Barrett-Jackson’s World-Class Palm Beach Lifestyle Event Sets Sales And Attendance Records With Dramatic Boost In Bidders
Over 60,000 attendees poured into the South Florida Fairgrounds for one of the most electrifying Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auctions to date.
- Sales of over $22 million generated during three days with an astonishing 98.3% sell through rate
- Palm Beach event attracts more than 1,000 bidders, over 60,000 attendees and 526 vehicles
- “Herbie” (Lot #394), sets world record for the highest ever paid for a Volkswagen Beetle while the world record hammer price for a ’87 Buick Grand National GNX (Lot #387) sets tone for 80’s era American muscle
- WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan rips shirt off his back to help auction a 1969 Camaro Z/28 Resto-Mod (Lot #3003.1) that raises $150,000 as part of nearly $1 million dollars raised for charity over the weekend
PALM BEACH, Fla. – April 20, 2015 – Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions®, set multiple records at its 13th Annual Palm Beach auction in Palm Beach, Florida, on April 17-19, 2015, at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The lifestyle event generated sales of over $22 million at an amazing sell through rate of 98.3%, as well as an impressive group of consignments, bidders and the largest number of attendees in the event’s history.
“This was one of the most successful Palm Beach collector car auction in our history,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “The tremendous energy and excitement made the arena feel like Saturday evening during our Scottsdale event. This record level of interest demonstrates that Barrett-Jackson remains the hobby’s pacesetter. The new highs set for eclectic vehicles, along with strong prices for exotics, muscle cars and pre-war classics means that the market for collector cars remains strong across the entire spectrum.”
The event attracted more than 60,000 guests over the three-day weekend, a 30 percent increase from 2014; the number of bidders increased by 28%. A total of 526 vehicles crossed the block over the extended weekend. Among the notable sales was an ’87 Buick Grand National GNX (Lot #387) that set a world record going to the highest bidder at $165,000.
“Herbie” broke the world record for Volkswagen Beetles when it sold for $126,500 in Palm Beach.
Over the past four decades, Barrett-Jackson has become the best place to buy or sell a vehicle with cinema provenance. From Batmobiles to “Christine,” some of the most iconic cars in history have rolled over the block. This year, Barrett-Jackson sold the movie car “Herbie” (Lot #394) for $126,500, which set the world record for the highest ever paid for a Volkswagen Beetle.
Once again, several vehicles were sold to benefit non-profit organizations, with 100% of the nearly $1 million dollars raised going to support veterans, children and other deserving charities.
“Barrett-Jackson’s international platform has helped charities raise money since the company was first founded,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “With the support of OEMs, consignors and bidders, the funds raised this weekend will fuel the work and raise the awareness of many local and national charities.”
Notable charity vehicles that crossed the block included the GM special-built 2015 Chevrolet Camaro COPO Race Car VIN #001 (Lot #3003) that sold for $300,000 to benefit the Achilles Freedom Team. Philanthropists and world-renowned car collectors Jeanette and John Staluppi donated an additional $100,000 to support the Achilles Freedom Team. A 2016 Cadillac CT6 Sedan (Lot #3001) sold for $200,000 to benefit the Karmanos Cancer Institute and a one-of-kind Tony Stewart “Smoke” Edition 1969 Chevelle (Lot #3000) sold for $75,000, benefitting The Darrell Gwynn Foundation.
WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan was on hand to help raise money for charity with a’69 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 (Lot #3003.1) donated by Torque Sports and Performance. The classic muscle car earned $150,000 for three deserving charities – Connor’s Cure, A HERO Team and The Grace Project.
This year, supercars were an important staple of the auction. Those sold included legendary marques such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Spyker, Porsche, Rolls Royce and Bentley. While those awed the crowds, it was a gorgeous red 2006 Ford GT (Lot #406) with only 19 miles that led the way with a sale of $319,000.
“While high profile exotic cars captured a great deal of attention, the desire for collectible muscle cars, hot rods and customs continues to be very steady,” said Davis. “From rare Shelbys of all years to GM big blocks, Oldsmobile 442s and numbers matching Corvettes, these cars were highly prized.”
In an exciting first, GM, Ford and Chrysler were officially part of the Florida event. The “Big 3” had impressive exhibits of their latest lineup, as well as Ride ‘N Drive experiences. From hot laps in the new Corvette Z06 to rides with a pro driver in a Mustang GT and drag race rides in the 700+ horsepower Dodge Hellcat, the car culture was celebrated in high octane fashion over the weekend in West Palm Beach.
The weekend kicked off with an opening night gala featuring live music, local celebrities and luminaries. Other lifestyle activities included a special shopping trip to Worth Avenue for guests of the Barrett-Jackson Ladies Lounge.
“The experience that only Barrett-Jackson can deliver continues to fuel the collector car hobby,” said Jackson. “It’s exciting to watch the attention continue to grow for our event in Palm Beach as so many chose to spend their weekend at Barrett-Jackson.”
The next Barrett-Jackson auction will be the 3rd Annual Hot August Nights Auction, held Aug.6-8, 2015, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Coverage of the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Reno will be broadcast in live, high-definition TV on Velocity and Discovery.
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