm.

Despite the financial loss associated with maintaining such a collection, Richardson emphasized that his motivation was never about profit. “You don’t make money with any of this,” he said. “You lose money.” Instead, the joy came from the process of restoration and the friendships formed along the way.

A Bittersweet Goodbye

As the auction approaches, Richardson acknowledges the emotional weight of letting go. “It’s very difficult,” he admitted. “With some pieces, there’s a story that goes with it and a part of my life.” However, he remains optimistic that the collection will find new owners who will cherish and preserve its legacy.

The event itself served as both a celebration and a farewell, offering a rare opportunity to witness the original setting of a remarkable collection before it is dispersed. As the final pieces are sold, the memories and stories behind them will live on, carried forward by those who appreciate the charm of Americana.