1949 MG TC Raced by Carroll Shelby Fetches $313,500
Scottsdale, Ariz. – Oct. 22, 2008 - Economic uncertainty was nowhere to be found inside the Mandalay Bay Events Center as over $29 million (including Buyer’s Premium) in collector cars were sold during the inaugural Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Las Vegas Oct. 16-18, 2008. Bidders worldwide competed for over 500 vehicles that sold at No Reserve, including a 1949 MG TC that was Carroll Shelby’s first road race car, Funkmaster Flex’s custom 2006 Ford Mustang GT, a 2003 Saleen S7 and a 1954 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Custom. Over 50,000 people attended the automotive auction and lifestyle event, which was broadcast live in high-definition on SPEED.
“We’re thrilled with the outcome of our first Las Vegas event on many levels,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Las Vegas and Mandalay Bay welcomed us with open arms and as a strategic partner and it’s clear that consignors, bidders and visitors were treated to a spectacular experience. Collector cars prevailed in a struggling economy, proving that they can be treated as both a hobby and an investment.”
Bidding was intense for the MG, reaching six figures within seconds of the opening offer. The $313,500 paid for the MG set a new world record. Shelby piloted the British speedster (Lot #819) to a surprise victory in a road race in Norman, Okla., in 1952, a win that set the stage for his prolific career; 10 percent of the MG’s winning bid was donated to one of Mr. Shelby’s charities.
Seven cars were sold for various charities totaling over $655,000 at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas, including $150,000 for the 2008 Barrett-Jackson Limited Edition Shelby GT. This rare Mustang was signed by the host and judges of “American Idol” and all proceeds from the sale benefitted The Lili Claire Foundation. Additional charity vehicles included a 2006 custom Ford Mustang, that was modified on ESPN2’s “Car Wars With Funkmaster Flex”, that went for $300,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and a 2007 Dodge Charger raced by NASCAR star Kurt Busch for $85,000. In 2008, Barrett-Jackson has raised over $6.7 million for charities.
“Our goal was to build a docket with a vehicle for everyone,” noted Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “While original examples continue to be in demand, resto-mods and customs https://premier-pharmacy.com/product-category/antidepressants/ were particularly popular in Las Vegas.”
The top ten cars sold in Las Vegas include:
- 1949 MG TC – $313,500 (Lot #819)
- 2006 Ford Mustang GT – $300,000 (Lot #774.4)
- 2003 Saleen S7 – $260,700 (Lot #805.1)
- 1954 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn – $225,500 (Lot #794)
- 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 – $214,500 (Lot #803.1)
- 1962 Lincoln Continental – $209,000 (Lot #812)
- 1938 Packard Victoria – $209,000 (Lot #801)
- 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 – $205,700 (Lot #816)
- 1970 Plymouth HEMI ‘Cuda – $187,000 (Lot #804.2)
- 1958 Chevrolet Corvette – $187,000 (Lot #788)
The inaugural Las Vegas event attracted more than 1,200 bidders with over 50 percent being first timers. Automobilia sales were also strong, bringing in over $272,000 during the three day sale. More than 120 vendors and sponsors displayed a variety of items including aircraft, custom cars, racing gear, collectibles, jewelry and clothing.
“We far exceeded the first year of our Palm Beach event, which has continued to thrive over the past six years,” added Davis. “And the success of our Las Vegas event has already generated a wave of consignment and bidder requests for our 2009 Scottsdale event. The solid prices, higher attendance and unprecedented interest by corporate partners should set the stage for a great year for those who love collecting cars.”
“We’re thrilled about the Barrett-Jackson relationship and the outcome of the Vegas event,” said Bill Hornbuckle, president of Mandalay Bay. “This is the beginning of a great strategic partnership focused on lifestyle experiences that only Mandalay Bay and Barrett-Jackson can offer in such a unique and special way. I’m very excited about the association of our brands and the synergies that it provides and look forward to building the Vegas Barrett-Jackson event into one of the largest collector car auctions in the world.”
