Barrett-Jackson is an interesting thing. Yes, it’s an auction first and foremost, but it also serves as the ultimate car show, a trade-show to promote new products, and it’s a place to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush — whether it be on a thrill ride, watching a million dollar car cross the block, or spotting a celebrity.
This year, Barrett-Jackson’s 47th annual Scottsdale Auction, held at Westworld of Scottsdale, saw 1,721 vehicles cross the block to earn more than $106.8 million, while over 1,100 pieces of automobilia brought in over $3.7 million, and $6.21 million raised for charity. In total, the nine-day event earned over $116.7 million.
Barrett-Jackson also played host to celebrity guests and athletes such as Jay Leno, Michael Phelps, Kenny Chesney, David Spade, Tim Allen, Alice Cooper, Bruce Arians, Alan Williams, Archie Bradley, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, and former President George W. Bush.
“We’re so thankful for the entire collector car community and everyone who joined together to create so many signature Barrett-Jackson moments on the block this week,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. He added that it was an honor to host former President George W. Bush on the block — another Barrett-Jackson first — along with Chad McQueen on the 50th anniversary of his father’s famous film, “Bullitt.”
“While every year is special at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, this one truly stands out” Jackson said.
Some of the most significant cars to cross the block included a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, 1966 Shelby GT350 Prototype, and a 1968 Chevrolet Corvette L88, among others.
“Collectors come to Barrett-Jackson because we craft an incredible docket filled with vehicles for every buyer level and interest,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “This year, prime examples of high-profile ’60s muscle cars continued to be strong, while customs, hot rods, trucks and SUVs were particularly popular; several setting world records.”
Davis added that custom 1950s-era cars and trucks sparked several bidding wars while 1980s cars keep trending higher.
The top 10 vehicles sold during the 2018 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction Week, which finished with an astonishing 99.1 percent sell-through rate, included:
- 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder – $1,430,000
- 1952 Ferrari 212 Europa – $1,100,000.00
- 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Cutaway Coupe – $1,100,000
- 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 – $$770,000
- 1966 Shelby GT350 Prototype #001 – $605,000
- 2015 MTI Racing Boat – $548,900
- 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition – $495,000
- 1968 Chevrolet Corvette L88 – $495,000
- 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible – $440,000
- 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air IV Convertible – $440,000
The top five automobilia sales from the 2018 Scottsdale Auction included:
- Full-size transportation-themed carousel — $557,750
- Circa 1939 Husky Gasoline porcelain service station sign — $149,500
- 1950s Esso Aviation porcelain with neon restored airport hangar sign — $63,250
- 1950s Donald Duck neon porcelain parking lot entrance sign from Disneyland – $48,300
- 1950s Dog-N-Suds Drive-In single-sided neon porcelain sign — $41,400
Lifestyle elements of the event included “ride and drives” with Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge. Ford gave rides in the 2018 Mustang as well as cars from the Ford Performance Racing School while Chevrolet gave people rides in their latest Corvette, and Dodge showed off the latest Hellcat version of the Challenger and Charger.
Ridetech was on site performing a “48-hour build” using a 1971 Camaro. The goal of the build was to create a “pro-touring” masterpiece that will be shown and raced over the year. Its first event will be the Goodguys Autocross that takes place at Westworld in March.
Additionally on site were vendors offering everything from engine tables, to hot tubs and artwork in addition to power tools.
Building off the 2018 Scottsdale Auction, the 16th Annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction will run four days, April 12-15, 2018, at the South Florida Fairgrounds.
For more information, see Barrett-Jackson.