
Contents
- Ron Pratte Net Worth: The Life and Legacy of an Extraordinary Collector
- What is Ron Pratte’s Net Worth and Salary?
- Early Life and Education
- Career
- Personal Life
- Illness and Death
- Real Estate
- Legacy
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What was Ron Pratte’s most expensive car?
- How did Ron Pratte get into the construction industry?
- What was Ron Pratte’s first classic car?
- Did Ron Pratte ever race cars?
- How did Ron Pratte’s collection become so famous?
- Was Ron Pratte ever in the military?
- What happened to Ron Pratte’s collection after he passed away?
- What was Ron Pratte’s favorite car?
- How did Ron Pratte become so successful in the construction industry?
- What charities did Ron Pratte support?
- Did Ron Pratte ever sell any of his cars?
- What was Ron Pratte’s last car?
- What aviation memorabilia did Ron Pratte own?
- What did Ron Pratte contribute to the automobile industry?
- What was the most unique car in Ron Pratte’s collection?
Ron Pratte Net Worth: The Life and Legacy of an Extraordinary Collector
Ron Pratte was an American entrepreneur and collector known for his deep love for classic and rare cars, motorcycles, and aviation memorabilia. A self-made millionaire, Pratte’s legacy is still felt in the world of car collecting and the automobile industry. In this article, we will take a deep dive into Ron Pratte’s net worth and salary, early life and education, career, personal life, and legacy. We will also explore his illness and death, if any, his real estate, and answer some frequently asked questions related to the topic.
What is Ron Pratte’s Net Worth and Salary?
Ron Pratte’s net worth has been estimated to be around $350 million at the time of his death. He earned his fortune in the construction business, having founded his own company Specialty Equipment Company, which later merged with a national construction company and received considerable profits. Ron Pratte was also known for his extensive collection of classic cars, aircraft, and various memorabilia items, which he auctioned off in 2015 for over $40 million.
Early Life and Education
Ron Pratte was born in 1947 in Chandler, Arizona. He grew up in Phoenix and attended Camelback High School. After high school, Pratte began working in construction, which later led him to establish his own contracting firm. While there is not much information available about his education, Ron Pratte’s passion for classic cars and motorcycles started at a young age, and he began collecting them in his early 20s.
Career
Ron Pratte’s career began in the construction industry. He founded Specialty Equipment Company, which specialized in trenching, drilling, and other services. In 2004, he sold the company, and his net worth soared. Pratte invested much of his fortune into his passion for classic cars, building what is considered to be one of the finest collections in the world. He acquired over 200 vehicles throughout his lifetime, along with several airplanes, and memorabilia. His collection was renowned and included some of the most extraordinary and sought-after models, like the GM Futurliner and the Shelby Cobra. Ron Pratte was also known for his charitable endeavors, donating millions of dollars to various causes, including the Barrett-Jackson Cancer Research Fund.
Personal Life
Ron Pratte was a private individual and did not make public appearances or give interviews frequently. Pratte was married and divorced four times, and he had two children. He was a passionate collector and enjoyed spending time with his cars and airplanes, often taking them out for a spin. He was also a supporter of numerous charities, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and ChildHelp.
Illness and Death
Ron Pratte passed away on December 29, 2018, surrounded by his family and close friends. He had been battling several health issues, including diabetes, for many years. His legacy lives on, and his love for classic cars and the automobile industry will be remembered forever.
Real Estate
Ron Pratte was known to be a private individual when it came to his real estate. However, he owned several properties in Arizona, including a multi-million dollar ranch in Chandler, which he purchased from former baseball player Randy Johnson in 2005.
Legacy
Ron Pratte’s legacy is felt in the world of classic cars, motorcycles, and aviation today. His passion for collecting rare and classic models and memorabilia inspired many others to follow in his footsteps. His generosity and charitable giving also left a lasting impact on society. Ron Pratte’s contribution to the automobile industry, specifically his support of classic car shows and auctions, helped to generate millions in revenue and inspire new generations of car enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was Ron Pratte’s most expensive car?