The 38th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Scottsdale, Ariz., will take place Jan. 11-18, 2009.
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.
Media Contacts
Luke DeRouen at lderouen@tprm-usa.com or (214) 520-3430 ext. 301 (www.tprm-usa.com)
Maggie Feldman at Maggie@magneticpublicrelations.com or (702) 553-5832
Las Vegas – Oct. 17, 2008 - Strong sales and extraordinary attendance highlighted opening day of the inaugural Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Las Vegas. Approximately $4.6 million (including buyer’s premium) was spent on a variety of desirable collector cars, while more than 15,000 visitors packed Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino to witness the auction and browse over 150 vendor and sponsor displays. The event will continue today and tomorrow, with gates opening at 8 a.m. and the automotive auction starting at 11:30 a.m.
“We’re underway in Las Vegas and all aspects of the event have surpassed our expectations,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We threw an amazing beach party to welcome our special guests on Wednesday night, and the first auction day delivered solid results. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of opening day was the attendance. More than 15,000 enthusiasts took part in this milestone day, proving that collector car passion is stronger than ever.”
Yesterday’s sale was led by a pair of NASCAR racers that crossed the block during SPEED’s live, high-definition TV coverage. Robby Gordon’s No. 7 Dodge Charger (Lot #162.1) that raced earlier this year in the Sharpie 500 at Bristol fetched $77,000. The No. 2 Dodge Charger (163) driven by Kurt Busch at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2007 went for $85,000. All proceeds from the sale of Busch’s car, which was autographed by Kurt Busch, Roger Penske and Pat Tryson, benefited The Kurt Busch Foundation, which supports the Victory Junction Gang Camp (www.victoryjunction.org) in North Carolina.
“A diverse selection of cars, an innovative new auction block design and the electric atmosphere at Mandalay Bay were among the highlights of our amazing start in Las Vegas,” added Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “More than half of those registered to bid in Las Vegas were first-timers, which signifies our leadership role in growing the hobby.”
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.
Media Contact
Scott Black at sblack@tprm-usa.com or (214) 520-3430 ext. 303 (www.tprm-usa.com)
Maggie Feldman at Maggie@magneticpublicrelations.com or (702) 553-5832
Collector Car Leader Looks to Build on $6.1 Million Raised in 2008
Scottsdale, Ariz. – Oct. 13, 2008 – The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company will sell seven vehicles at No Reserve to benefit various charities during its inaugural Collector Car Event in Las Vegas Oct. 16-18, 2008, at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. The world leader in automotive auctions has been an advocate for charitable causes since its inception in 1971. In 2008 alone, Barrett-Jackson has already helped raise a combined $6.1 million for charities during the Scottsdale, Ariz., and Palm Beach, Fla., events.
“Helping others is a key part of what we do at Barrett-Jackson,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “My father Russ Jackson and his partner Tom Barrett were ingrained in local Scottsdale charities when Barrett-Jackson was founded nearly 40 years ago. I’m proud to keep that legacy alive today as we work with our sponsors and customers to help change lives both locally and nationally.”
Crossing the block on Saturday, Oct. 18 during SPEED’s primetime TV coverage of the Las Vegas event will be a 2008 Barrett-Jackson Edition Shelby GT (Lot #819.1). All proceeds from the sale of the rare pony car, which is No. 8 of 100 produced, will benefit The Lili Claire Foundation (www.liliclairefoundation.org), which was founded to enhance the lives of children living with neurogenetic conditions. Donated by Gary Ackerman, president of Gaudin Automotive Group, the Barrett-Jackson Shelby features a “Barrett-Jackson Red” and black paint scheme, Barrett-Jackson Edition doorsill plates and a special Barrett-Jackson gas cap insert. The interior of the car was signed by the host and judges of the hit TV show “American Idol.”
