Jalopnik: Barrett-jackson

KITT Shelby Mustang GT500KR Pair Sells For $300,000

Mark Arnold — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 17:24:40 EDT

Just when you thought you'd seen the last of KITT, it's back — at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Palm Beach. We wonder if this means there won't be a full television series based on the movie after all. Yes, these were the actual cars used in the made-for-NBC movie. That means that these actually aren't even GT500KR models, but a pair of dressed-up Mustang GTs "inspired by the GT500KR." Though for the final bid of $300,000 for both the "Attack-Mode" and normal KITT, Ford included the rights to buy an actual GT500KR at MSRP. Just don't get too worked up about the wretched excess, because all the money is ~~being written-off~~ going to charity. [Barrett-Jackson]

Monster 1937 International Fire Truck Auctioned For $26,000

Mark Arnold — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:15:00 EDT

We know all about Big Red; it's a monster-ized 1937 International fire truck that we first saw at the Woodward Dream Cruise. The beast weighs in at a whopping 30,000-pounds and measures 38-feet long; it's the world's heaviest and longest monster truck. But now it's just sold at the Palm Beach Barret-Jackson auction for— only $26,000. Now obviously this isn't a traditionally practical vehicle, but for sheer pounds of awesome-to-dollar value, we think this thing was a steal.

Big Red has a Cummins Turbo diesel engine connected to Allison automatic transmission with a Spicer transfer case. Those tires are 66 x 43 x 25. The 1937 body and frame are all original. Back in the day, this was the first truck to pump 600 gallons per minute. Amazing. [Barrett-Jackson]

We Woke Up This Morning, Found Sopranos Cars To Be Auctioned Off

Travis Hudson — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:20:00 EST

Barrett-Jackson will be auctioning off eight vehicles from The Sopranos March 26 through March 30 in West Palm Beach, Fla. These are the same cars that Tony and his gang of mobsters regularly did their dirty deeds. The highlighted car is Tony Soprano's 2003 Cadillac Escalade that was driven in the final three seasons of the series. It has only 11,000 miles and the driver-side seat is likely well-broken in. Check out the rest of the cars after the jump.

My personal favorite car being auctioned is Paulie Walnuts' 2003 Cadillac CTS. Yes, this is the same CTS that he used to do donuts in and destroy Christopher Moltisanti's front yard during season six.

Also in the auction is a 1997 Mercury Villager minivan driven by Tony and Paulie as well as a black Cadillac Deville driven by Vito Spatafore. Also a pair of blue Lincoln Town Cars used by Phil Leotardo and the Lupertazzi family will be sold as a pair.

Oddly enough, all of the proceeds from the auction will benefit the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. I would think a stripper rehabilitation or maybe a gun buyback program would be better programs for the proceeds. Bada bing!

VEHICLES FROM HBO'S "THE SOPRANOS" TO HIT THE BLOCK AT BARRETT-JACKSON PALM BEACH
Net Proceeds from "The Sopranos" Cars to Benefit Childrens Hospital Los Angeles

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., February 28, 2008 - Cars and SUVs driven by the famous TV mobsters on "The Sopranos" will be sold at No Reserve during the 6th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event on March 26-30, 2008, in West Palm Beach, Fla. A total of eight vehicles from the award winning HBO series will cross the block, led by Tony Soprano's 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV, with net proceeds benefiting Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. SPEED will once again bring the action home with 19 hours of TV coverage during the auction as approximately 600 of the finest collector vehicles are sold at No Reserve. For the sixth consecutive year, the event will take place at the spacious Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds, located at 9067 Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach.

"From the biggest show on television to the biggest stage in the collector car industry, these movie star vehicles will demand the spotlight in Palm Beach," said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "A staple in American pop culture, 'The Sopranos' captured the attention of viewers across the globe, much like Barrett-Jackson events are watched by devoted car enthusiasts worldwide on SPEED. We're thrilled to join forces with HBO for this special project to help raise funds for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles."

The signature piece of "The Sopranos" collection is the white 2003 Cadillac Escalade driven by mob boss Tony Soprano during the final three seasons of the series. Scheduled for sale during SPEED's primetime coverage on Saturday, March 29, the fully loaded Escalade has only 11,000 miles on the odometer and features clear, untinted windshields for exterior camera shots of the show's leading character.

Another high-profile car headed to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach is the champagne 2003 Cadillac CTS utilized by one of Tony's top soldiers, Paulie Walnuts. The CTS is infamous for its demolition of Christopher Moltisanti's new front yard in the "Kennedy and Heidi" episode during Season 6. Two more vehicles that played key roles in Season 6, a red 1997 Mercury Villager minivan driven by Tony and Paulie and a black Cadillac Deville driven by crew member Vito Spatafore, will also be sold.

"When a TV series becomes as popular as 'The Sopranos,' the cars driven by the larger-than-life characters become stars as well," added Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. "Another factor that adds to the value of these celebrity vehicles is the 'staying power' of the series. Decades from now, 'The Sopranos' will still be appreciated as one of the top series in TV history, making these star cars significant well into the future."

A pair of blue Lincoln Town Cars, utilized by rival gangster Phil Leotardo and the New York-based Lupertazzi crime family, will be sold as a pair in Palm Beach. The two cars were featured in numerous episodes of "The Sopranos," most notably in the climactic Bada Bing shootout scene in "The Blue Comet" episode during Season 6. Additional cars from that high-energy scene that will be auctioned include two 1993 Cadillacs driven by Patsy Parisi, which will be sold together.

With net proceeds benefiting Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, "The Sopranos" vehicles will join a long list of cars in Palm Beach that will be auctioned for charity. On March 26, Barrett-Jackson will host their annual Opening Night Gala to raise money for The Darrell Gwynn Foundation and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. During the 2007 Palm Beach event, Barrett-Jackson raised over $500,000 for various charities.

Monster Garage "Sling Ray" Sold At BJ Auction

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:45:00 EST

Remember Monster Garage? Remember when it was shiny and new and every wrench-head you knew watched it religiously? The air date was July 14th, 2003, the challenge was to turn a '73 Corvette into a rootin' tootin' mud-bogging dragster. We remember it like it was yesterday. Our inner redneck was cheering the team on as they stripped it down, built up the 454, tossed in a roll cage, a junkyard Toyota front axle and tied it all up with baling wire and duct tape (and a $10,000 House of Color paint job). The Sling Ray went to auction during the last Barrett Jackson Auction and even though we couldn't find the final sale price, we'd be shocked it it was more dear to a buyers heart than the flying Esperante. What do you think, more or less awesome than the F350/Corvette mashup on the blocks at the Ebay? Detailed description of the auction lot below, plus a poll.

