Barrett-Jackson held their Scottsdale auction on January 17-23, 2011 at WestWorld of Scottsdale, Arizona, resulting in more than 1,200 cars selling at No Reserve for nearly $70 million in total sales.
The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2011, as more than 250,000 consignors, bidders and visitors walked through the gates to check out the auction and additional activities. Barrett-Jackson experienced nearly a 30 percent increase in attendance from its 2010 auction, despite competing with NFL playoff games. The event was captured on SPEED with 40 hours of live coverage.
“Barrett-Jackson has become far more than just an auction, it’s a celebration that attracts everyone from captains of industry to celebrities and athletes who want to be part of this fantastic event,” said Craig Jackson, chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We sold more vehicles for more money than any other collector car event in North America. We proved the collector car hobby is growing with record breaking attendance, as well as a record number of new bidders and consignors. This is no longer an ‘old boy’s club’. We’ve transformed into a mainstream event much like the NFL Championship game, Kentucky Derby or New Year’s Eve in Times Square.”
Sponsors Ford and GM made charity a priority during the automotive auction week. Executives from Ford, including President of the Americas/Executive VP of Ford Motor Co. Mark Fields, were on stage when a one-off 2012 Ford Boss Mustang Laguna Seca coupe (Lot #1296) sold for $450,000, with all proceeds benefitting JDRF. Chevrolet executives unveiled a 2011 Camaro Indy 500 pace car (Lot #1284) on Jan. 20, to an exclusive invitation-only audience. The collectible GM racer was auctioned on Saturday to benefit the David Foster Foundation and generated $225,000. Both vehicles represent part of the more than $4 million raised during the 2011 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction.
The 2012 Ford Boss Mustang took honors for the single highest sale of the auction. The vehicle was specifically produced by Ford Motor Company for the 40th anniversary Barrett-Jackson event. It was created with a unique paint color to commemorate the first-place Boss 302 finish at the 1970 Trans-Am series opener.
The highest selling package was a car, boat and trailer trio. A limited edition Crystal Red Metallic 2008 Corvette LE Z06 coupe (Lot #1303.2), sold with its colors matching 2010 Marine Technology Inc. Catamaran custom 44’ performance boat (Lot #1303) and 2006 American Tilt trailer (Lot #1303.1) for $742,500.
The 1963 Pontiac Bonneville “JFK ambulance” (Lot #1277) sold for $132,000. The vehicle was surrounded by mystery relating to its provenance, which Barrett-Jackson worked to help its consignor unravel. Barrett-Jackson provided documentation and evidence relating to the vehicle for the public and media during the auction to draw their own conclusions.
“We pride ourselves on being a transparent, honest and open company,” added Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “We stood by our consignor and provided documents from both sides of the argument. This gave people the opportunity to make their own decision. We’re happy the vehicle found a new home and the bidder is pleased with the purchase.”
Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction Results 2011 – Top 10 Sales (includes buyer’s premium):
Lot #1296 – 2012 Ford Boss Mustang Laguna Seca coupe – $450,000
Lot #1252.1 – 1956 De Soto Fireflite convertible – $368,500
Lot #1309 – 1932 Ford custom roadster – $346,500
Lot #1308 – 2005 Ferrari 575 Superamerica retractable hardtop coupe – $330,000
Lot #1263 – 1932 Chrysler Imperial convertible sedan – $330,000
Lot #1342 – 1950 Mercury custom two-door coupe – $330,000
Lot #1286 – 1971 Plymouth Barracuda custom two-door coupe – $308,000
Lot #1272.3 – 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS Callaway/Hendrick edition – $240,000
Lot #12950 – 1969 Ford Boss 429 Mustang fastback – $258,500
Lot #1279 – 1959 Chevrolet Corvette custom convertible – $253,000
Barrett-Jackson is currently accepting consignment requests and bidder applications for the 2011 Palm Beach Auction scheduled April 7-9, at Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds. For more information, visit www.barrett-jackson.com.
[Source: Barrett-Jackson]
Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Up until a year ago I was the owner of a 1930 McLaughlin Buick (made in Canada) I am mystified by the lack of cars from 1920 to late 1930. I attend every year coming from Canada, and look particularly for cars from the dates. above. Any comment why there are not more of these classics of years gone by?
Regards Don
Don,
I share your observations about cars from the between the wars era.
I think two things are happening.
First, B-J is responding to the SPEED audience with cars they — as well as Craig Jackson, Steve Davis and Gary Bennett — understand and grew up with. The emphasis on Fifties and later cars, including late model sports and luxury cars, has been growing over the past several years.
Second, others like RM and Gooding have moved into the January Arizona auction market with good consignments of antiques, classics and similar cars. This has siphoned off some consignments that in past years would have gone to B-J, as well as the bidders interested in them.
That said, I think Barrett-Jackson has recognized the dearth of ’20-’30 cars has reduced the breadth of their event’s appeal. They have noticeably (but from a very small base) increased the number and importantly the quality of ’20-’30 cars this year. The cars brought good money. It will induce more such consignments in coming years, although I doubt there will be any time in the near future as many ’20-’30 B-J consignments as there are Corvettes.
Rick Carey
I watched about two hours and I know the Barrett-Jackson people have to make a living, but it was like pulling teeth. The auctioneer seemed to go on forever to pull a few extra bucks out of some cars. Lets face it times are tough, and vehicles are not just pulling in what they use to.
One other beef,the Barrett-Jackson people my be experts on domestic vehicles, but don’t insult me by telling me a European car person a “European vehicle is rare” when it is not. Get you script straight. You know the old saying “if you don’t know about something don’t comment”.