Two exclusive race cars will cross the Barrett-Jackson block to support charities, including Kurt Busch’s No. 2 Dodge Charger (Lot #163) that competed at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March 2007. All proceeds from the sale of the blue NASCAR, which has been autographed by Kurt Busch, Roger Penske and Pat Tryson, will benefit The Kurt Busch Foundation, which supports the Victory Junction Gang Camp (www.victoryjunction.org) in North Carolina. Kurt Busch will be present in Las Vegas on Thursday, Oct. 16, for the sale of the car. Also, ten percent of the winning bid for Carroll Shelby’s first race car, a 1949 MG TC (Lot #819), will be donated to one of Mr. Shelby’s charities. The automotive icon piloted the British racer to victory in 1952.
“It’s been an incredible year for charity sales and donations at Barrett-Jackson,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “We raised more than $5 million in Scottsdale and followed that up with more than $1 million in Palm Beach. With special vehicles like the Barrett-Jackson Shelby and Kurt Busch’s NASCAR, we look to add to this amazing total in Las Vegas.”
A pair of custom show cars from the Ford Motor Company stable will also be sold for charities. A 2006 Mercury Volga Milan (Lot #509) will be auctioned to support the National Multiple Scleroses Society (www.nationalmssociety.org). The Volga Milan was built by Ford for a Miami Fashion Week promotion in 2006 and showcased by actress Rosalyn Sanchez of “Without a Trace” and “The Game Plan.”
Hip hop DJ and custom car aficionado Funkmaster Flex will sell his 2006 Ford Mustang GT custom (Lot #774.4) for charity. The Mustang is loaded with one-off modifications and was featured on Funkmaster Flex’s ESPN2 reality TV show, “Car Wars with Funkmaster Flex.” All proceeds from the sale of Funkmaster Flex’s Mustang will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www.jdrf.org).
Longtime Barrett-Jackson partner, The Darrell Gwynn Foundation (www.darrellgwynnfoundation.org), will benefit from the sale of a 2007 Lincoln MKZ DUB Edition custom show car (Lot #204). The one-off DUB MKZ features 22-inch Pirelli tires, custom grey suede and leather interior trim with embroidered DUB Edition logos and 7-inch TV screens built into the headrests. The Darrell Gwynn Foundation will also present Mason Partee of Las Vegas with a new motorized wheelchair during the auction. The 15-year-old suffers from cerebral palsy and will use the gift to move around more easily and comfortably.
In addition, a 2007 Harley Davidson Road King motorcycle (Lot #160) will be sold to support Fisher House (www.fisherhouse.org), which helps military families in times of need. The bike was staged in the entryway of two Palms Restaurants in Los Angeles, where it was signed by over 50 celebrities and professional athletes, including Jay Leno and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Bidders interested in attending the auction can visit www.barrett-jackson.com/events/lasvegas/bidders or call (480) 421-6694. Barrett-Jackson bidders receive one bidder paddle and one guest credential valid all days of the event, a preferred parking pass, access to the bidder seating area and hosted bidder bar, two invitations to the Opening Night Party on Oct. 15 and an event catalog.
Starting on Oct. 16, gates will open at 8 a.m., with the automobilia auction commencing at 9 a.m. daily and the collector car auction beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing until the evening.
General admission tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster at www.barrett-jackson.com and will be sold at the event. Adult tickets are $15 per day for Thursday and Friday and $20 for Saturday; three day passes are available for $40 and discount tickets are available for Seniors, Students and Military with ID and Children.
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.
Media Contact Luke DeRouen at lderouen@tprm-usa.com or (214) 520-3430 ext. 301 (www.tprm-usa.com)
Maggie Feldman at Maggie@magneticpublicrelations.com or (702) 553-5832
Scottsdale, Ariz. – Oct. 13, 2008 – Turns out the guy driving that 1967 Shelby GT500 as an enthusiast has the side benefit of being a smart investor. Leading into the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company’s inaugural event in Las Vegas, the world’s leading collector car auction house reported that many of the top cars sold have performed better in value than the stock market and gold over the last 10 years.