If Jesse and his team are going to create a suped-up, mud-spitting off-road dragster, they're going to start it off right: with a 1973 Corvette whose engine is nothing other than a 454 Chevy big block. The cars moving parts include custom front and rear drive shafts. Sprockets for the chain drive were welded to output shaft and front-drive shaft. Additional machine parts included a 5-gallon aluminum fuel cell. Body modifications were done to the wheel wells by slightly enlarging them to accommodate the tires. The team's biggest challenge was creating a 4-wheel drive chassis that is as light as possible, yet strong enough to take a beating. THE TEAM: Jesse James, custom-bike builder/designer, West Coast Choppers, Long Beach, CA, John Best, Corvette mechanic, Brea, CA, Dave Collier, electrician/desert racer, San Marcos, CA, Chuck Courty Jr., national mud-bogging champ, Pittsburgh, PA, Dick Guldstrand, racecar racer/builder/designer and Corvette expert, Guldstrand Engineering, Burbank, CA, Bobby McCurdy, fabricator, Henderson, NV, Mike Stapleton, head mechanic, Wilson Motor Sports, Bellflower, CA, and Don Vierstra, freelance artist, Buena Park, CA. VEHICLE SPECS: Engine: 454 Chevy big block; Pistons: Chevy stock (eight); Camshaft: Edelbrock Performer from Jeg's; Induction: Edelbrock Performer carburetor/intake manifold from Jeg's; Ignition: HEI; Exhaust: Hooker flanges, zoomie headers by Jesse (chromed); Transmission: 400 Turbo; Converter: 2,200 rpm stall; Drive Shaft: custom fabricated with chain drive and jack shaft to front axle (4-wheel drive); Rear Axle: Ford 9"; Front Axle: 1984 Toyota 4Runner front end purchased from junkyard. Steering: original Corvette steering box turned 90 degrees to link up with Toyota front end. Front Suspension: racing air shocks from King Shocks, custom-fabricated linkage. Rear Suspension: racing air shocks from King Shocks, custom-fabricated four-link with panhard bar. Front Tires: Mickey Thompson Baja Claw 33x13.50-15LT; Rear Tires: Mickey Thompson Baja Claw 35x15.50-15LT; Wheels: Mickey Thompson Challenger 15x29. Interior: The bulk of the original interior was removed. A custom-fabricated roll cage was installed. Stock seats were replaced with Cobra racing seats from Subé Sports. A nitrous tank from Nitrous Express was mounted in the storage space. Electronics: Nitrous was wired to the horn; a nitrous purge was mounted on a Maltese-cross template under the dash. Body: The original Corvette fiberglass body was only slightly modified; the hood was removed. Paint: House of Kolor white-sealer base coat, then a blend of 12 different colors created with true-blue pearl, magic-blue pearl and snow-white pearl. Height: 52"; Width: 69"; Length: 185"; Ground Clearance: 8"; Weight: 3,000 pounds. **SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY. SPECIAL CONDITIONS APPLY**

Barrett-Jackson: First 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Off the Line Sells at Auction for $400,000

Ray Wert — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 00:01:00 EST

Dodge decided to "hit it" on big money day here at the big BJ auction by dropping the very first 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 on to the auction block to watch as it sold for $400,000 with the proceeds going to charity. But strangely enough, despite now running the new Challenger without cover on the highways and byways of Metro Detroit, the PR folks with Chrysler decided to only bring the concept version here to Barrett-Jackson. Does that make sense? Not to us. So, it seems that Ford won this round with the new GT500KR going at a price of $550,000 but we'll have to see what happens when numbers that really count start to tally up. You know, sales numbers? Anyway — full description from the BJ folks below the jump.

Own the first production Limited Edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 to come off the assembly line. Proceeds of the sale to benefit notMYkid Charity. Dodge Challenger is back after nearly 35 years and you could own the first vehicle before it's even produced. Bid for Dodge Challenger #1,the first production Challenger to come off the assembly line for direct sale to the U.S. Dodge dealer network. The #1 Challenger includes all production options including a 6.1 Liter V8 engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick, sunroof, navigation and performance tires. The vehicle will be identified by a dash plaque indicating #1 of the Limited Edition production. You have seen the concept and rest assured the production model is true not only to the Challenger concept but also Challenger's heritage. Five "teaser" photos of the production car have been released showcasing the notable styling elements that are sure to please. The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 - the ultimate modern American muscle coupe will make its worldwide debut at the Chicago Auto Show on February 6, 2008. In addition to receiving the rights to the first production Challenger, the winning bidder also receives: Two VIP passes to the May 2008 Dodge Challenger 500 NASCAR race at Darlington Raceway complete with airfare and lodging, a meet and greet with Kyle Petty at the Dodge Challenger 500 in Darlington, May, 2008 and a Dodge Motorsports prize pack with vehicle delivery. The vehicle will be delivered to the Dodge Dealer of choice in the United States no later than May 31, 2008. All Proceeds from Dodge Challenger No. 1 will benefit notMYkid - an organization dedicated to facilitating improved understanding about youth behavioral health issues including suicide, drug abuse, eating disorders and depression. notMYkid was founded in 2000, and is designed to educate parents about youth and adolescent substance abuse, eating disorders, suicide, ADHD, depression, and more. Information is available on the website www.notMYkid.org to educate parents about the warning signs and symptoms and to empower them to implement effective prevention and intervention strategies. In 2006, notMYkid reached 80,000 parents and students nationwide. The organization offers several programs for parent education as well as peer-to-peer youth programs.

Barrett-Jackson: First 2009 Corvette ZR1 Sells at Auction for $1,000,000

Ray Wert — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 22:19:54 EST

The first 2009 Corvette ZR1 just sold here on big money day at the big BJ auction for $1,000,000 with a little help from GM's best bud, Jay Leno to Dave Ressler. Although the money's all going to the United Way, we're wondering what this'll mean for the mark-up on the sticker price we'll see for this already $99,000 two-seat supercar. And keep in mind we still don't know what the final number will end up being on horsepower and torque. But — what we do know now is that the sticker price will be $99,000 — thanks to the need to provide the above-and-beyond price for IRS purposes and the charitable deduction. But hey, maybe you'll still get that 100,000 mile guarantee on the powertrain — even if you're buying #1 off the assembly line. Full description from the folks at Barrett-Jackson plus more on winning bidder Dave Ressler, main man at Ressler Chevrolet, below the jump.

From Rumor to Instant Legend in the Blink of an Eye. Chevrolet presents the very "First Retailable Unit Built" Corvette ZR-1 for auction at Barrett-Jackson on Saturday, January 19, 2008 with all proceeds from the auction will benefit The United Way. GM AND BARRETT-JACKSON MAKES NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION OF ANY KIND, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, CONCERNING THE VEHICLE (INCLUDING NO WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE).

About Dave Ressler:

Dave Ressler of Ressler Chevrolet of Mandan, North Dakota was destined to be in the automotive sales business.
"You can say I was inspired because of my dad who was a car salesman for 25 years," said Ressler of his dad, Chris, who died in 1977 and worked at Bob Chase Chevrolet. "From the day that my dad passed away, Bob kept calling and wanting to hire me."

He eventually did.

In 1972, Chase moved into the facility Ressler now occupies. It was Mandan's only Chevrolet dealership at that time - a distinction it still holds today and is home to 21 employees. In 1980, Chase sold to Ivan Gandrud, who held the store until 1988. Thirty people were working for Chase when the business changed hands. And in 1988, Ressler bought the dealership and hasn't looked back.

Ivan started with 30 employees and took it up to roughly 55 when he sold.

With Ressler it went from 55 to over 130 employees.

Ressler is pretty proud of the growth of his business. He's proud, and justifiably so, of a lot of things.

"I'm probably the youngest car dealer in the two towns," he said. "I started when I was 32. I work hard at what I do. I'm a workaholic. I really don't know how I got that way. Maybe I got it from my dad."

The hard work has paid off.

Ressler said his dealership has received eight Customer Choice Awards over the lasts 6 years. He said this is an accomplishment achieved by no other Chevrolet Dealership anywhere.

"The awards are based on customer satisfaction," he said. "We do not get any extra money for this. It's a 'wow' effect, I guess. It tells us we're all doing a good job."

