BARRETT-JACKSON CONTINUES TO GROW CAR COLLECTOR HOBBY WITH STRONG FIRST DAY AUCTION
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – January 16, 2008 - The action was brisk and the interest up during the first auction day of the 37th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event yesterday in Scottsdale, Ariz. Officials with the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company announced preliminary figures that revealed an increase in attendance, strong Web hits and steady sales for a docket of 110 entry level collector cars. SPEED broadcasted the block action live during the evening.
“Our goal has always been to give more people an opportunity to be part of the action,” said Steve Davis, president of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. “The first day of the auction was specifically designed around the entry level and first time car collector. There were some very impressive sales on some previously overlooked cars and some nice values for the savvy bidder. Both bidders and consignors indicated that they were very, very pleased with the results of Tuesday. The response to our first day represented a promising start to the auction season.”
A total of 30,431 attendees flocked to Barrett-Jackson and Web hits reached an astounding 11 million for the day. Auction highlights included the sale of a 1936 Pontiac Business Coup custom hot rod for $68,000, a 1980 Pontiac Trans Am for $63,000, a wild Truck Engine Trike from “Monster Garage” for $23,000, a VW Beetle convertible for $14,700 and a beautiful 1955 Ford Thunderbird for $65,000.
Four of the top selling cars at the auction were purchased by enthusiasts in the Barrett-Jackson Showroom Pavilion. This offers another option to sellers who wish to offer their vehicles at a pre-set price. These included a 1931 Studebaker President for $110,000, a 1962 Corvette for $91,000, a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 for $75,000 and a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 for $74,000
“Not only did we see strong increases in key areas across the board, the interest among sponsors and exhibitors has been very good,” Davis noted. “They recognize that the consumers they want to reach are coming to Barrett-Jackson, which is why we attracted so many blue chip companies this year. The bump in interest at the auction demonstrates that the hobby continues to be very healthy.”
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, Palm Beach, Fla. and Las Vegas. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
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