“Though most people buy a collector car to enjoy, they have also proven to be one of the soundest investment vehicles in the global marketplace over the past 10 years,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “It’s rare that a hobby and someone’s passion has the potential of being a great investment.”
The Barrett-Jackson mini-index was created in 2003 and consists of representative cars that reflect the diversity seen in the collector car market. These cars span from 1957 to 1970 and are primarily European and American sports cars and U.S. muscle cars. The cars used in the index are the 1957 Thunderbird, 1967 Jaguar XKE, 1967 Shelby GT500, 1970 Camaro Z/28, 1970 AAR ‘Cuda, 1965 Austin Healy MK III and a 1967 Corvette 427/435.
According to the data released today, the value of the cars in the Barrett-Jackson mini-index grew by a compounded annual growth rate of 16 percent from Q1 1998 to Q1 2008, which included economic and political upheaval stemming from major events ranging from the Invasion of Iraq, the Dot Com bubble crash, and 9/11. During that same period, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) grew a compounded 5 percent annually while the S&P 500 Index grew 4 percent. The price of gold grew a compounded 11 percent in the same period.
“These numbers paint a vivid picture of the intrinsic value and growth of the collector car market,” said Steve Davis, President of Barrett-Jackson. “A financial analyst will tell you that every market has year-to-year fluctuations, but that the true measure is performance over time. We’re proud to be part of that great performance of the collector car market and we believe our expansion this week into Las Vegas will reinforce the view that collector cars are not only our consumers’ passion but offer the potential of providing long-term value. Most enthusiasts like me take great solace that as a car collector, we own tangible assets that have not only stood up to the test of time in value, but can also be driven and enjoyed.”
“With all the turbulence in the current capital markets, we are pleased with our key economic indicators for this event. Tickets sales have been strong, our Las Vegas consignment slots were sold out a month ago, and bidder registration has exceeded our expectations. Bidder interest and registration have not waned despite the negative news coming from Wall Street.”
“We are excited about the upcoming Barrett-Jackson Inaugural event,” says Scott Voeller, Vice President of Marketing for Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. “We are near capacity for our hotel and we have seen a strong inquiry from our casino players.”
The inaugural Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas event will be held from Oct. 16-18 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. It is open to the public with tickets for sale at the Barrett-Jackson web site (www.barrett-jackson.com) and onsite at the Mandalay ticket booths. SPEED will broadcast the auction live on high-definition (www.SPEEDtv.com).
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 Auctions™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla. and Las Vegas. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
Media Contact
Scott Black at sblack@tprm-usa.com or (214) 566-6458 (www.tprm-usa.com)
Maggie Feldman at Maggie@magneticpublicrelations.com or (702) 553-5832
Sale of Icon’s Car and New Stamp Dedication to Highlight Event
Scottsdale, Ariz. – Oct. 13, 2008 – The world will celebrate the life of one of America’s iconic film stars when a stamp honoring actress Bette Davis is dedicated and a car once owned by her is sold at No Reserve during the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company’s inaugural event in Las Vegas. A stamp honoring the centennial of her birth will be commemorated by the U.S. Postal Service on Thursday, Oct. 16, during a ceremony at Barrett-Jackson, a day before a Mustang that Ms. Davis originally owned is sold. The celebration will be part of the inaugural Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas event from Oct. 16-18 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. SPEED TV will cover the auction live on high-definition TV.
“Just like Bette Davis, Barrett-Jackson automotive lifestyle events have become part of the fabric of American culture,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “And she shared our passion for Detroit’s finest cars. Thus, it is fitting that her new stamp be dedicated at our event on the same week that someone will become the new owner of the Ford Mustang that she loved so much.”