Ressler said he expects a lot of himself and the same from his employees.

"We have a mission statement that we all work by," he said. "There are five critical areas that we focus on everyday."

They are:

Customer Satisfaction
Employee Enthusiasm
Market Leadership
Ongoing Improvement
Financial Performance
"If we work hard at these five things everyday, we know that we're doing a good job," he said. "It's important to have our employees focused on the right things."

Ressler said he's a hands-on employer - he can't help himself being the workaholic that he is - and enjoys being involved in the daily activities. But there certainly must be a point when he has to slow down, take a break and say "enough already."

But, that's not going to happen anytime soon. In March of 1999, Ressler moved to Bozeman, MT. and acquired a Chevrolet-Oldsmobile-Cadillac-Toyota dealership. "I'm back in the day-to-day," says Ressler, spending about half his time in Bozeman, and the other half in Mandan.

The Bozeman store, which employs 85 people, believes in the same values as the Mandan store. Because of this, it enjoys being the leader in the Gallatin Valley with more new/used car sales, service, parts sales and body shop service than any other dealer in the valley.

"Selling BEST PRICE has been well accepted, along with Saturday service and parts sales," says Ressler. "I'm having a blast and business is great at both stores. Enough isn't enough, I guess. I'm not going to stop. I'm chasing to be the best of the best!"

Barrett-Jackson: Robosaurus, Sells For $575,000, Promises Not To Eat Your Collector Cars

Ray Wert — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 21:12:44 EST

Robosaurus just sold in all of it's car-crunching amazingness, for a sale price of just $575,000 here at the Barrett-Jackson classic car auction and told the world he'd promise "not to eat any of your car collection." We remember seeing monster trucks at the Pontiac Silverdome in the 80's — but like most kids, the highlight of our day was seeing Robosaurus munching on cars and turning them into automotive-flambe. So seeing him sold off on big money BJ day at Barrett-Jackson is kind of — we dunno. We actually don't know what to think about it yet — even though we've known it'd be up for sale since October. but we're a little disappointed bidding didn't break the $5.5 million from last year's sale of the Shelby. Don't people understand how amazing this thing is? Full description from the Big BJ after the jump and we'll have video up shortly for ya.

You are now embarking on the purchase of a life time, the opportunity to own and operate "The World's Largest Robot", Robosaurus, the ICON of robotics worldwide. This 40' tall, 31 ton mechanical dinosaur has thrilled crowds throughout the World since his birth in 1990 after two years of construction. Robosaurus would cost over 5 million dollars to develop and build today. Robosaurus in action is every child at heart's dream. The crowd feels the heat of 20' flames shooting from the giant nostrils and hears the sound of crunching metal as the foot high stainless steel teeth rip into a car with 20,000lbs of crushing force. Robo laughs and roars as the car easily rips apart. You, as the operator, feel the thrill of tearing a car in half, incinerating it and throwing it to the ground in flaming pieces. Buy this for your kids, your grand kids and best of all, the child in you. All this and you own a one-of-a-kind that has not even come close to being duplicated in the last 17 years of Robo's existence. Check out the amazing technology of Robosaurus and you will be enthralled by this state-of-the-art "Mechanical Wonder of the World". In addition to Robosaurus, you will receive the full show equipment including three racing radios, remote control special effects board, Telex transmitter and receiver system, HAM-band TV Station for live broadcast to pilot, Hi-8 video camera, programming console for on-board animation computer system, tool kit for loading and unloading, service, maintenance and operation manuals, touch-up paint and numerous transport cases. Other spare parts, shop equipment, materials, and the Semi-tractor for towing are available by separate treaty. Full maintenance and driver training available. Robo transforms into a 48ft semi trailer that is street legal in North America. Comes with current California trailer title. **This Lot is sold on a Bill of Sale. Special conditions will apply.**

A one-of-a-kind Pininfarina-designed 1963 ...

Ray Wert — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 20:51:54 EST

A one-of-a-kind Pininfarina-designed 1963 Chevy Corvette named "Rondine" built for the Paris Auto Show just went for $1.6 million. Also going with it was any sense of reality in the classic car marketplace.

Barrett-Jackson: First 2008 Shelby GT500KR Goes For $550,000

Ray Wert — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 20:13:54 EST

The one-off glass-roofed 2008 Shelby GT500KR that's the first off the we showed you this past week, just went for a final sale price of $550,000 after bidding started at a mere $100,000. This despite a custom Fender Stratocaster with a pretty matte black case and all the money going to Edsel Ford's juvenile diabetes charity. We're a wee bit underwhelmed — despite Dr. McDreamy driving it up to the auction block. OK, we're kidding — nowe we're wondering what this bodes for the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 #01 that'll be hitting the auction block shortly as the Muscle Car Wars continue to heat up. Maybe if they'd offered it up with Will Arnett it might've made a bigger difference. Nah, probably not. Full BJ from BJ after the jump. Oh, and you want to know who bought it? That's right — Ron Pratte. That man loves Carroll Shelby.

For the first time in the nearly 40 years, Ford Motor Company and Shelby Automobiles are partnering to build the Shelby GT500 KR in 2008. This new model of the popular Ford Mustang represents a new chapter in the history of the Ford Mustang and the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction. When unveiled at the New York Autoshow in 2007, the car became an instant classic. On January 19th, the first GT500 KR offered for sale to the public will roll across the auction block. This 540hp limited edition Mustang will be one of approximately 1,000 built and the first and only car offered with a new "segment exclusive" feature that will be unveiled during the auction. All proceeds from the sale of this car will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Over the last three years Ford and Barrett-Jackson have raised over $1.8 million dollars for charity through the auction of Ford Motor Company Products. This new model will give the winning bidder an opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause while making automotive history.

Barrett-Jackson: Caroll Shelby's 1969 Shelby GT500 Convertible

Ray Wert — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 19:15:02 EST

It's Caroll Shelby's personal '69 GT500 convertible and it just went up for sale here at the big BJ. That's right — a '69 at a BJ. It's been parked in the Mustang main man's garage since 1969. One owner — and one buyer today's getting it. Bidding started in the $100,000 range and quickly skyrocketed up into the half a million range, and then finally settled in for a final winning bid of $675,000 to collector Ron Pratte — who appears to be buying up absolutely everything with Shelby's name on it that he can get his hands on. Full Barrett-Jackson description after the jump.

"Mustang Monthly" July 2001 issue listed this car as the number one car on top of their "Top 10 Dream Cars" to own. A 1960's Shelby Cobra Mustang that has been owned by Carroll Shelby since new. A 5-year concours rotisserie restoration by nationally known Shelby restorer Jim Cowles completed in September 2007. Carroll Shelby only owns one other Shelby from the 1960's since new and that is the first Shelby AC Cobra, CSX2000.

A Shelby Cobra 427 frame-up, concours quality ...

Ray Wert — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 18:51:56 EST

A Shelby Cobra 427 frame-up, concours quality restoration with a sideoiler 427 engine. 11,000 original miles. Never raced. Has the Sunburst wheels with original Blue Dot tires and a spare set of wheels and tires — and it just sold for $625,000 at the Barrett-Jackson to some guy on the interwebs. No, it wasn't us.

