FUTURLINER – The Last Detail https://blog.thelastdetail.com Collector Cars Chicago Tue, 15 Sep 2015 18:33:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 BARRETT-JACKSON REACHES HISTORIC HIGHS FOR SALES, CROWDS AND CELEBRITY APPEARANCES IN SCOTTSDALE https://blog.thelastdetail.com/barrett-jackson-reaches-historic-highs-for-sales-crowds-and-celebrity-appearances-in-scottsdale/ Mon, 19 Jan 2015 02:02:57 +0000 https://news.barrett-jackson.com/?p=7601 BARRETT-JACKSON REACHES HISTORIC HIGHS FOR SALES, CROWDS AND CELEBRITY APPEARANCES IN SCOTTSDALE
The 1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special kicked off the selection of vehicles from the Ron Pratte Collection on Saturday, January 17. • Barrett-Jackson sold 1,611 vehicles, which went for more than $130 million (unaudited), smashing records in the company’s 44-year history during the 10-day auction at WestWorld of Scottsdale • Automobilia sales nearly tripled world records, […]]]>
BARRETT-JACKSON REACHES HISTORIC HIGHS FOR SALES, CROWDS AND CELEBRITY APPEARANCES IN SCOTTSDALE

The 1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special kicked off the selection of vehicles from the Ron Pratte Collection on Saturday, January 17.

• Barrett-Jackson sold 1,611 vehicles, which went for more than $130 million (unaudited), smashing records in the company’s 44-year history during the 10-day auction at WestWorld of Scottsdale
• Automobilia sales nearly tripled world records, with 2,000 pieces selling for more than $6.55 million
• Celebrity attendance and crowds, along with ratings on Discovery and Velocity, spike

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Jan. 18, 2015 – Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car AuctionsTM, reached historic highs during the Scottsdale auction at WestWorld from Jan. 10-18, 2015. During the 10-day auction, Barrett-Jackson recorded more than $130 million in vehicle sales (unaudited) and a world record $6.55 million in automobilia sales (unaudited), making it the highest auction in sales to date. The Ron Pratte Collection alone brought in over $40.44 million in vehicle and automobilia sales.

“This year’s Scottsdale auction was on a scale unlike anything in our 44-year history,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “From sales and consignments to our ratings on Discovery and Velocity, we smashed records at every level. Our week kicked off with a gala and continued to build excitement with our largest vehicle consignment in history, including the sale of the Ron Pratte Collection on Tuesday. Everyone who attended this year’s Scottsdale auction was a part of automotive history.”

In addition to the record-setting docket, a record number of bidders attended the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction for a chance to purchase from the wide range of American muscle, European classics, exotic sports cars and one-of-a-kind customs. The top 10 cars sold in Scottsdale include:

• 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake (Lot #2509) – $5.1 million
• 1950 GM Futurliner Parade of Progress Tour Bus (Lot #2501) – $4 million
• 1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special Motorama Concept Car (Lot #2500) – $3.3 million
• 1949 Talbot-Lago T-26 Grand Sport Franay (Lot #5087) – $1.65 million
• 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 Roadster (Lot #5090) – $1.595 million
• 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing (Lot #5075) – $1.1 million
• 1937 Mercedes-Benz 320B Cabriolet (Lot #5086) – $1.045 million
• 1936 Delahaye “Whatthehaye” Street-Rod (Lot #2515) – $671,000
• 1991 Ferrari F40 (Lot #5071) – $643,500
• 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S Cabriolet (Lot #5076) – $643,500

“It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Ron and building his collection over the years,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “It’s been as equally rewarding to work with him to prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime sale of his vehicles. Ron took great pride in the cars and automobilia. He painstakingly restored many of the vehicles, making them truly outstanding collectibles. It’s wonderful to see ownership of some amazing vehicles pass along to new collectors.”

