Barrett-Jackson To Offer Motorsports History, Icons And Star Power At 2008 Scottsdale Auction
Richard Childress Racing to Sell Intimidating ’69 Camaro Series 3 Coupe
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – January 2, 2008 - In what will be the ultimate fusion of automotive passion and racing history, the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company will auction several prominent motorsports vehicles at No Reserve during the 37th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event on Jan. 12-20, 2008, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Highlighting the pavement-pounding group of racers will be “The Intimidator,” a Richard Childress Racing (RCR) 1969 Series 3 Camaro limited edition vehicle (Lot #1303) that honors the accomplishments of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. and his bond with RCR.
Joining the Series 3 Camaro will be a 1987 NHRA Pro Stock Oldsmobile Firenza from famous drag racer Warren Johnson (Lot #1295) and a 2005 Ford Mustang FR500C (Lot #1288) driven by “Grey’s Anatomy” star Patrick Dempsey. Hailed as “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™,” the Scottsdale auction will feature over 1100 of the world’s finest collector vehicles and lavish lifestyle events. As always, SPEED will broadcast live-coverage of all six auction days.
“There are only a few things in life I enjoy more than restoring classic automobiles, and one is racing them,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. “In Scottsdale, we will auction several exceptional vehicles with significant racing pedigree and inspiration. From Warren’s pro-stock, to a smooth ’69 Camaro from the garage of one of NASCAR’s most successful teams, we’ve got horsepower and star power to satisfy racing fans across the board.”
To pay homage to the No. 3 Chevrolet made famous by Dale Earnhardt Sr., Richard Childress Racing joined forces with Total Performance Inc. to build the ’69 Series 3 Camaro. The car crossing the block in Scottsdale will be Serial No. 3 and the only one with the official title of “The Intimidator”; only 50 total Series 3 Camaros will be built. The black, red and silver muscle car commemorates the dynamic relationship forged between RCR and Earnhardt, as well as the no-nonsense, hard-working attitude that defined this special team.
This RCR Series 3 Camaro comes with two powerful engines. One is a 525 horsepower, all-aluminum, 427ci engine built by Keith Craft Motorsports. The 525 horsepower engine will allow the owner to enjoy the Series 3 on the street. The alternate engine is a powerhouse SB-2, 603 horsepower unit tuned at the RCR engine shop and used in the No. 3 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet driven by Earnhardt in the 2000 Daytona 500.
“This Series 3 Camaro will be the only car equipped with ‘The Intimidator’ badging, making it a one-off collectible that is perfect for NASCAR fanatics who also like to drive their collector cars,” said Brook Phillips, President of Total Performance, Inc.
Drag racing enthusiasts will want to be near the Barrett-Jackson block when the Warren Johnson 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza crosses. A historic part of Johnson’s NHRA Pro Stock racing career, the Firenza sparked a successful relationship between Johnson and General Motors Corporation, which continues today. The Firenza is restored with a genuine Warren Johnson 500ci first-design DRCE 1000-plus horsepower V8 engine, correct drivetrain and all original chassis components. Johnson will drive the car on stage, autograph the rear wing and pose for pictures with the new owner at the auction.
Patrick Dempsey, who stars as Dr. Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd on ABC’s hit series “Grey’s Anatomy,” is scheduled to be on stage when his No. 156 2005 Ford Mustang FR500C is sold for charity. Dempsey drove the car in the 2007 Grand-Am KONI Challenge series for Hyper Sport Racing, which he co-owns. The Mustang contains a 5.0 liter, Cammer R50 engine and has earned seven poles, 10 wins, 92 top ten finishes and 25 podium appearances since 2005. The winning bidder will also receive a helmet, gloves, shoes, hero card and a DVD box set of the third season of “Grey’s Anatomy” signed by Dempsey, as well as a track day with Hyper Sport Racing and a day for two at the Ford Racing High Performance Driving School.
“The energy and passion felt during a Barrett-Jackson auction can only be compared with the excitement generated by a motorsports event,” added Steve Davis, President of Barrett-Jackson. “Racing associations have cultivated America’s obsession with automobiles for years, creating a thriving market for these special vehicles within the collector car world.”
About Barrett-Jackson
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 Classic Car Event” in Scottsdale, AZ, and has expanded to other venues, including Palm Beach, FL and in 2008, Las Vegas, NV. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
Media Contact:Luke DeRouen lderouen@timepiecepr.com or (214) 520-3430 EXT. 301 (www.timepiecepr.com)