Richmond Auctions to Present the Legendary Private Collection of Tony Townley, Co-Founder of Zaxby’s, This October

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Greenville, SC – June 19, 2025

Richmond Auctions to Present the Legendary Private Collection of Tony Townley, Co-Founder of Zaxby’s, This October

Over 100 collector cars and 400 pieces of rare advertising to be offered in historic two-day event.

Richmond Auctions, the premier name in advertising memorabilia and specialty auctions, is proud to announce its most ambitious automotive and advertising event to date: The Tony Townley Collection, to be held October 24–25, 2025, in Bogart, Georgia.

Tony Townley—Co-Founder and former Chief Strategy Officer of Zaxby’s—formally divested from the iconic fast-casual chain in 2020. A passionate collector for decades, he has meticulously curated one of the most exceptional private collections of vintage cars, tractors, and advertising signs in the United States. For the first time ever, this entire collection will be offered to the public in a once-in-a-lifetime auction.

“This isn’t just an auction—it’s an era on display,” said Jordan Richmond, Founder of Richmond Auctions. “The Townley Collection captures American horsepower, brand history, and emotional nostalgia in every piece.”

Highlights Include:

• Pre-war Elegance: 1929 Duesenberg Model J and 1930 Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton
• 1950s Icons: Fuel-injected ’57 Chevy Bel Air and Pontiac Bonneville convertibles
• Muscle Car Grails: 1965 Shelby GT350, 1969 Yenko Camaro, 1970 Plymouth Superbird (440-6, 4-speed), 1971 ‘Cuda Hemi 4-speed, and more
• Rare Advertising: Over 400 pieces of petroliana and Americana signage, including neon, porcelain, and the original Zaxby’s neon sign

Many of these vehicles have never been offered publicly, and most remain in unrestored, investment-grade condition. The signs—ranging from gas station brands to roadside Americana—are equally museum-worthy, making this one of the most significant dual-category collections ever brought to market.

Mike McCandless, co‑founder of Richmond Auctions and entrepreneur behind North Carolina’s McCandless Collection museum, adds:

“From my own passion for Forward Look-era classics to Tony’s muscle‑car and sign collection, this sale brings together pure Americana in a way I’ve dreamed of. You won’t see anything like it again.”

McCandless—who operates the McCandless Collection in Burlington, NC, showcasing 1955–1961 Chrysler-era gems—underscores the collection’s significance and depth.

Public preview of the collection will be held October 20–22 on-site in Bogart, GA—just outside Athens and only 1 hour, 25 minutes from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Auction participation is limited to registered bidders in-person, online, or via phone.

With this milestone, Richmond Auctions continues its record-breaking trajectory following its recent achievement of $100 million in gross sales in under four years, including the world-record sale of a 1929 Musgo Gasoline sign.

For full catalog, bidder registration, or media inquiries, visit www.richmondauctions.com, [email protected] or call 1-864-991-5949.

or contact:

Media Relations – Smoak Public Relations
[email protected]