Led by the 1950 GM Futurliner (Lot #2501) that raised $4,650,000 ($4 million bid and $650,000 in additional pledges) on Saturday evening, a total of 10 cars crossed the Scottsdale auction to raise $8,635,000 to benefit local and national charities. The Futurliner was donated by Pratte, a Vietnam veteran, to benefit the Armed Forces Foundation. The other nine charity auctions were:

• 2015 Jeep Wrangler Custom SUV (Lot #3001), donated by SEMA to benefit Child Help and Victory Junction – $85,000
• 2015 BMW M5 (Lot #3002), donated by BMW to BMW Car Club of America Foundation and Tire Rack Street Survival Program – $700,000
• 2016 Cadillac CTS-V (Lot #3003), donated by GM to benefit College for Creative Studies – $170,000
• 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Hurst (Lot #3004), donated by Joe Riley for Cancer Research Fund at TGen in memory of Russ and Brian Jackson – $140,000
• 1939 Cadillac LaSalle C-Hawk Custom Roadster (Lot #3005), donated by Bubba Watson for Birdies for the Brave – $410,000
• 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible “1st Retail” (Lot #3006), donated by GM for United Way – $800,000
• 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo NASCAR Busch Series Stock Car (Lot #3007), donated by Jeff Gordon and Ray Evernham for Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation – $500,000
• Ford Shelby GT350R VIN #001 Coupe (Lot #3008) donated by Ford for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation – $1,000,000
• 2014 Victory Cross Country 8-Ball Motorcycle (Lot #3009), anonymously donated to benefit Ride 2 Recovery – $180,000

The 2015 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction was a star-studded extravaganza and included some of the brightest celebrities on the movie screen and TV, as well as from the sports industry and corporate world. Some of the biggest stars included four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon, two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson and Hollywood stars Sharon Stone and Tim Allen. Other popular luminaries included:

• CeeLo Green, pop music artist
• Rodney Atkins, country music artist
• Thompson Square, country music duo
• Alice Cooper, rock music artist
• Reggie Jackson, MLB Hall of Famer
• Michael Anthony, rock music artist
• Steven Seagal, actor

Barrett-Jackson’s new relationship with Velocity and Discovery Channel premiered with a spike in ratings for the channel during auction coverage in Scottsdale. Throughout 2015, Velocity and Discovery Channel will broadcast more than 100 hours of coverage that will include auctions in West Palm Beach, Fla., as well as Reno and Las Vegas, Nev., in 2015. The top three manufacturers including Ford Motor Company, GM and Dodge showcased their latest models and offered interactive activities for auction guests.

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CELEBRITIES, INDUSTRY ICONS AND LUMINARIES GATHER AT BARRETT-JACKSON TO CELEBRATE THE AUTOMOTIVE LIFESTYLE AND RAISE MONEY FOR CHARITY https://blog.thelastdetail.com/celebrities-industry-icons-and-luminaries-gather-at-barrett-jackson-to-celebrate-the-automotive-lifestyle-and-raise-money-for-charity/ Sat, 17 Jan 2015 19:31:30 +0000 https://news.barrett-jackson.com/?p=7534 CELEBRITIES, INDUSTRY ICONS AND LUMINARIES GATHER AT BARRETT-JACKSON TO CELEBRATE THE AUTOMOTIVE LIFESTYLE AND RAISE MONEY FOR CHARITY
Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction becomes a gathering place of high-profile celebrities Industry icons and other luminaries raise millions for charity through the power of the Barrett-Jackson auction block The automotive lifestyle event turns the desert into a star-studded party Singer-songwriter Ceelo Green and canine companion at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale yesterday. SCOTTSDALE – Jan. 17, 2015 – Barrett-Jackson, […]]]>
CELEBRITIES, INDUSTRY ICONS AND LUMINARIES GATHER AT BARRETT-JACKSON TO CELEBRATE THE AUTOMOTIVE LIFESTYLE AND RAISE MONEY FOR CHARITY
  • Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction becomes a gathering place of high-profile celebrities
  • Industry icons and other luminaries raise millions for charity through the power of the Barrett-Jackson auction block
  • The automotive lifestyle event turns the desert into a star-studded party

Singer-songwriter Ceelo Green and canine companion at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale yesterday.

SCOTTSDALE – Jan. 17, 2015 – Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™, has become the gathering place of celebrities, sports stars, captains of industry and other luminaries to meet and raise money for charity. Almost $3 million dollars has already been raised for worthy causes by an incredible group of superstars at WestWorld in Scottsdale, Ariz. More celebrity-connected vehicles are set to cross the block over the next two days.

“Barrett-Jackson has evolved into the ultimate celebration of the high-octane lifestyle,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Much like the Formula One circuit, Kentucky Derby and the Superbowl, Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale attracts some of the brightest stars on the movie screen, on the playing court and field, as well as the corporate world.”

