The collector car world is often divided between purists who want factory-perfect originals and rebels who want to tear them apart to make them faster. Barrett-Jackson is betting big on the rebels this January. The upcoming 2026 Scottsdale Auction is stacked with some of the most radical professionally built customs and restomods the industry has ever seen. We are talking about six-figure builds that mix vintage metal with modern supercar performance to create machines that drive as good as they look.
Renowned builder Jeff Hayes is bringing the heat with two fresh builds completed just months ago. He has a 1967 convertible and a 1963 Split-Window coupe ready to cross the block. These are not just shiny paint jobs. Underneath the Ferrari Bianco Fuji Pearl White and Mediterranean Sky finishes, both cars pack 540-horsepower LS3 engines and Art Morrison sport chassis. This engineering allows you to drive a 60-year-old icon like a modern sports car without worrying if it will overheat in traffic.
If you prefer raw aggression over elegance, the docket features “Notorious,” a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda that absolutely earns its name. This is not your standard engine swap. It runs a 900-horsepower Dodge R5/P7 NASCAR V8 engine. That is actual race-spec hardware stuffed into a street car. The 2026 Scottsdale Auction also features the “GT 427” 1965 Mustang fastback, which hides a stack-injected Coyote V-8 under a body loaded with carbon fiber. These builds highlight exactly what CEO Craig Jackson meant when he described the talent in this sector as boundless. Builders are pushing the envelope further than ever before.
History buffs will appreciate the work of Joe Bailon, the man who literally invented Candy Apple Red paint. Two of his Mercurys, “The Widow” and “Rebel,” are set to cross the block. These cars represent the golden era of customizing and feature chopped tops and intricate paint work that modern shops still try to replicate. The event kicks off at WestWorld of Scottsdale from Jan. 17-25. For enthusiasts looking to park a one-of-one masterpiece in their garage, the 2026 Scottsdale Auction is the only place to be. If you want to preview all the featured collectible vehicles, click here.
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