Barrett-Jackson: Panoz Esperante Flying Car Takes Off for Only $45,000

Ray Wert — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 17:15:00 EST

Jalopnik still loves flying cars — it may still be part of our masthead, we can't remember — but here's a perfect example. It's the $100,000 Panoz Esperante converted by Jesse James of Monster Garage into an airborne vehicle whose first flight matched the success of the Wright Brothers. Seriously — they took it to Kitty Hawk where it actually flew in a straight line and then hit the ground just as hard as the Wright plane did. Here's the full description of the "Flying Car" from Barrett-Jackson, which just sold for a steal of a price at $45,000 (just under $55,000 with the auction fees):

Ever since "Monster Garage" premiered on Discovery Channel in June 2002, Jesse James led teams to build vehicles that make beer, do wheelies, shake trees, even transport gorillas. But all the while, Jesse was turning his thoughts and his dreams to the sky. Everyone said he couldn't do it, and the lawyers begged him not to do it, but Jesse James and his 9 man team managed to take a $100,000 Panoz Esperante sports car and create an airborne vehicle whose first flight matched the success of the Wright Brothers'. After the team tore out the Panoz's plush interior to make room for a roll cage, installed a used propeller engine in the trunk, mounted 36' handmade wings to the car's exact center and secured a rear tail with a 15" fuselage, the flying car was taken to Kitty Hawk, NC, home of the Wright Brothers' first flight. Under the power of the original Panoz engine, Jesse taxied the flying car onto the runway, started the propeller engine and, after hitting 80mph, guided the automobile off the ground for 280 feet, landing safely without even a scratch to the Red Baron paint job. THE DESIGNERS: Jesse James, custom-bike builder/designer, West Coast Choppers, Long Beach, CA, Fireball Tim, artist and car designer, Malibu, CA, Dan Panoz, founder and owner, Panoz Auto Development Company, Braselton, GA, Ed Sweeney, aircraft mechanic, Black Forest, CO, and Neal Willford, engineer, new product development, Cessna Aviation, Andover, KS. THE BUILDERS: Jesse James, custom-bike builder/designer, West Coast Choppers, Long Beach, CA, Jason Barnes, vehicle engineer, Panoz Auto Development Company, Flowery Branch, GA, Niclas Jancic, Panoz Auto expert, GA, Mark Palmer, aircraft-design engineer, Peru, KS, Ronnie Powers, airplane builder and owner, Atlanta Air Salvage, Griffith, GA, Johan Ragnarsson, custom-car builder, Beuford, GA, Chris Rusch, fabricator, Two Rivers, WI, Andre Stowe, welder and metal-shop owner, San Diego, CA, Ed Sweeney, aircraft mechanic, Black Forest, CO, JD Terry, avionics/electrical engineer, Cessna Aviation, Wichita, KS, and Neal Willford, aircraft engineer, Cessna Aviation, Andover, KS. VEHICLE SPECS: Height: 80"; Width: 38'; Length With Parts Extended: 26'; Ground Clearance: 2.5". **SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY. SPECIAL CONDITIONS APPLY**

Barrett-Jackson: People Spend a Lot at the BJ

Ray Wert — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 17:08:31 EST

So far today the big B-J auction's brought in a total of $9,010,000. Not too shabby if you ask us. Not for enthusiasts looking to buy on the cheap, but certainly for the Barrett-Jackson people and the folks looking to sell. With about half of the lots already sold, we've got the top five money-makers so far below the jump. We'll have more from the auction shortly — including some pretty amazing one-off stuff that'll blow your mind — live from ~~our couches~~ Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale.

5.) 1970 Chevy Chevelle LS6 SS - $177,500 4.) 1953 Buick Skylark - $155,000 3.) 1970 Hemi Cuda - $245,000 2.) 1956 Chevy Bel Air - $255.000 1.) 1932 Ford Custom Competition "Rollin Stone" - $320,000

Barrett-Jackson: Live Coverage of Hot BJ Action in Scottsdale!

Ray Wert — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 14:17:10 EST

Yup, it's true — we'll have some live coverage of the Big BJ auction out in Scottsdale throughout the rest of the afternoon and into the morning. So if you're looking for the best in hot BJ action, look to Jalopnik as your place to turn. Or, you know, 7 Mile Rd and Woodward. But we digress — we'll be covering the auction action with the help of our friends at SPEED TV and the kind folks from Barrett-Jackson themselves, so strap yourselves in for a hot all-access auto auction afternoon of alliteration. We'll see the next salvo fired in the Muscle Car Wars with the first 2008 Dodge Challenger off the line going heads-up against a very special Shelby GT500KR (no, not KITT — it's not that special). We'll also be seeing the first "retailable" 2009 Corvette ZR1 gaveled off as well as some other noted notables. Oh, and did we mention Robosaurus? Follow all the 2008 Scottsdale Barrett-Jackson action live from our tag page at the link above — or just keep refreshing here for all the action.

Barrett-Jackson: Ford, Shelby to Auction One-Off Glass-Roof Shelby GT500KR on Saturday at the Big BJ

Ray Wert — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 16:53:00 EST

Looks like Ford's puckering up to take on every inch of the big BJ auction this weekend in Scottsdale, Arizona. Highlighting their car-love for the weekend will be their auction of a one-of-a-kind 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR with one of them new-fangled Mustang glass roods everyone's been talking about. We would like to thank Ford for claiming their rightful place in the lead of the "muscle car wars" — but we would like to remind them, as we reminded Dodge a month or so ago, that the use of our trademark and patent-pending term is exclusively prohibited. So pay up. We'll take cash, or a GT500KR of our own. Don't make us call our lawyers and get all cease-and-desist on your non-independent rear suspensions. Also, Pontiac may have something to say about headlining the press release with driving being in any way exciting. Full press release below the jump — including some love from Dr. McDreamy.

ONE-OF-A-KIND 2008 FORD SHELBY GT500KR DRIVES EXCITEMENT AT BARRETT-JACKSON AUCTION ON SATURDAY
* Ford and Shelby Automobiles to auction one-off Shelby GT500KR featuring a full glass roof to benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
* Ford Racing and Patrick Dempsey to auction off his No. 156 Ford Mustang FR500C, which the star raced in the Grand-Am KONI Challenge series

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 17, 2008 - A one-of-a-kind 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR will go on the block at this year's Barrett-Jackson auction: the only "King of the Road" model to feature a full glass roof. Continuing a Ford and Shelby tradition of charitable giving, proceeds from the auction will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

"Barrett-Jackson is an ideal venue to launch and sell Ford's premier models," said Robert Parker, Ford car marketing manager. "It's the ultimate platform for selling the world's most remarkable cars, and we've created a unique GT500KR just for the occasion."

Barrett-Jackson will feature an unprecedented stable of muscle cars, led by a vintage Mustang from each year in which performance legend Carroll Shelby and Ford Motor Company produced the street-ripping 1960s classics. The highlight of the crop will be Mr. Shelby's personal 1969 GT500 convertible, followed by a pristine 1967 GT500 originally gifted by Carroll to his son, Mike Shelby.

Muscle car enthusiasts are sure to tune in on SPEED TV this Saturday to watch Ford continue to lead the muscle car wars.

Shelby GT500KR with Glass Roof

The 540-horsepower Shelby GT500KR on the block at Barrett-Jackson is a unique rendition of the most powerful factory-built Mustang ever. Shelby GT500KR production began in Las Vegas on Jan. 11, Carroll Shelby's 85th birthday. The one-of-one ebony black GT500KR up for auction will feature the same full glass roof that is being offered as an option on the 2009 V-6 Mustang and Mustang GT models only.

