Celebrities and Industry VIPs Make Strong Showing at Barrett-Jackson

Bret Michaels, Jay Leno, Mario Andretti, Alice Cooper, Jordin Sparks and Others Make The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions a Celebrity Lifestyle Event to Remember

Scottsdale, Ariz. Jan. 24, 2012 –The 41st Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction hosted more than 250,000 attendees this week, some of whom stood out from the crowd due to their notable celebrity status.

Rock Legend Bret Michaels auctioned four of his personal vehicles and helped Barrett-Jackson kick off its Opening Night Gala in high style Monday night by performing an exclusive set list to an enthusiastic capacity crowd.  Michaels’ vehicles included his:

  • 2004 Bentley Continental GT (Lot #705.4), which sold for $128,700.00.
  • 2004 Lincoln Navigator (Lot #705.5), as featured on VH1’s, “Rock of Love,” which sold for $29,150.00.
  • 2011 Ford Explorer (Lot #705.6) featured on his hit TV show “Life as I Know it,” which sold for $49,500.00.
  • 2007 American Ironhorse Custom Motorcycle (Lot #705.7) As seen on VH1′s “Rock of Love”, “MTV Cribs” and VH1′s “Bret Michaels-Life as I know it,” this custom motorcycle sold for $46,200.00.

On the television side, “Tonight Show” Host Jay Leno, a dedicated collectible car aficionado and collector, donated his personal New Holland Tractor signed by him and President George W. Bush to benefit the Fisher House Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps wounded military members’ families.  The tractor, which Leno used to move vehicles in his personal car collection, fetched $535,000 at auction, with a very excited crowd cheering on the bidders and clapping when it was all over.

Michaels and Leno were joined at Barrett-Jackson this year by other notable celebrities and industry VIPs including fellow rocker Alice Cooper, Mario Andretti, Bubba Watson, Bill Hall, Shane Doane, Jordin Sparks, Ray Everham, Rick Hendrick of Hendrick Motorsports, and the co-hosts of The History Channel’s Pawn Stars to name a few. Mark Fields, Executive Vice President of Ford Motor Company and President, The Americas, was also present.

“We were honored to have these celebrities in our presence,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “It’s nice to see them get involved with the collector car hobby and help worthy causes, not to mention attend our event.”

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, Nev. and Orange County, Calif. 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.

Each description contained herein is provided by the consignor for the purpose of describing the item offered for sale. The accuracy of a description is the responsibility of the consignor and Barrett-Jackson is not responsible for any errors contained in a description or for the failure of a consignor to produce any item for sale. Please conduct your own inspection before making a purchase and refer to the Barrett- Jackson website for complete terms and conditions of sale.

Media Contacts

JMPR Public Relations:

Sanaz Marbley, 818.657.9099, smarbley@jmprpublicrelations.com

Jarrod Holland, 910.431.3322, jholland@jmprpublicrelations.com

The UP Agency:

Stacy Pearson, 602.577.6888, stacy@writetoup.com

Tiffany Jarratt-Shultz, 480.586.6711, tiffany@writetoup.com