Some of the biggest names include four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon, two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson, TV star Richard Rawlings, actress Sharon Stone, NFL star Patrick Petersen, and local businessman Ron Pratte. The list of luminaries who have attended this year’s event also include:

  • Michael Anthony
  • Sheriff Joe Arpaio
  • Alice Cooper
  • Shane Doane
  • Jacoby Ellsbury
  • CeeLo Green
  • Chip Ganassi
  • Rick Hendrick
  • Reggie Jackson
  • Sterling Moss
  • Actor Frankie Muniz
  • Don Prudhomme
  • Bobby Rahal
  • John Schneider
  • Bill Simpson
  • Paul Teutel
  • Linda Vaughn

In addition to those top names, Ford Motor Company CEO Mark Fields and Doug Ducey, governor of Arizona will also be onsite.

During the first few days of the auction, four cars have direct connections to these celebrities. Sharon Stone and Linda Vaughn sold a 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Hurst Coupe (Lot# 3004) for $140,000 with all proceeds benefitting the cancer research fund at TGEN in memory of Russ and Brian Jackson. Bubba Watson sold a custom 1939 Cadillac LaSalle C-Hawk Custom Roadster (Lot# 3005) for $410,000 to benefit Birdies for the Brave, which helps American veterans. A 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo NASCAR Busch Series stock car from the legendary duo of Jeff Gordon and Ray Evernham (Lot# 3007) secured $500,000 for the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation.

Manufacturers are also a big part of the auction’s fundraising activities. General Motors donated the first retail 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible (Lot #3006), which raised $800,000 for United Way, and the retail production unit 2016 Cadillac CTS-V (Lot #3003) brought $410,000 for the College for Creative Studies. A 2015 BMW 30th Anniversary M5 – Special Edition (Lot# 3002) purchased by racing powerhouse Rick Hendrick for $700,000 to benefit the non-profit BMW Car Club of America Foundation, which has an active “Street Survival” teen driving program. Ford’s donation of the first production unit of the new generation Shelby GT350 (Lot #3008) will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Ron Pratte will auction his incredible 1950 GM Futurliner (Lot #2501) to benefit the Armed Forces Foundation. Pratte, a Vietnam Veteran, chose to benefit AFF as it was established to protect and promote the physical, mental and emotional wellness of military service members, veterans and their families.

“Not only do the rich and famous come here to rub shoulders with their peers, they also leverage the incredible international power of the Barrett-Jackson brand to raise money for great causes,” said Jackson. “We’re humbled to have the opportunity to join them and have such a positive impact on the lives of so many.”

For more information on becoming a bidder, follow the link to .

 

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™, is the leader in collector car auctions and automotive lifestyle events. The company produces auctions in Scottsdale, Arizona; Palm Beach, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Reno-Tahoe, Nevada. With broadcast partners Velocity and Discovery Channel, Barrett-Jackson will feature 100 hours of live television coverage in 2015, including broadcasts in over 100 countries internationally. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit , or call 480-421-6694.

 

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Media Contacts:

Corporate Communications                                                    Automotive PR
Rodney Scearce                                                                          Aaron Cook
Barrett-Jackson Senior Media Relations Supervisor         TimePiece PR & Marketing
480-306-8253                                                                            (214) 520-3430
RScearce@barrett-jackson.com                                             ACook@TPRM.com

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16 DAYS UNTIL SCOTTSDALE: FUTURLINER https://blog.thelastdetail.com/16-days-until-scottsdale-futurliner/ Thu, 25 Dec 2014 14:00:24 +0000 https://news.barrett-jackson.com/?p=7077
This 1950 General Motors Futurliner is one of more than 140 vehicles from the Ron Pratte Collection crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction in January. One of only 12 built by GM, the Futurliner is a self-contained display and transport vehicle created by the GM design staff under Harley Earl’s direction. It was […]]]>

This 1950 General Motors Futurliner is one of more than 140 vehicles from the Ron Pratte Collection crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction in January.

One of only 12 built by GM, the Futurliner is a self-contained display and transport vehicle created by the GM design staff under Harley Earl’s direction. It was the centerpiece of the “Parade of Progress” touring exhibit that complemented the GM “Motoramas” from 1940 through 1956.