The glass roof provides a third roof option for customers and responds to their growing desire for more natural light. The glass is tinted, which reduces both infrared rays and vehicle cool down time by 50 percent. Production of large sunroofs has increased nearly 200 percent in North America since 2003, according to Just-autos.com.

While the Shelby GT500KR coupe features racing stripes over the roof, the unique glass roof on the auction model features stripes etched directly into the glass.

"Barrett-Jackson will be a rare opportunity for one lucky bidder to own a Shelby GT500KR with a glass roof, a car no one else can even buy," said Carroll Shelby. "It's been too long, but I'm very excited to have the 'King of the Road' back."

"Only Ford Motor Company and Shelby American have sold more genuine Ford-powered Shelby vehicles than the Barrett-Jackson auction over the past 35 years," said Craig Jackson, president and CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Co. "I'm proud that Ford and Carroll Shelby chose to sell a one-of-a-kind 2008 Shelby GT500KR coupe at our auction, where only the finest, authentic Shelby vehicles are offered to the public."

Patrick Dempsey's Ford Mustang FR500C on the Block Saturday

In another exciting development, Ford Racing and Patrick Dempsey, the star of ABC's "Grey's Anatomy," also will auction the actor's No. 156 2005 Ford Mustang FR500C.

Dempsey drove the car in the 2007 Grand-Am KONI Challenge series for Hyper Sport Racing, a team he co-owns. Since its debut in 2005, the Mustang FR500C has earned seven poles, 10 wins, 92 top ten finishes and 25 podium appearances. Featuring a Ford Racing 5.0-liter Cammer R50 engine, it continues to be the road racing car of choice.

Dempsey will be on stage as bidders vie for this unique race Mustang. The winning bidder also will also receive a helmet, gloves, shoes, hero card and DVD box set of the third season of "Grey's Anatomy" signed by Dempsey. In addition, the winner will enjoy a track day with Hyper Sport Racing and a day for two at the Ford Racing High Performance Driving School at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, UT.

Ford Exhibit Celebrates Speed

Building on a valued partnership, Ford plans to remain a key automotive sponsor of The Barrett-Jackson Auction series as a third venue is added in Las Vegas this October. As part of this sponsorship, Ford will bring interactive elements to Barrett-Jackson, including a drifting track, racing simulators and a dyno-simulated drag racing display.

This year, Ford will add a life-size Mustang collector's display which showcases a 'Steed for Every Need,' along with a new "Built Ford Tough" tent that houses Ford's feature vehicles. Consumers also can look forward to a few surprises. "We have found that experiential elements allow us to create a lot of memories for our current and future customers," said Parker.

Ford, Barrett-Jackson and Shelby: $1.7 Million Raised for Charity

During the past three years, Ford and Carroll Shelby have raised more than $1.7 million dollars for charity. Last year, the first 2007 Shelby GT Mustang was auctioned off at a winning big of $600,000. In 2006, an early production 2007 Shelby GT500 also sold for $600,000.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 250,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

About JDRF

JDRF was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with type 1 diabetes - a disease that strikes children, adolescents, and adults suddenly, makes them insulin-dependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. Since inception, JDRF has provided more than $1.16 billion to diabetes research worldwide. More than 85 percent of JDRF's expenditures directly support research and research-related education. JDRF's mission is constant: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. For more information please visit www.jdrf.org

Barrett-Jackson to Auction First "Retailable" 2009 Corvette ZR1

Ray Wert — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 13:45:00 EST

Want to be the first to get your hands on a new 2009 Corvette ZR1? In 14 days, head on over to the Barrett-Jackson auction as we've just heard the first ZR1 will be going up for auction as part of their "Muscle Car Wars" marketing of a sale of the first 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, a Shelby GT500 KR and now a 2009 Chevy Corvette ZR1. Don't they know we've already got the "Muscle Car Wars" thing trademarked? We'll take our royalties in either cash or any mix of the above acronym-obsessive vehicles from the BJ auctioneers. Full lot quote from the folks all about the BJ after the jump. Oh — and did we mention the Barrett-Jackson folks think it's a "ZR-1 CONVERTIBLE?"

LotNumber 1316 Year 2009 CarMake CHEVROLET CarModel CORVETTE CarStyle ZR-1 CONVERTIBLE
"From Rumor to Instant Legend in the Blink of an Eye. Chevrolet presents the very "First Retailable Unit Built" Corvette ZR-1 for auction at Barrett-Jackson on Saturday, January 19, 2008 with all proceeds from the auction will benefit The United Way."

[Barrett-Jackson via Edmunds]

Shelby and Barrett-Jackson Introduce Special Edition Shelby GT

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 17:45:00 EST

Because what's lacking at Ford is specially branded product-tie ins, the company introduced the 2008 Mustang Shelby GT "Barrett-Jackson" edition, which will be available in both coupe and convertible styles. Only 100 of these collector's edition car collector's edition cars will be made and all of them will come in black with red racing stripes.

In addition to the Shelby goodies, the car will also include special door sill plates, special gas cap insert and an autographed photo! Our artist's rendering above of what we think the special "BJ" edition will look like. [Phoenix Biz Journal]

Robosaurus To Be Auctioned Off At Scottsdale Barrett-Jackson

Ray Wert — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 11:46:00 EDT

Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! See the fire-breathing Robosaurus auctioned off in Scottsdale! See the 40-foot tall metal monster move crush the crowded throngs of auction-goers! See the 20-foot long flames of fire engulf the entire auction facility in an inferno of epic proportions!

Well, at least the first line is true — according to a press release we've just received, the Monster Robots, Inc-created Robosaurus is being auctioned off at the Scottsdale Barrett Jackson in January. The rest of the above is only true in our mind's eye. And a very hopeful mind's eye it is. Full press release after the jump.

Robosaurus, the fire-breathing, car-crushing robot known for thrilling crowds across the globe, will be sold at No Reserve during the 37th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event on Jan. 12-20, 2008, in Scottsdale, Ariz. The 31-ton mechanical dinosaur was constructed in 1990 and consigned by its original builders. Hailed as "The World's Greatest Collector Car Events(TM)," the Scottsdale auction will feature 1000 of the world's finest collector automobiles and lavish lifestyle events. As always, Speed Channel will broadcast live coverage of all six auction days.
"This is without a doubt the largest, nastiest, most intimidating piece of machinery that we've ever consigned at Barrett-Jackson," said Steve Davis, President of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "Robosaurus is the first Life Magazine cover 'star' that Barrett-Jackson has ever featured - awesome!"

Created by Monster Robots, Inc. of Southern California, Robosaurus is an entertainment legend with numerous TV and movie appearances. Standing 40-feet tall, Robosaurus is operated by a human pilot strapped inside the monster's cranium. The operator also controls the 20-foot flames that erupt from his nostrils and the foot-long stainless steel teeth that rip into and twist metal with 20,000 pounds of crushing force.

"Barrett-Jackson is entertainment for the entire family," added Davis. "Attractions like Robosaurus appeal to the kid in us all. Where else can you see a Ferrari Daytona and a fire-breathing monster in the same show and potentially even take them home? This diverse lineup helps us attract thousands of new bidders and enthusiasts to the collector car hobby every year."

