Barrett-Jackson Inaugural Orange County Auction To Provide Rare, Diverse Docket For Unforgettable Event

  • Barrett-Jackson Launches First Automotive Lifestyle Event in Southern California
  • Muscle Cars, Hot Rods, Sports Cars, Corvettes and Classics to Cross Auction Block at No Reserve
  • Ride & Drives, Vendors and Unique Experiences for All Ages

COSTA MESA, Calif. – June 23, 2010 – Barrett-Jackson Auction Company has created a diverse docket of world class collector cars and many unique experiences for the inaugural Orange County Auction. A fantastic selection of muscle cars, hot rods, sports cars, customs and classic cars will be sold at No Reserve during the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction from June 25-27, 2010 at the OC Fair & Events Center in Costa Mesa, Calif. SPEED will provide 18 hours of live, high-definition TV coverage during the three-day auction.

“Barrett-Jackson is excited to kickoff our inaugural Southern California automotive lifestyle event with such an exciting docket of collectible cars,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Our Orange County event will offer high octane energy and excitement unlike anything Southern California has seen.”

The Ultimate Classic

Barrett-Jackson will have a 1938 Packard Victoria Convertible (Lot #355) roll across the auction block on Saturday. With only one of 11 known to be in existence, this car was originally owned by Barrett-Jackson founder Russ Jackson and was at one time part of the Blackhawk Collection. It has a 473cid V12 connected to a 3-speed manual transmission. Equipped with Cormorant, side mounts, trunk rack, deluxe steering wheel, radio and heater, this one-of-a-kind classic runs and drives excellent. The forest green exterior compliments the light tan interior and has been restored to contemporary standards.

“Having a car up on the block from my father’s original collection will be very special for me,” said Jackson. “It’s a wonderful classic that anybody would be proud to have in their collection.”

“Thunderflite”

Lot #382.1, a 1961 Ford Thunderbird Custom Roadster “Thunderflite.” was built by world-renowned designer Dean “Dino” Arnold, and features a custom double bubble top. Painted with House of Kolors Chrome Effects, the car has a 302cid engine connected to a modified automatic transmission. The deep red interior was done by Deluxe Auto Interiors and has over 1,000 custom modifications.

Besides the unique look of the car, the T-Bird has received numerous awards and has been featured in various automotive publications. Rod & Kulture, Street Rodder, Drive, Rod & Custom, Car Kulture Deluxe, ol’Skool Rodz and SEMA magazine have all showcased this chromed beauty.

“The flashy chrome, deep apple red paint and wild design of the car is perfect for our first Orange County event,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “With its unique Southern California flair, it would be great for anyone who wants to cruise Sunset Boulevard.”

The “Standard”

Barrett-Jackson has always been home to some of the world’s greatest American muscle cars and hot rods. With the inaugural OC event underway, they will live up to this reputation with some truly special cars. Called the “Hammer,” Lot #362 is a Plymouth Road Runner Custom Two Door Hardtop, updated with an all-aluminum Mopar Performance 526 cubic-inch Hemi built by Ray Barron Racing Engines. It has made appearances in the third and fourth “The Fast and the Furious” films as well as several SEMA shows.

A hot rod with a difference, the 1940 Willys Custom Two Door Coupe (Lot #383) was built to standards established by drag racers, though it is primarily intended for street use. The legendary Art Morrison chassis carries a supercharged Mopar Hemi and the finest safety and performance features, including a full roll cage. This steel pro-built hot rod is powered by 472cid Mopar HEMI engine.

Other custom muscle cars include Lot #370, a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Convertible that was restored in 2005 and Lot #389, a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T Coupe. The Mopar is one of only three 1970 Charger R/Ts with the 426 Hemi/four-speed manual transmission combination that were painted yellow that year.

The New Collectibles

A black on black 2001 Lamborghini Diablo VT (Lot #381) is sure to attract attention at the auction. The pampered Diablo is in fabulous condition throughout with only 17,000 original miles on the odometer.

The 2007 Ford Mustang Saleen Parnelli Jones Limited Edition (Lot #649) was created as a salute to Parnelli Jones’ career in motorsports and his legendary Indy 500 win in 1963. The muscle car is powered by a Saleen modified 302 V8 3-valve engine that that produces 400 horsepower and 390 feet per pound of torque.

Other feature cars to watch cross the block are a 2004 Maybach MOD 62 Four Door Sedan LWB (Lot #378), a 1999 Ferrari 355 GTS (Lot #363) and a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS Coupe (Lot #325).

The “Eccentrics”

The Barrett-Jackson team added a few twists to the docket for the 2010 Orange County event. For that collector seeking a one-of-a-kind vehicle or an unusual trophy, there are several off the wall options that should fit the bill.

A brilliant red 1928 Buick custom speedster (Lot #349) by master retro designer and builder Gary Wales hearkens back to a time when coach building was the norm when buying an automobile. With its red spoked wheels, lightweight doors and charming wooden dash, this Buick looks like the ultimate gentleman’s racer.

For many car enthusiasts attending the event, it is not unusual for Aston Martins and Bentleys to cross the block, but this year a special group will be sold that were built without engines. A 2007 Aston Martin Zer-Black Gravity Racer (Lot #645) is one of the first Aston Martin zero-emission vehicles in the company’s 97 year history. Other Gravity Racers from Aston Martin will be available in green (Lot #645.1) and white (Lot #645.2).

Three 2007 Bentleys will also be featuring Gravity Racers from Lot #646, Lot #646.1 and Lot #646.2.

America’s Sports Car

With a large number of Chevrolet Corvettes scheduled to roll across the block, Barrett-Jackson will auction many of the most exciting representatives of this iconic 58-year-old brand.

“You’d be hard-pressed to find a better selection of Corvettes, both classics and modern examples at a single venue,” said Jackson. “Orange County will be a great place to pick up one a car to enjoy on the open road or make the centerpiece of a personal collection.”

Enthusiasts will be hungry for a numbers-matching Rally Red on black 1967 Corvette convertible (Lot #358.1). This car sports a 427 tri-power V8 and a correct rear end. It was restored in 1988 and has been stored in a climate controlled showroom for over 20 years. The ‘Vette has a mere 300 miles on it since its restoration.

Hued in gleaming Ermine White paint, Lot #389.1 has a white soft top and blue leather. The well documented 1966 Corvette convertible features a numbers-matching 427 and correct four-speed manual transmission.

Other feature Corvettes taking stage at Barrett-Jackson include:

  • Lot #361 – 1961 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
  • Lot #366 – 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe
  • Lot #367 – 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
  • Lot #375.1 – 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
  • Lot #385 – 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe

Barrett-Jackson is also offering a week-long list of activities for individuals of all ages. The event will encompass the OC Fair & Event Center grounds and include the famous collector car auction, sponsor promotions and displays, vendors, exhibitors, interactive demonstrations, parties and other festivities.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company was 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 Auctions™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla., Las Vegas, and Orange County, Cali. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance offering for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.

Media Contact

Automotive media contact: Jennifer Pullen, TPRM, 214.520.3430 Ext. 307, jpullen@tprm-usa.com
California/Local media contact: Kelly Reeves, KLR, 949-509-1888, kelly@klrcommunications.com