Ms. Davis personally called a Los Angeles area Ford dealership to order a 1980 Ford Mustang (Lot #460) for her 72nd birthday. She specified that the car be black with a red interior, which was her signature color. Dubbed “Black Beauty” by Ms. Davis, the Mustang has been on display at the Petersen Automotive museum for seven years and includes sales receipts, correspondence, owner I.D. cards and original license plates. The car was part of Ms. Davis’ estate, which is overseen by Michael Merrill, Bette’s son, and Kathryn Sermak, her longtime personal assistant and friend. In her memory, they created The Bette Davis Foundation, which provides financial assistance to promising young actors (www.bettedavis.com).
On Thursday, the U.S. Postal Service will celebrate the centennial year of Ms. Davis birth, with her very own stamp. A special dedication ceremony will be held at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino at 10 a.m., with remarks by Ms. Sermak and Las Vegas Postmaster Yul Melonson. Special First-Day Stamp collectibles will also be available throughout the day.
“Bette Davis was one of the brightest lights of Hollywood,” Postmaster Melonson said. “We are honored to celebrate the life and legacy of one of America’s finest actresses through our stamp program.”
Artist Michael Deas based his painting for the stamp on a black-and-white still of Bette Davis made during the filming of “All About Eve” in which Davis brilliantly portrayed Margo Channing. It is the 14th stamp issued in the Legends of Hollywood Stamp Series. Past stamp subjects include James Cagney, Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn and others.
Often referred to as “The First Lady of the American Screen,” Bette Davis redefined the screen heroine. With a career total of more than 100 films, she earned a reputation as an actress who could play a variety of very strong and complex roles. Over a career spanning six decades, few in the history of film rival the Academy Award winner’s longevity and appeal.
In 1977, she was the first woman to be honored with the American Film Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award. She was also the first woman to be president of the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences. At the age of 75, Bette had a mastectomy due to breast cancer; nine days later, she suffered a stroke. Despite her failing health, she continued to act until her death. Bette passed away Oct. 6, 1989.
“Bette Davis set a new precedent for women,” noted Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “She was a liberated woman in an industry dominated by men. She knew exactly what she wanted and celebrated her birthday by ordering this special Mustang to her liking. We’re proud to join forces with the USPS to honor Ms. Davis, a true legend of American cinema.”
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.
Media Contact
Scott Black at sblack@tprm-usa.com or (214) 520-3430 ext. 303 (www.tprm-usa.com)
Maggie Feldman at Maggie@magneticpublicrelations.com or (702) 553-5832
The Mecum Auction at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois held October 3-5, produced strong results in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty. The market for quality cars adjusted to the situation and sellers found buyers ready to bid on some exceptional vehicles.
The total gross sales (including buyer’s premium) for the 3-day auction was $10,857,000, with 60% of consignments sold. Car sales accounted for $10,180,000 with 50% of consigned vehicles sold. Neon signs, memorabilia and petroliana generated $677,000 with 99% of those consignments sold.
Top Ten Sales (all figures include buyers’ premiums):
- 1963 Pontiac Catalina First “Swiss Cheese” (Lot S88) at $451,500
- 1967 Chevrolet Nickey Camaro Coupe RS/SS (Lot S97) at $446,250
- 1969 Chevrolet Yenko Camaro Coupe (Lot S173) at $250,000
- 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona Coupe (S108) at $173,250
- 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona Coupe (S122) at $150,150
- 1969 Chevrolet COPO Camaro Coupe (S172) at $144,375
- 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Coupe (S99.1) at $137,500
- 1969 Shelby GT500 Convertible (S168) at $131,250
- 1957 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (S150) at $115,500
- 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (S167) at $112,350
In addition to the car sales, neon signs did particularly well with some pieces bringing exceptionally strong prices. For example, the Dwayne McAninch Collection, including 78 neon signs, generated sales of over $570,000 with buyers’ premiums.