One of only three survivors restored in their original “Parade of Progress” configuration, this Futurliner underwent a comprehensive re-restoration after Ron Pratte purchased it as a fully restored example in 2006, making it clearly the finest example in existence. It is fully functional and toured Canada in corporate promotions before it became a part of the Ron Pratte collection. It is a symbol of the American auto industry at the height of its power and influence.

This 1950 General Motors Futurliner (Lot #2501) will cross the auction block as a charity auction benefitting the Armed Forces Foundation in Scottsdale on Saturday, Jan. 17.

Ron Pratte’s prestigious collection of automobilia will kick off the 44th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction beginning Saturday, Jan. 10 at 9 a.m. and running through Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 1 p.m. Pratte’s vehicles first cross the block at 4 p.m. on Tuesday with lot numbers 2000 through 2109 and will continue with lot numbers 2500 through 2530 on Saturday, Jan. 17.

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VELOCITY AND DISCOVERY CHANNEL TO AIR 36 HOURS OF LIVE COVERAGE OF THE BARRETT-JACKSON SCOTTSDALE AUCTION IN JANUARY 2015 https://blog.thelastdetail.com/velocity-and-discovery-channel-to-air-36-hours-of-live-coverage-of-the-barrett-jackson-scottsdale-auction-in-january-2015/ Thu, 20 Nov 2014 19:36:04 +0000 https://news.barrett-jackson.com/?p=6853 VELOCITY AND DISCOVERY CHANNEL TO AIR 36 HOURS OF LIVE COVERAGE OF THE BARRETT-JACKSON SCOTTSDALE AUCTION IN JANUARY 2015
–Entire, Famed Ron Pratte Collection and Jeff Gordon’s 1999 No.24 Pepsi Chevrolet Highlight the Scottsdale Auction Block– The 1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special Motorama concept car, one of only two designed by GM styling icon Harley Earl, is just one of 142 cars in the Ron Pratte Collection crossing the block at the 2015 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale […]]]>
VELOCITY AND DISCOVERY CHANNEL TO AIR 36 HOURS OF LIVE COVERAGE OF THE BARRETT-JACKSON SCOTTSDALE AUCTION IN JANUARY 2015

–Entire, Famed Ron Pratte Collection and Jeff Gordon’s 1999 No.24 Pepsi Chevrolet Highlight the Scottsdale Auction Block–

The 1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special Motorama concept car, one of only two designed by GM styling icon Harley Earl, is just one of 142 cars in the Ron Pratte Collection crossing the block at the 2015 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction in January.

(Silver Spring, Md.)Velocity and Discovery Channel announced today 36 hours of live, world premiere coverage of the 44th annual BARRETT-JACKSON SCOTTSDALE AUCTION beginning Tuesday, January 13 from 6-8 PM ET/PT on Discovery Channel and continuing through Sunday, January 18 from 2-7 PM ET on Velocity. The networks’ broadcast of the Scottsdale auction kicks off an agreement to air 100 hours of live coverage of BARRETT-JACKSON, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™, across Discovery Channel and Velocity in 2015.

“January’s Scottsdale auction is the most buzzed about in Barrett-Jackson’s storied history,” said Robert Scanlon, General Manager, Velocity. “We pride ourselves in delivering world-class automotive content and our broadcast of this auction represents the very best of Velocity. There is no more exciting way to start off 2015 than partnering with Discovery Channel to bring audiences inside BARRETT-JACKSON SCOTTSDALE live as it happens.”

For the first time ever, the BARRETT-JACKSON SCOTTSDALE AUCTION will air live internationally on Discovery Channel and Discovery World in Canada, and on Discovery Channel and Discovery Turbo in Latin America throughout the week. In addition, the Spanish language broadcast will be available to U.S. viewers on Discovery en Español on Saturday, January 17 from 8-10 PM ET.

“We’re excited to take Barrett-Jackson to a purely automotive network again,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We’re also thrilled to mark another first in our history by going live to all of North America and Latin America, and broadcasting bilingually to bring the world of collector cars to a whole new audience.”

The highlight of the BARRETT-JACKSON SCOTTSDALE AUCTION will be Ron Pratte’s world-renowned collection of 142 cars, trucks and motorcycles, as well as more than 1,500 pieces of automotive memorabilia. The collection includes the only remaining 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake and a striking 1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special Motorama concept car, one of only two designed by GM styling icon Harley Earl. The collection’s very rare 1950 GM Futurliner (one of only 12 ever built) will be auctioned off with 100-percent of the proceeds benefiting the Armed Forces Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to supporting and advocating for active-duty military personnel, National Guardsmen, Reservists, military families and veterans.

