Mile high and in heaven - visiting the collections of Richard Knaack and Steve Williams

During our two-week stay in Colorado over Christmas and New Year’s, my family and I were based in Westminster, just outside Denver. With a little breathing room in the schedule, Tuesday (12/30/25) became a perfect opportunity to connect with two fellow model car enthusiasts and respected collectors: Richard Knaack and Steve Williams.

My first stop was Littleton to visit Richard. I had last seen him in August, shortly after selling him a couple of Victory models. At that time, he graciously invited me to see his collection, which led to a Forum recap that many of you may remember. Returning in December, I was eager to see what new additions he had made—and he did not disappoint.

There were many noteworthy acquisitions, but one model immediately captured my attention: an exceptionally attractive two-tone green Duesenberg by Minimarque. It stood out instantly, both for its color combination and its presence in the display.

Richard, meanwhile, has his own new favorite—a stunning EMC 1937 Horch 853, which he had recently acquired from Steve. It was clear this piece had quickly earned pride of place in his collection.

As always, the rest of Richard’s collection was a pleasure to revisit. We spent time talking shop, comparing notes, and enjoying the shared language that only collectors truly understand.

Richard then treated us to lunch, after which we headed south to Castle Rock for the second half of the day.

Steve Williams @stewil lives in one of Castle Rock’s older homes, a residence now more than 100 years old. Deeply rooted in the Arts and Crafts era, the house has been thoughtfully expanded and updated by Steve and his lovely wife, Bev, while carefully preserving its original charm. The work has been so well done that the city formally recognized it with a proclamation honoring the historical renovation—a testament to their respect for history and craftsmanship.

Steve is a retired teacher and former race car driver, and while he may no longer be in the classroom, he remains very much an educator. Today, he serves as a local historian, and this past summer he gave a presentation titled “Early Automobile History 1769–1935, Castle Rock Edition.” The talk explored both the broader evolution of the automobile and the local history of the Continental Divide Raceways, a track that holds an important place in the area’s motorsports past.

Steve’s personal racing history adds another layer to his story. He raced a 1961 Mini in the early 1960s before switching to BMW machinery under his self-titled Piston Broke Racing team. That blend of automotive manufacturing history and hands-on racing experience clearly informs his collection.

His displays are carefully curated and rich with storytelling. Highlights include extensive coverage of Formula 1 and IndyCar racing, representations of major—and lesser-known—American automotive brands, and a particularly striking DNA-style helix display dedicated to the Silver Arrows. Each section feels intentional, educational, and deeply personal.

Steve is also an accomplished model builder. Many of his Brooklin models have been enhanced beyond their already excellent castings, featuring expertly applied chrome foil, highly detailed gauges, and subtle touches that elevate them significantly.

One especially memorable display case showcased models representing every major advancement in automotive production—minus the Amphicar, which has since gone to a new home.

Among the many standout pieces in Steve’s collection, his current favorite is a remarkably detailed 1925 Duesenberg—the car that won the Indianapolis 500 and became the first to exceed a 100 mph average at the Brickyard. The model itself is nothing short of over the top in its execution, capturing both the mechanical complexity and historical significance of the original racer. Steve’s craftsmanship elevates it even further; in a true display of dedication, he personally strung the wire wheels by hand. The result is a model that blurs the line between miniature and museum artifact, and it perfectly reflects Steve’s deep appreciation for both racing history and the art of model building.

Steve has reached a point where he is no longer acquiring new models and is ready to begin passing some along to other collectors. I was fortunate to help in that process by acquiring a stunning 1932 orange-and-black Duesenberg by Minimarque. Richard, too, had his eye on a couple of additional must-haves to round out his collection.

All told, it was a spectacular day spent with two highly respected and knowledgeable collectors who graciously opened their homes and allowed me to take in their exceptional displays. I left inspired, appreciative, and genuinely proud to be counted among such passionate and accomplished enthusiasts.

As if the day needed one more memorable moment, somewhere in the middle of all this I missed a call from Curtis Parisi @parisi50. When I later saw the voicemail, he was calling to let me know that he may have located a 1941 Pontiac Deluxe Torpedo wagon—one I’ve been searching for. I still need to reconnect with him to close the deal, but the timing couldn’t have been more fitting. Even while surrounded by extraordinary collections and great company, the hunt never really stops.