Ron Pratte’s most expensive car was a 1966 Shelby Cobra Super Snake, which was sold for $5.1 million at the Barrett-Jackson auction in 2007. The car was an extremely rare model, with only two ever produced, and had a 427 cubic inch dual quad engine.
How did Ron Pratte get into the construction industry?
Ron Pratte began working in construction at a young age and eventually founded his own company, Specialty Equipment Company, which later merged with a larger company. He attributed his success in the industry to his work ethic and ability to adapt to change.
What was Ron Pratte’s first classic car?
Ron Pratte’s first classic car was a 1969 Camaro Z28, which he purchased in the early 1970s. Pratte’s love for classic cars inspired him to start collecting more over the years.
Did Ron Pratte ever race cars?
While Ron Pratte was never a professional race car driver, he did enjoy driving and racing his cars on occasion. He participated in several track events and auctions and also rented the Phoenix International Raceway several times, where he could race his cars at high speeds.
How did Ron Pratte’s collection become so famous?
Ron Pratte’s collection became famous due to its size, quality, and rarity. It included many sought-after models, like the General Motors Futurliner, Shelby Cobra, and numerous aircraft. Pratte was known for his passion and knowledge of classic cars, which made him a well-respected figure in the community.
Was Ron Pratte ever in the military?
There is no evidence that Ron Pratte ever served in the military. However, he was known for his love of aviation and owned several planes and aviation memorabilia items.
What happened to Ron Pratte’s collection after he passed away?
Ron Pratte’s collection was auctioned off through Barrett-Jackson in 2015, and it generated over $40 million in revenue. The money from the auction was donated to several charitable organizations, including the Armed Forces Foundation and the Arizona Animal Welfare League.
What was Ron Pratte’s favorite car?
Ron Pratte’s favorite car was said to be a 1950s Buick, which he often drove around his ranch in Chandler. However, he also had many other favorites, including his Shelby Cobra Super Snake and the GM Futurliner.
How did Ron Pratte become so successful in the construction industry?
Ron Pratte became successful in the construction industry due to his work ethic, business savvy, and ability to adapt to change. He started his own company, Specialty Equipment Company, which later merged with a national construction company. He then invested in real estate and other ventures, which helped him accumulate his fortune.
What charities did Ron Pratte support?
Ron Pratte supported numerous charities throughout his lifetime, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, ChildHelp, and the Barrett-Jackson Cancer Research Fund. He was also involved in supporting the Arizona Animal Welfare League and several veterans’ organizations.
Did Ron Pratte ever sell any of his cars?
Yes, Ron Pratte auctioned off his entire collection of cars, motorcycles, and aviation memorabilia in 2015. The auction generated over $40 million in revenue, and the proceeds were donated to several charitable organizations.
What was Ron Pratte’s last car?
It is unclear what Ron Pratte’s last car was, as he owned many different models throughout his lifetime. However, some of his more recent acquisitions included a 1959 Corvette and a rare 1938 Cadillac V16 limousine.
What aviation memorabilia did Ron Pratte own?
Ron Pratte owned several airplanes and aviation memorabilia items, including a P-51 Mustang fighter plane, a B-25 Mitchell bomber, and various flight helmet and uniform collections. He was also an avid collector of rare and unique aviation artifacts.
What did Ron Pratte contribute to the automobile industry?
Ron Pratte’s contributions to the automobile industry were significant. His support of classic car shows and auctions helped generate millions in revenue and inspired new generations of car enthusiasts. He was also a prolific collector, with one of the finest collections in the world, and was known for his knowledge and love of classic cars and motorcycles.
What was the most unique car in Ron Pratte’s collection?
It’s difficult to say what the most unique car in Ron Pratte’s collection was, as he owned many rare and one-of-a-kind models. However, some of the more unique cars included the GM Futurliner, a 1948 Tucker Torpedo, and the first Chevrolet Camaro ever produced.
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