Another highlight of the Scottsdale auction block is NASCAR championship driver Jeff Gordon’s fully restored 1999 No. 24 Pepsi Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The historic stock car was rebuilt to “as new” condition by Ray Evernham, and last used by Gordon and his then crew chief Evernham in their final season competing together. Now on display in the Barrett-Jackson Collection Showroom in Scottsdale after its multi-city unveiling, the car is scheduled to cross the block during the Scottsdale auction with proceeds going to benefit The Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation.

Other highlights of BARRETT-JACKSON SCOTTSDALE include the 1955 Chevy used in the counterculture-era cult classic film “Two-Lane Blacktop” starring James Taylor and The Beach Boys’ Dennis Wilson, and a 1952 Woodill Wildfire, the first complete fiberglass car ever available and the star of three films: “Johnny Dark” with Tony Curtis; “Written on the Wind” with Rock Hudson; and “Knock on Wood” with Danny Kaye. Viewers can also expect an incredible line-up of customs and Hot Rods, including a 1971 De Tomaso Pantera Ringbrothers Custom created in collaboration with Nike, and Jimmy Shine’s 1934 Ford Custom Pickup, considered by many to be a “turning point” Hot Rod of the 20th century.

BARRETT-JACKSON SCOTTSDALE U.S. Broadcast Schedule (All Times ET):

Tuesday, January 13
6:00 – 8:00 PM on Discovery Channel
8:00 – 11:00 PM on Velocity

Wednesday, January 14
6:00 – 11:00 PM on Velocity

Thursday, January 15
6:00 – 11:00 PM on Velocity

Friday, January 16
4:00 PM – Midnight on Velocity

Saturday, January 17
4:00 – 8:00 PM on Discovery Channel
8:00 PM – Midnight on Velocity
8:00 – 10 PM on Discovery en Español

Sunday, January 18
2:00 – 7:00 PM on Velocity

BARRETT-JACKSON SCOTTSDALE is produced for Velocity and Discovery Channel by Discovery Studios. For Velocity, David Lee and Peter Neal are executive producers and Robert Scanlon is general manager.

About Velocity
Velocity, a division of Discovery Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), is the only upscale men’s cable network that focuses on thrilling automotive for its viewers. Velocity programming is diverse, intelligent and engaging; capturing the best of the human experience as told by the top experts in the field. Formerly HD Theater, the fully HD network is available in 58 million homes. For more information on Velocity, please visit Velocity.tv, on Facebook at facebook.com/VelocityTV or on Twitter @Velocity.

About Discovery Channel
Discovery Channel is dedicated to creating the highest quality non-fiction content that informs and entertains its consumers about the world in all its wonder, diversity and amazement. The network, which is distributed to 98 million U.S. homes, can be seen in 225 countries and territories, offering a signature mix of compelling, high-end production values and vivid cinematography across genres including, science and technology, exploration, adventure, history and in-depth, behind-the-scenes glimpses at the people, places and organizations that shape and share our world. For more information, please visit www.discovery.com.

About Discovery Communications, Inc.
Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world’s #1 pay-TV programmer reaching nearly 3 billion cumulative subscribers in more than 220 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity, engaging and entertaining viewers with high-quality content on worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Investigation Discovery and Science, as well as U.S. joint venture network OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. Discovery also controls Eurosport International, a premier sports entertainment group, including six pay-TV network brands across Europe and Asia. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools, including an award-winning series of K-12 digital textbooks, through Discovery Education, and a digital leader with a diversified online portfolio, including Discovery Digital Networks. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™, is the leader in collector car auctions and automotive lifestyle events. Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces auctions in Scottsdale, Arizona; Palm Beach, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Reno Tahoe, Nevada. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call 480-421-6694.