Barrett-Jackson continually reaffirms its leadership position in the collector car market by elevating consignment standard and serving as the barometer for market trends. Barrett-Jackson recently announced that Portland-based Endeavour Capital purchased a significant minority share in the company, further validating the integrity and growth potential of the world's leading automotive/lifestyle event.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the "World's Greatest Collector Car Events(TM)" in Scottsdale and Palm Beach, Fla.

Photo Credit: Buddy Rice and Texas motor speedway

2008 Scottsdale Barrett-Jackson To Feature Only 1963 Ford Thunderbird 'Italien'

Ray Wert — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 12:45:00 EDT

The big B-J auction just dropped a release to let us know the 2008 Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale will feature the 1963 Ford Thunderbird 'Italien' concept car. While very nice looking, if we're gonna spend money on a Ford-built concept car — heck, any concept car — we'd still rather have this 1993 Lincoln Mark VIII. What can we say — we totally digg the roll-up doors. Full release after the jump.
Picture Credit: Jay Leno

37th Annual Barrett-Jackson Auction to Feature the World's Only 1963 Ford Thunderbird 'Italien'
The 1963 FORD Thunderbird ?Italien? concept car will be sold at No Reserve during the 37th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event on Jan. 12-20, 2008, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Oozing with European panache from the aerodynamic roof line to the front and rear leather bucket seats, this one-off concept was an extreme departure from the traditional classics rolling out of Detroit in the early 1960s.

Hailed as ?The World?s Greatest Collector Car Events?,? the Scottsdale auction will feature 1000 of the world?s finest collector vehicles and lavish lifestyle events. As always, Speed Channel will broadcast live-coverage of all six auction days.

?It?s rare for such a classic concept to be offered at auction,? said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. ?The ?Italien? features design cues that were virtually nonexistent in the United States during its time of production. This could be the most sought after and significant Thunderbird to ever cross the block at Barrett-Jackson.?

The ?Italien? was designed and built by Vince Gardner at the Dearborn Steel Tubing Company, an outsourcing contractor responsible for various non-assembly line Ford concepts, including the 1964 Ford Thunderbolt and Mercury Super Cyclone. It was showcased in Ford?s 1962-63 ?Custom Car Caravan,? numerous Autoramas across the country and in the 1964 New York World Fair?s ?Cavalcade of Custom Cars.?

?The ?Italien? was born during an exciting period in automotive history,? added Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. ?In the ?50s and early ?60s, concept cars were showcased across the world in parade-like settings. This rare Thunderbird was a great attraction at many famous shows, and we plan to recreate that same exciting atmosphere in Scottsdale. When it hits the block in January, it will be the first documented public appearance since its showing at the World?s Fair in 1964.?

While most Ford concept cars were destroyed after their world tours, the ?Italien? was rescued by actor Dale Robertson of TV?s ?Tales of Wells Fargo,? ?Wagon Train? and ?JJ Starbuck.? Tom Maruska purchased it from noted Ford collector Don Chambers in January 2006, and immediately began its restoration to original specifications.

Barrett-Jackson continually reaffirms its leadership position in the collector car market by elevating consignment standard and serving as the barometer for market trends. Barrett-Jackson recently announced that Portland-based Endeavour Capital purchased a significant minority share in the company, further validating the integrity and growth potential of the world?s leading automotive/lifestyle event.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the ?World?s Greatest Collector Car Events?? in Scottsdale and Palm Beach, Fla. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com

First 2009 Corvette ZR1 To Be Sold At Barrett-Jackson?

Ray Wert — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 01:00:00 EDT

According to the breathless one, the first 2009 Corvette ZR-1 will be sold at the Barrett-Jackson car auction in Scottsdale, Arizona mere days after the official reveal at the Detroit Auto Show in January. The annual auction's set to take place January 12-20 2008 — so if Josh is right, and you want to get your hands on the first of these 650 HP super-vettes, you'll apparently need to snag yourself a plane ticket and go raisin' Arizona come January. We'll of course be live in Detroit to show you the official reveal of the devilish 'vette we've seen in test mule shots, spy photos, spy videos and as one of us was coming out of a ~~secured military compound~~ GM facility earlier this week, in person. [via CorvetteZR1Forum]

First Shelby GT-H Drop-Top Auctioned At Palm Beach Barrett-Jackson

Ray Wert — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 10:32:10 EDT

So Shelby's got themselves a GT-H Convertible and they auctioned off the very first rent-a-racer in 'vert form at the big classic car BJ down in Palm Beach. The GT-H drop-top's basically the same mechanically as the coupe — 319 HP, etc. The big difference in addition to the obviously droppable top is a rollbar and some big n' black Bullitt-style rims — the same as those seen on the black GT's Shelby's already selling direct to consumers. Only 500 will be built, and the other 499 will be auctioned off after they've served their terms at a Hertz rental station near you. The first one? Well — that one, as you can see above from SpeedTV, was auctioned off for $250,00 to Ron Pratte, who as we already know, has a serious addiction to overpaying for FoMoCo products. – Ray Wert

Jalopnik Question of the Day: What Would You Buy for $5.5 Million

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 12:45:02 EST

At the Barrett-Jackson auction this week, Carroll Shelby's personal Cobra went home with Ron "Futurliner" Pratte, a house builder from Chandler, Arizona who drops multimillions on classic vehicles like they were mid-career Charlie Hough cards on the eBay. He paid $5.5 million for this pedigreed Cobra, which may not have broken any records, but it sure was Aswan-Dam expensive. That brings us to the question of the day. If you had $5.5 million to blow, would you have courted Shelby's ex, or would you spend it on something else? Details, details.

Shelby Cobra sells for $5.5 million [MSNBC]

Related:
More Question of the Day [internal]

Barrett-Jackson: We Get A View Live From Stage, You See Shelby Give Away First-Born GT

Ray Wert — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:26:00 EST

Our insider snapping photos and videos out in Scottsdale at the big BJ auction managed to get themselves up on the stage and take some shots of Ford's newest Mustang derivative, the #001 serial-numbered Shelby Mustang GT. We've got the picture gallery below and according to the ~~description from FoMoCo PR~~ ~~description from Shelby PR~~ shit pulled off of Barrett-Jackson's website from god knows where:

"This car will be the first to be produced, and will carry Shelby authentication plate Number One. The Shelby GT Mustang combines the best in classic Shelby looks and Ford Racing Performance Parts for a well-balanced, corner-carving Mustang that is equally at home on the track or the street. These cars start life as a Mustang GT at the factory in Flat Rock, Michigan and are...

...shipped to Las Vegas for modification by Shelby. Ford Racing power and handling upgrade packages increase performance by approx 25hp, and lower the car 1.5" while tightening the suspension and improving handling. The car is also fitted with a Hurst short throw shifter and X-pipe exhaust. Some key Shelby design components include hood scoop, hood pins, grille insert, sill plate and floor mats, "Shelby GT" side stripe, "Shelby" badging on trunk lid, and a custom authentication plate on the dash. The Shelby GT will be available in white or black only, with silver LeMans stripes. White cars will be built with polished 18" wheels, while black cars will have black 18" wheels. This special edition Mustang will be available in both manual and automatic transmission."

Wait, we know that's Shelby in the passenger seat, but who's the man driving the car? Could it be FoMoCo Prez of the Americas Mark Fields? Why yes, yes it is. For anyone interested, the GT ended up going for $660,000 and oh, yeah — our insider also snapped us a pic of a '66 Shelby Cobra 427 "Super Snake" that ended up going for $5,500,000. What was it that one guy was saying about a muscle car bubble again? [Hat tip to WD!] – Ray Wert

Barrett-Jackson's All About...Drifting?