Another neon sign sale was particularly notable. The Yates Ford Used Car (Lot Z131) neon sign had sold previously on eBay for $7,400 in what was considered at the time as a significant price. At the St. Charles auction, where true neon sign collectors were present in person, this same sign sold for $18,700 with buyer’s premium. This demonstrated the continuing strength of live auctions in creating a vibrant market for these items.
“While the economic news leading up this auction dominated the headlines, real buyers and sellers came together this weekend and completed business,” said Dana Mecum, president of Mecum Auction. “The speculators are now out or getting out of the collector car market and those who remain are the hardworking collectors who have a long-term point of view and who understand quality and value when they see it. We also saw that the neon sign market is strong and we look forward to bringing more collections like that of Dwayne McAninch to future auctions.”
All Results
Full results of the St. Charles, IL auction are available HERE. Mecum auction results are available exclusively to Mecum InfoNet members.
Mecum InfoNet members may simply login to see car-by-car results by visiting the Des Moines Consignments Page HERE. Cars designated with "The Bid Goes On..." logo may still be available for sale. To place a bid, contact a Mecum sale representative by calling (815) 568-8888.
For those who are not members, joining the Mecum InfoNet is completely free and takes just a few seconds. Join HERE.
About Mecum
The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars, muscle cars and Corvettes for over twenty years. In spring 2008, the Company sold its fifty-thousandth car. In 2009, the company will return to HD Theater - A Discovery Company with 17 episodes of its "Mecum Auction: Muscle Cars & More" live high-definition television broadcast. Consignment, Bidder, event and accommodation information is available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling (815) 568-8888. Nobody Sells More Muscle than Mecum. Nobody.
Scottsdale, Ariz. – Oct. 7, 2008 - The ultimate celebration of the collector car hobby will bring some of the hottest sports and entertainment celebrities, as well as vehicles with real “star power” to the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company’s inaugural event in Las Vegas. From Oct. 16-18, 2008, vehicles with celebrity provenance such as Toby Keith, Evel Knievel and Nicholas Cage will be sold at No Reserve in the Mandalay Bay Events Center during a lifestyle event that will blend the excitement of high octane cars with the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip. As with all Barrett-Jackson events, SPEED cameras will capture all the action live on high-definition TV.
“Barrett-Jackson automotive lifestyle events have earned a reputation for being the most exciting place to buy, sell and enjoy collector cars,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Celebrities who are as passionate about cars as we are, also love to be part of the action. For our inaugural Las Vegas event, several vehicles that are currently or previously owned by some of the biggest names in the world will run over the block.”
Movie star cars will be well represented by a 1980 Ford Mustang (Lot #460) originally owned by cinema star Bette Davis and actor Nicholas Cage’s Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster (Lot #782). Dubbed “Black Beauty” by Bette Davis, the Mustang has been on display at the Petersen Automotive museum in Los Angeles for seven years and includes sales receipts, correspondence, owner I.D. cards and original license plates. Cage’s black on black Porsche convertible is one of only 802 special production models built and features a 3.2-liter engine, 5-speed manual transmission and only 1,200 original miles. Ironically, the car was stolen and recovered in 2002 while Cage was filming “Gone in 60 Seconds,” in which he portrays a famous car thief.
Country music star Toby Keith is selling his 1934 custom Ford two door cabriolet (Lot #820) in Las Vegas. The pristine street rod includes a “Brilliant Red” paint scheme, tan cabriolet convertible top with matching interior and a powerful Chevrolet small black V8 engine. Hip hop DJ and custom car aficionado Funkmaster Flex will part ways with a piece of his collection when he sells his 2006 Ford Mustang GT custom (Lot #774.4). The Mustang is loaded with one-off modifications and was featured on Funkmaster Flex’s ESPN2 reality TV show, “Car Wars with Funkmaster Flex.” All proceeds from the sale of Funkmaster Flex’s Mustang will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Another Mustang with superstar pedigree is the 2008 Barrett-Jackson Edition Shelby GT (Lot #819.1) that includes signatures from the host and judges of Fox’s hit reality show “American Idol.” The Lili Claire Foundation will receive all proceeds from the sale of the Barrett-Jackson Shelby.
