Car collectors around the world look forward to Scottsdale’s annual classic automobile auction, the “Barrett-Jackson”, held every January at WestWorld, just 5 minutes from DC Ranch.
Barrett Jackson, World’s Greatest Car Auction
Scottsdale’s 2015 Barrett-Jackson car auction is set for January 10 – January 18, and hotel rooms book quickly. If you’re thinking about coming to see the auction live, our advice is to make your reservations now. At the same time, make plans to stop in and see us, your DC Ranch real estate experts.
The early years of Barrett-Jackson
Barrett-Jackson is headquartered in Scottsdale and held it’s first auction in 1971. The company has modest roots.
In the early 1960’s car enthusiasts Russ Jackson and Tom Barrett came together when Barrett was selling his 1933 Cadillac V16 Town Car. While the two never came to a deal on the car, their meeting was the beginning of a long partnership.
In 1967 Barrett and Jackson presented a car show called Fiesta de los Autos Elegantes. It was a fundraiser for the Scottsdale Library and Community Art Center.
The first collector car auction came in 1971 featuring the “best-of” their individual car collections. Barrett’s Mercedes 770 Phaeton sold for $153,000 getting full-industry attention and capturing the attention of collectors globally.
Barrett became known for bringing the rarest automobiles to the event, and Jackson was known for bringing cars he collected and restored.
A scene from the 2010 Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale
Barrett-Jackson today
Today, the company puts on the auction block the most unique, popular and some of the most pricey cars anywhere. While the auctions always catered to savvy, classic automobile owners and enthusiasts around the world, the event is equally enjoyed by families, first-time buyers, and spectators.
The auction first aired on television in 1997. In 1998, the auction had $17M in sales, 100,000 spectators, the first internet bidding, web simulcast, bidder liaison service and the introduction of the couture fashion show. All of these features have come to define the Barrett-Jackson show in Scottsdale.
2013 was also a record-breaking year for the Scottsdale Barrett-Jackson. Sales were over $108 million, more than 300,000 people attended the event, and $5 million was donated to 20 local charities.
In 2014, the Barrett Jackson and Classic Party Rentals set 2 Guiness World Records during the event: one for the Largest Marquee (tent) at 435,656.95 square feet, and one for the “Largest Single-Unit Marquee (tent)” at 351,210.33 square feet.
Running simultaneously with the daily auction, there are various exhibits, seminars and events. The most popular is the Barrett-Jackson Automobilia Auction with rare and one-of-a-kind automotive collectibles. The first Sunday is generally a “Family Value Day” with specials and free activities for the family.
You don’t have to be a bidder to participate on any day. Of the 300,000 people who come to WestWorld, about 3,000 are registered bidders and the rest are local, national and international spectators.
The Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale has evolved into an entertainment event filled with hundreds of sought-after and rare automobiles from every part of the world. Auctions are broadcast live to a world-wide audience, generally on Fox channels and their affiliates.
The company continues to evolve and has launched licensed apparel, car care supplies, garage cabinetry and an automotive paint color series. Seeking innovation at every opportunity, Barrett-Jackson has 100,000+ Facebook, Twitter and Instagram followers. The company also endorses collector car insurance for collectible cars.
At the show, you’ll be able to experience over 1 million square feet of “automotive-everything.” Be sure to see it for yourself this January.
If you liked reading about the Barrett-Jackson, bookmark our blog. We are your ‘go-to’ resource for DC Ranch community and real estate information.
Reach out to us if you would like more information on the Scottsdale or DC Ranch areas.
Don Matheson
Realtor | Founder
The Matheson Team – RE/MAX Fine Properties
21000 N. Pima Rd., #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-360-0281
don@scottsdalerealestate.com