Ray Wert — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 18:24:09 EST

To be honest, we've really got no idea what drifting has to do with the Barrett-Jackson auction out in Scottsdale, but for some reason it's part of FoMoCo's "Family Fun Day" party out west. Despite the lack of an understanding of "why," we do know the "what." That there is Tony Brakohiapa, a drifter born in West Africa and living in San Francisco. The dude's 28, and was a stunt driver in the most recent sucktastic "Fast & Furious" movie which I think was called "Tokyo Drift Like The Kids Are Doing" or something like that. He's drifting around the "course" in a 2005 Saleen S281 beefed up to 550 hp. We also know he's doing stuff in a Mustang we've never seen done before. We'll have more pictures and video later, and FoMoCo's press release giving no reason "why" either is after the jump. [Hat tip to the boldly moving WD!] – Ray Wert

FORD AND BARRETT-JACKSON TEAM UP FOR 2007
* Building on last year's success, Ford and Barrett-Jackson will again team up for the 2007 auction season in Scottsdale, Ariz. and Palm Beach, Fla.

* Ford to sponsor Barrett-Jackson Family Value Day on Monday, January 15 in Scottsdale

* Unique Mustang to be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, proceeds to benefit Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 8 - Ford and Barrett-Jackson, two American icons, will create more history in the auction world for 2007. Building on last year's successful auctions in Scottsdale, Ariz. and Palm Beach, Fla., Ford will team up with Barrett-Jackson Auction Company, LLC, as a key automotive sponsor.

Ford will sponsor the Barrett-Jackson Family Value Day, scheduled for Monday, January 15. In its second year, Family Value Day is dedicated to bringing in the young generation of car enthusiasts by offering discounted tickets for adults and allowing children under the age of 12 in for free. Last year's first-ever Family Value Day brought in 25,000. All cars that will be auctioned off during the event are available for viewing on Family Value Day before the actual auction begins.

"Our experiment during the 2006 auction of opening for a day dedicated to families was a great success," said Craig Jackson, president and CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company, LLC. "It was a pleasure to see thousands of kids and their parents enjoying the event, knowing that a whole new generation of hobbyists is emerging. We are thrilled to join forces with Ford to make this year's Family Value Day even more exciting for our guests."

In addition to Ford's sponsorship of Family Value Day, the automotive manufacturer is announcing they will auction off a unique Mustang at the Scottsdale auction with proceeds benefiting The Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation.

"Barrett-Jackson is the world's most unique platform for selling the world's most unique cars," said Robert Parker, Ford car marketing manager. "It's not just about classic cars and resto mods anymore, Barrett-Jackson has become a great venue to sell premier models of some of Ford's latest and greatest cars."

As part of its sponsorship, Ford will once again bring interactive elements to Barrett-Jackson. A drifting track and a dyno-simulated drag racing display were some of the experiential elements Ford brought to the 2006 events. "We've found that experiential elements allow us to better connect with our customers," said Parker. "We created a lot of memories for our current and future customers in 2006 and we intend to do the same in 2007." Feature cars from the manufacturer will also be among the elements that Ford will bring back to the event, adding an entirely new element to the Barrett-Jackson experience.

"Barrett-Jackson has grown into a week-long celebration of a mixture of cars, luxury, family, technology and fun," added Jackson. "Ford brings to the table a little bit of all of the above, making this sponsorship alliance the perfect mixture to offer something for everyone."

More Straw, Less Muscle: Media Control Program at Barrett-Jackson

Mike Bumbeck — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 13:36:02 EST

From the Hatfield and McCoy department comes news from Deep Dish, our source on the inside. The story begins with Craig Jackson of Barrett-Jackson Auction fame. The plot gets soupier with the entry of editor Keith Martin of Sports Car Market, the premiere magazine of the automobile auction world. Seems Keith penned a riff focusing in on the coming burst of the muscle car bubble which got Jackson teeth-gnashing Yosemite Sam-style pissed off. Jackson was evidently blinded by this same anger when he had Martin escorted off the Barrett-Jackson Auction grounds this morning. Martin was permanently banned to boot. We say blinded for what Jackson didn't know was that Martin was at the auction to gather and gawk not only for Sports Car Market, but also some outfit that calls itself the New York Times. – Mike Bumbeck

Jalopnik Question of the Day: Which Modern Cars Will Be the Most Collectible in 30 Years?

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 10:35:19 EST

On the occasion of the latest Barrett-Jackson cashout, collector car insurance firm Hagerty serves us a top-10 list of prospective collector cars for the next generation. Not long ago, we argued that, 30 years from now, there'd be no cars of this era fetching the same numbers as a mint Hemi Cuda these days ($2 million). Or, even scarier, that that aging Gen Xers would be paying six figures for a four-door Hyundai Excel with clove-cigarette burns on the seats and original Dinosaur Jr. stickers on the rear bumper (full disclosure: uh, never mind). But in the past several years, a few cars have popped up that may become bona fide auction queens. That brings us to the question of the day. Which late-model cars would you stick in a garage somewhere until Barrett-Jackson 2037? And while we're at it, chime in — poll wise — on Hagerty's list. – Mike Spinelli

We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful: Barrett-Jackson Edition

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 23:45:00 EST

We liked the days when we would be driving down College Avenue in Berkeley and would see Jade Puget of AFI strolling down the street and pull over for a chat. We also like hearing AFI on the radio, even if our musical tastes have diverged. But the band was so worried about a Green Day/Jawbreaker-style backlash, that there were all kinds of conflicting statements when the band left indie label Nitro for DreamWorks. But AFI worked hard, played their asses off, etc. We don't begrudge them a thing. And them signing to a major didn't take away a thing from us. However, we're a bit miffed at Craig Jackson.

No doubt, Jackson and his crew have worked hard to make their auction synonymous with, well, automotive auctions. That said, we're also a bit pissed, because we feel like the event has ruined the musclecar hobby. In an interview with the Arizona Republic, Jackson notes, "I had the luxury of growing up watching the WWII generation buying and selling the great classics. Duesenbergs went from $5,000 to a million dollars. I said in the late '80s that great muscle cars are going to do the same with this generation."

And of course, he was right. But a Duesy SJ was an amazing piece of handbuilt engineering. A HemiCuda droptop was a lucky bunch of options checked on an order sheet. It's an $8,000 car, at best. But the rise of the LS6s, COPOs and what have you have elevated well-styled shitboxes into Maserati Birdcage territory, and it's due in no small part to Jackson's auction. What's more, it's driven a lot of us out of the musclecar hobby because we can't believe that our simple, serviceable cars have turned into such expensive machines.