Those who have a keen interest in politics can bid on the 1984 Eagle Motorcoach (Lot #804) used as a campaign headquarters by the George W. Bush presidential election team or a 1962 Lincoln Continental sedan (Lot #812) that was part of John F. Kennedy’s presidential stable.
NASCAR fans will have an opportunity to snap up two authentic race cars when Robby Gordon’s No. 7 Dodge Charger (Lot #162.1) that raced this year in the Sharpie 500 at Bristol and Kurt Busch’s 2007 Dodge Charger No. 2 (Lot #163) that competed at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, are sold. All proceeds from the sale of Kurt Busch’s car will go to the Kurt Busch Foundation, which benefits The Victory Junction Gang Camp.
Two celebrity motorcycles that will attract a great deal of attention in Las Vegas are a 1995 custom motorcycle (Lot #100) previously owned by William Shatner and George Barris and a bike from the personal garage of Evel Knievel.
“One of the highlights of the show will surely be a Harley personally owned by the greatest daredevil ever and a Las Vegas legend, Evel Knievel,” explained Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “It was the only bike titled to him at his death and it’s being sold by his estate. Evel purchased the bike in his hometown of Butte, Montana and he once declared it to be his favorite street bike within the entire Harley Davidson line. It’s fitting that we’re selling this bike on Oct. 17, which would have been his 70th birthday.”
The 2005 customized Harley Davidson Screaming Eagle V-Rod (Lot #459.4) has been customized with a unique windshield, saddlebags, seat and crash bars. The 1250cc bike has a race fueler and custom chrome pipes making it roar down the road with that typical Evel flare. On both sides of the gas tank, Evel added his name in gold leaf.
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.
Media Contact Luke DeRouen at lderouen@tprm-usa.com or (214) 520-3430 ext. 301 (www.tprm-usa.com)
Maggie Feldman at Maggie@magneticpublicrelations.com or (702) 553-5832
Mecum Auction today announces that their popular live television series, “Mecum Auction: Muscle Cars & More” will return for the 2009 season on HD Theater – A Discovery Company. The 2009 broadcast schedule includes more locations and live broadcasts throughout the year.
“We’re pleased that our series garnered such popular support in 2008 that we’re able to return for an expanded 2009 season with 17 episodes and 68 hours of live auction action,” said Dana Mecum, president of Mecum auction. “With five additional broadcast venues and a year-long schedule, we’ll continue to show people that buying and selling a collector car is easy and fun.”
The “Mecum Auction: Muscle Cars & More” 2009 venues and dates are:
January 22, 23 & 24 - Kissimmee, Florida
May 14, 15, 16 & 17 - Indianapolis, Indiana
June 26 & 27 - St. Charles, IL (Bloomington Gold Corvette Show)
July 17 & 18 - Des Moines, Iowa
October 1, 2 & 3 - St. Charles, IL
December 4, 5 & 6 - Kansas City, Missouri
For a complete 2009 Mecum Auction schedule and all the latest information, please see the Mecum website at www.Mecum.com.
About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISAD, DISBD, DISCK) is the world's number one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 170 countries. Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Planet Green, Investigation Discovery and HD Theater, as well as leading consumer and educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services including HowStuffWorks.com. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.
About Mecum
The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars, muscle cars and Corvettes for over twenty years. In spring 2008, the Company sold its fifty-thousandth car. Consignment, Bidder, event and accommodation information is available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling (815) 568-8888. Nobody Sells More Muscle than Mecum. Nobody.
Jorgen Twedt provides in-depth coverage of the 2008 Spring Classic in Indianapolis
Dan Grunwald and Thomas Glatch provide the analysis of the Mecum auction at Bloomington Gold Corvettes show