CONTACTS:
Andrew Scafetta: 240-662-6063
Andrew_Scafetta@discovery.com – OR –
Laurie Goldberg: 310-975-1631
Laurie_Goldberg@Discovery.com

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SALE OF RON PRATTE’S 1950 FUTURLINER AT 2015 BARRETT-JACKSON https://blog.thelastdetail.com/sale-of-ron-prattes-1950-futurliner-at-2015-barrett-jackson/ Fri, 11 Jul 2014 15:33:18 +0000 https://news.barrett-jackson.com/?p=6084 SALE OF RON PRATTE’S 1950 FUTURLINER AT 2015 BARRETT-JACKSON
1950 GM Futurliner Barrett-Jackson to auction Ron Pratte’s Futurliner for charity Proceeds to benefit Armed Forces Foundation Incredible piece of automotive history and American culture to go to new owner SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - July 11, 2014 – A 1950 General Motors Futurliner, one of the stars of the Ron Pratte collection, will be sold in […]]]>
SALE OF RON PRATTE’S 1950 FUTURLINER AT 2015 BARRETT-JACKSON

1950 GM Futurliner
  • Barrett-Jackson to auction Ron Pratte’s Futurliner for charity
  • Proceeds to benefit Armed Forces Foundation
  • Incredible piece of automotive history and American culture to go to new owner

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - July 11, 2014 – A 1950 General Motors Futurliner, one of the stars of the Ron Pratte collection, will be sold in January 2015 at Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car AuctionsTM,  with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the Armed Forces Foundation. One of 12 built and nine known to still exist, Pratte purchased the Futurliner at Barrett-Jackson.

“Barrett-Jackson was honored to help Ron Pratte add the Futurliner to his collection in 2006,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We appreciate his trust in Barrett-Jackson as he offers this incredible piece of Americana to its next owner. History was made as records fell the first time the Futurliner crossed our block, and we expect interest in it to reach a fevered pitch again.”

A veteran who served with the US Army’s 1st Air Cavalry Division in Vietnam during 1968, Pratte will donate all proceeds from the Futurliner to the Armed Forces Foundation. The organization is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to supporting and advocating for active-duty military personnel, National Guardsmen, Reservists, military families and veterans. The AFF covers travel, hotel rooms, home mortgages, car payments and daily expenses for families so they can stay at a loved one’s side during treatment and recovery from wounds suffered in war.

“Military veterans, especially wounded warriors, deserve our appreciation and our support,” said Pratte. “Their continued sacrifices give Americans the freedom to build happy, productive lives. With the help of the great team at Barrett-Jackson, I look forward to raising funds that will make AFF’s mission a success.”

 The two organizations have partnered for the last eight years, AFF has received over four million dollars through Barrett-Jackson auto auctions since 2008.

“Barrett-Jackson’s charity moments on the auction block with the AFF have become some of the most memorable,” said Steve Davis, President of Barrett-Jackson. “Ron Pratte’s generosity and patriotism is inspirational and I look forward to an outpouring of support for our fellow Americans in uniform.” 

One of 12 built by GM, the Futurliner is a self-contained display and transport vehicle created by the GM design staff under Harley Earl’s direction. It was the centerpiece of the “Parade of Progress” touring exhibit that complemented the GM “Motoramas” from 1940 through 1956.

One of only three survivors restored in their original “Parade of Progress” configuration, this Futurliner underwent a comprehensive re-restoration after Ron Pratte purchased it as a fully restored example in 2006, making it clearly the finest example in existence. It is fully functional and toured Canada in corporate promotions before it became a part of the Ron Pratte collection. It is a symbol of the American auto industry at the height of its power and influence.

Pratte, a Chandler, Arizona, developer and philanthropist, built the majority of his collection at Barrett-Jackson auctions. His collection, featuring cars, trucks, motorcycles and other rarities including the Futurliner, will be on the docket at Barrett-Jackson’s 44th Annual Scottsdale Auction taking place January 10-18, 2015 with television coverage on Velocity and Discovery.

For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit or call (480) 421-6694.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™, was founded in Scottsdale in 1971. Its internationally renowned auctions are hosted in Scottsdale, Arizona; Palm Beach, Florida; Reno Tahoe, Nevada and Las Vegas, Nevada. The events feature hundreds of the world’s most sought-after, unique and valuable vehicles where they cross the block in front of a global audience. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, and complete event information visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @Barrett_Jackson.

For high res images please contact Scott Black at SBlack@TPRM.com

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MEDIA CONTACTS
Corporate Communications
Rodney Scearce
Barrett-Jackson Media Relations Supervisor
480-427-1950
rscearce@barrett-jackson.com

Automotive media
Scott Black
TimePiece PR & Marketing for Barrett-Jackson
214.520.3430 ext. 303
sblack@tprm.com

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