It's time for a new paradigm. We suggest the Subaru Justy. Or find a loophole to get gray-market Daihatsu Boon X4s and Honda Beats into California. Ahnuld, help us. – Davey G. Johnson

Q&A: Jackson sees strong future for collector cars [Arizona Republic]

Jimmy is Not Happy With Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 09:25:34 EST

If you weren't already tipped off by the millions of dollars being withdrawn from 401Ks from here to Calabasas, the annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach auction started last night and runs through Saturday. If you go to check out the cars and the Benjis, ask for Jimmy. He'll be the one in the scowl:

If you write-up the first night of the B-J PB, you better mention how it sucked and how this sucking was very much related to the high idiocy factor of those two fucking announcers. The one guy, that i believe was on the right (according to the dolby 6.1) used the phrase "yet another truck motor that was placed in a passenger car to increase sales" at LEAST three times in reference to Chevy big block — and not even especially "trucky" engines. He was talking about the 396 and 409 and such. I mean if it had been the ford FE, then maybe, but the CBB? Oh, and get this, he cited the tri-carb set up as the reason and the disp. as the reasons why it was "actually a truck motor. The last time I checked the bump-stickwas a little more important than either when it came to such designations. . .Come-on. He also referred to the two-tone paint scheme of a classic 'Merican ride (A goddamn Impala, I believe — guess which side of this fence I fall on) as "a euro-style two tone" as if he was speaking about a modern sport compact or custom "V-dub."
And he completely backhanded the Blue Oval throughout the show. Maybe that's why I'm pissed. . . Nah, the Fords just weren't selling to the mediocre crowd of south Florida whales and red-necks that were snapping up the not-very-interesting fare like it was manna.

No, Jimmy is not happy.

The Jalopnik Morning Shift

Ray Wert — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 07:30:43 EST

• Pontiac's building excitement. And some people say it has 270 horses...a 3.9 L V6...and more aggresive styling. All we know is we call it...the GXP. [Auto Spies]
• Forget Snakes On A Plane! In Florida, they've got Snakes In A Car! [ABC News]
• It's Crazy Art Car Parade! It's crazy, it's arty, and they're cars in a parade! Now why don't you give us some candy? [2theadvocate]
• Detroit, meet Craig Jackson. Craig Jackson, meet Detroit. You too play nice now, ya hear? [Freep]
• Buy a house...get a Benz! [Freep]
• Maybe Delphi shoulda taken the deal; Fourteen US plants to close...more information expected later today. [Detroit News]
• January print spending by auto advertisers plungin' lower than Lindsay Lohan's neckline. [ADAge]

Cash and Caddy: Johnny's Black Cadillac to Be Auctioned

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 07:24:05 EST

Despite that (or, perhaps, because) our first impression of Johnny Cash was his singing "Dirty Old Egg Suckin' Dog" on the Muppet Show, we grew up to be a fan. We even watched "Walk the Line" on the plane back from the Geneva motor show, while we should have been sleeping off an ill-considered shot of morning courage. Now, one of his Caddys is going up for auction — a 1975 Fleetwood, powered by the "fuck you OPEC" 500ci V8 of the time. It'll be at the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2006 event tomorrow. Oh, and our birthday's coming up.

1975 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD 4 DOOR SEDAN - JOHNNY CASH [Barrett-Jackson]

Barrett-Jackson Moves Downmarket: The Montecamino!

Davey G. Johnson — Tue, 28 Mar 2006 16:14:31 EST

Sheebus. The Camino love's flowing in non-stop today. Famed commenter and tipster TexansAreHot kicked down some science — this 2004 Monte Carlo conversion is going across the block at Barrett-Jackson's Palm Beach auction on Thursday. Not surprisingly, it was designed by a guy named Vinny. We are not making this up. So if you're down for throwing good money after bad money that's already been hurled at bad money, Florida's apparently the place to be this week.

2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Custom Pickup [Barrett-Jackson]

Related:
More El Caminos [Internal]

"Beast of Turin" Racer up for Auction

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 10 Mar 2006 08:09:59 EST

As if we needed more evidence that car racers in the first part of the last century had cojones the size of western Massachusetts, "La Bestioni" is going up for auction. The 1919 "Beast of Turin," a twin-seat boat-tail racer built on the frame of an American La France fire truck, is powered by a 14-liter six-cylinder airplane powerplant and reportedly has one of the earliest power steering (and power braking) systems in creation. We're not sure what the car's actual history is, or whether it had anything to do with Fiat's line of Turin "beasts" first built in 1911, but it's definitely a beast of one kind or another. Barrett-Jackson will put the old-tyme hot rod on the block at its Palm Beach auction during the weekend of March 29-April 1.

1919 La Bestioni Firetruck Hot Rod [Barrett-Jackson]

Boing Boing on the Futurliner

Davey G. Johnson — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 15:30:51 EST

The kids over at BoingBoing have some interesting facts about the Barrett-Jackson-wowing Futurliner that we didn't know. Of twelve originally constructed for GM's shows, the first of the big buses was built in 1940. The internal displays included everything from cutaway jet engines to the latest and most fab-tastic in household appliances. Interestingly, for such a huge vehicle (33 feet long), they were powered by a relatively small engine: a GMC 302-cube inline six, which most likely means that a Microbus with bad compression could take it in a drag race.

GM Futurliner tour bus [Boing Boing]

Related:
Futurliner Rollin' Home [Internal]

Futureliner Rollin' Home

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 23 Jan 2006 18:42:33 EST

While most of the guys who laid down back-breaking piles of cash at Barrett-Jackson undoubtedly had trailers at the ready, the buyer of the most expensive vehicle in the auction's history the GM Futureliner had a bigger problem. Where does one find a bus-length flatbed on short notice in the Greater Scottsdale area? Apparently, one doesn't. One clambers in, gives the horn a few toots, and heads south on Arizona State Route 101 to the bus' new home in Chandler, outside Phoenix. That, friends, is totally badass.

The Arizona Republic

Final Tally: Over $100 Million Exchanged at Barrett-Jackson

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 23 Jan 2006 17:06:46 EST

Craig Jackson's jeans must be pert' near full of cream right now, because his auction conducted $100,061,670 in sales during the course of this year's run. According to El Jacko, "We grew more this year than we sold two years ago." And this year's tally makes last year's $63 mil in sales look like pocket lint. Well, platinum-plated pocket lint, but pocket lint nonetheless. Also of note, out of 4,852 registered bidders, only 48 were women. We wonder if they were rocking the beer guts and polo shirts, too.

Sales top $100 million at Barrett-Jackson auction [Arizona Republic]

Barrett-Jackson to Auction GTX1 Roadster in Palm Beach

Mike Spinelli — Sun, 22 Jan 2006 16:32:54 EST

Big announcement from the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction juggernaut today: Mark Gerisch of Genaddi Design Group said a Ford GTX1, serial #001, would be on the block at B-J's upcoming Palm Beach 2006 auction. The Genaddi bespoke package — inspired by the Sebring-winning 1966 Ford roadster — was first displayed at the SEMA show last November, and normally starts at $38,000 over the cost of a stock Ford GT. Not telling what the 001 car will fetch, but the sound you just heard is that of hedge fund managers all over the US buying long.

GM's Futurliner Brings in Record-setting $4.5 Million at Barrett-Jackson

Mike Spinelli — Sun, 22 Jan 2006 08:04:28 EST

Our top-secret Barrett-Jackson correspondent reports on the sale of GM's Futurliner — a mega-bus designed by Harley Earl and built for GM's Motorama presentations in 1950.

The 1950 GM Futurliner just set three records with a $4.5 million sale. It set records for biggest sale at Barrett-Jackson, biggest sale for a GM vehicle at auction, and biggest sale for an American-made car at auction. Plus, biggest sale for a damn bus.

Example of GM's post-war market dominance and technological prowess, or glorified Oscar Meyer Wienermobile? You make the call. [Update: The final price was revised downward, says Jalopnik's correspondent, "Total sale price is now $4.32 million. [sarcasm] Pffffff. Not quite as impressive as before, huh? [/sarcasm].]

1950 General Motors Futurliner Parade of Progress Tour Bus [Barrett-Jackson]