Hot rods and cool rides
Check out these can’t-miss cars at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction this week. Some vehicles are expected to sell in a matter of seconds.
You’ve got to be quick. Four-wheeled fantasies at BarrettJackson Collector Car Auction are gone in 120 seconds, according to CEO Craig Jackson.
Whether you’re looking to invest in a classic or finally snag your dream car, Jackson said bidders must be prepared because this year’s cream-of-the-crop are expected to go faster than ever.
With a record 1,770 cars up for grabs, Jackson determines this year’s lineup as the best he’s seen since 2007. That year, one of only two Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snakes ever built sold for $5.1 million, the Scottsdale auction’s record.
“It’s going to be a spectacular year,” Jackson said, noting car collectors are looking to invest money again as the economy continues to rebound.
A party on Sunday kicks off the 47th annual auction held at WestWorld of Scottsdale,16601 N. Pima Road, and as Jackson puts it, “the party doesn’t stop for seven days.”
With rumors swirling that Ford will introduce a new “Bullitt” Mustang at the auction — thanks to the vigilant members of the Mustang6G.com forum — the event is sure to stun. Jackson hasn’t responded to inquiries on that speculation, and is being equally tightlipped about celebrity appearances.
Jan. 20 will be a “can’t miss” day at the auction, he teased, when Barrett-
Jackson’s Elite Salon collection will be up for sale and celebrity sittings are expected. Last year, pop star Justin Bieber took the stage and sold his 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia for $434,500. Others celebs auctioning cars ranged from boxing champ Floyd Mayweather Jr. to actor Burt Reynolds.
This year’s auction will be bigger, beyond the number of cars. Barrett-Jackson will unveil a new tent to take the auction’s total tent structures to 1.1 million square feet, earning the auction a second nod from Guinness World Records for the largest temporary tent structure.
That’s 200,000 square feet larger than the Phoenix Convention Center.
Returning visitors will also note other changes to the venue as WestWorld recently went under nearly $880,000 in improvements, including more paved surfaces.
Scottsdale leaders approved the spending in part to help the growing Barrett-Jackson stay ahead of an increasingly competitive market. They also recognize the auction as one of the city’s largest economic engines, stressing the reported $167 million economic impact Barrett-Jackson creates annually when car collectors from around the world descend on Scottsdale.
“There’s a reason why it used to be called Barrett-Jackson Week, not Arizona Car Week,” Jackson said. “We were the epicenter that brought about copycat auctions. But we are the nucleus and why everyone comes to Scottsdale.”
Bullitt or not, here’s a look at some of the coolest cars that will be part of this year’s auction:
Carolyn and Craig Jackson’s 35th Anniversary Edition Corvette
The 1988 Corvette features a 5.7-liter engine with automatic transmissions and the Z01 option. It’s one of just 2,050 built, but that’s not what makes it so special.
The sports car was given to Jackson by a good friend, Dave Ressler, in commemoration of the auction’s 35th anniversary. Ressler, 61, died of a heart attack last year.
Jackson hopes to use the car to raise awareness of the heart condition that killed his friend. The auction house has launched a yearlong charitable initiative, “Driven Hearts,” to increase awareness and improve heart health, and 100 percent of the hammer price of the Corvette will benefit the American Heart Association.
“After losing several friends and great customers to heart-related disease at a young age, we thought it was time to step up,” Jackson said.
1914 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost
It’s the legend that began the RollsRoyce tradition: the Silver Ghost. This 1914 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost is the last of the 116 B-Series Silver Ghosts produced. It remains in its original Barker-bodied landaulette configuration.
The first original owner was Englishman D.E. Cameron Rose, who purchased the beauty on May 28, 1914. Shortly after, it was imported to New York. After a few changes in ownership, it was displayed at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, until 1971.
This Rolls-Royce is part of the Salon Collection and will be auctioned Jan. 20.
1951 Talbot-Lago T-26 Grand Sport Saoutchik Coupe
Jackson refers to this one-of-a-kind car as an “automotive work of art.” The Talbot-Lago, with flamboyant coachworks, was known as the fastest touring car built in France in its day.
This was likely the second Grand Sport built on the 2.80-meter wheelbase. The red coupe was the first-in-class winner at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
This car is part of the Salon Collection and will be auctioned Jan. 20.
1966 Aston Martin DB5
Finished in California Sage with five Borrani wheels and a beige interior, this Aston Martin contains the original owner’s manual, service records, jack, tool roll and a copy of the build sheet from the manufacturer.
The classic car has been owned and cared for by the seller, an Aston Martin enthusiast, since 1988. It features its original rebuilt matching-numbers 4-liter, 282-horsepower engine mated to a ZF 5speed manual transmission and has factory air-conditioning.
The Aston Martin hits the auction block Jan. 20, as part of the Salon Collection.
1952 Ferrari 212 Europa
This sleek ride received a perfect 100point score at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
The third of only eleven 212 coupes built by Pininfarina, the ‘52 Ferrari has been restored. Records indicate it was among the last built on the 212 platform, constructed one car prior to the prototype 250 Europa, which makes this car close to full “Europa” specifications.
This car is part of the Salon Collection and will be up for auction on Jan. 20.
1934 Packard 1101 Cabriolet
Recognized as a “full classic” by the Classic Club of America, this original Cabriolet has been restored with a 320ci straight-8 engine with a 4-speed manual transmission and 25,000 original miles.
The classic’s exterior color is a combination of navy blue with silver fenders and red stripes with a dark blue Haartz cloth top.
This car is part of the Salon Collection and will be up for auction on Jan. 20.
1966 Volkswagen Meyers Manx Dune Buggy
This fully restored Meyers Manx Dune Buggy was built on a VW pan that was shortened 14.25” and is full of Manx options, including the front and rear bumpers, skid plate, SS exhaust, hardtop and wind wings.
The authenticated buggy has a New Febber glass dash signed by Bruce Meyers, and all VDO gauges. It’s been family-owned for over 30 years and was the first-place winner at the 2017 Big Bear Manx Club event.
This car will be up for auction Monday.
1962 Chevrolet Nova SS Custom Coupe
This Nova SS has seen a complete restoration and professional RestoMod build.
The black exterior and saddle interior beauty has less than 500 miles from completion.
The classic car is powered by a 2012 Camaro SS LS3 V8 engine. It includes a Flowmaster exhaust, aluminum radiator with new bucket seats, classic instruments and updated air-conditioning.
This car will be up for auction Tuesday.
1953 Pontiac Chieftain Custom Wagon
This vibrant custom wagon boasts custom paint with faux wood and patina. It features a professionally-installed Pontiac Trans Am front frame section and is powered by a mid-70s, rebuilt Trans Am 400ci 8-cylinder engine and Turbo 350 transmission.
The classic wagon has an aluminum radiator, power disc brakes and steering, and custom exhaust.
This car will be up for auction Wednesday.
2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
From the Ron Pratte Collection, this vista blue 2008 Ford Shelby GT500 is in pristine condition with 28 actual miles.
The manual speed, 5.4-liter engine is an 8-cylinder with black interior.
This car will be up for auction Jan. 19.