Diverse Field Attracts Record Number of First-Time Bidders to Barrett-Jackson
Palm Beach, Fla. – March 30, 2007 – A diverse collection of the world’s rarest collector cars attracted a crowd of both seasoned and first time bidders to the South Florida Expo Center for day two of the 5th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Palm Beach, Fla. New bidders accounted for 52 percent of the buyers during weekday action, demonstrating the many new faces that are coming into the thriving hobby. The action will continue this weekend as the world’s most exclusive collector automobiles cross the block at No Reserve, with SPEED capturing live footage today from 12 noon to 8 p.m.
“It’s great to see so many new faces join long-time collectors to soak up the excitement at this year’s Palm Beach Barrett-Jackson automotive lifestyle event,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “There were so many more people the first day that we had to bring in additional stadium style seating to accommodate the crowds.”
During the wee hours of the night, the Barrett-Jackson team redesigned the primary auction hall to seat more people. This included adding 800 more seats for the next three days to accommodate the many people who will bid or watch the cars cross the block at No Reserve.
“Our dynamic field of collector cars attracted many people who are interested in being part of this hobby,” added Davis. “Whether it’s a major player looking to add a few cars to his stable or a first-time bidder trying to snag a bargain, this year’s lineup covers all aspects of the market. From a 1958 Messerschmitt KR-200 convertible to a pristine 1968 RR/SS Camaro, the field of vehicles was extremely diverse and impressive.”
The Messerschmitt KR-200 is a descendant of Messerschmitt AG, a legendary airplane manufacturer that shifted to automobiles after World War II. The quirky, three wheeled vehicle has a 200cc engine with a 4-speed transmission and sold for $27,500. Fetching an impressive $110,000, the classic Camaro RR/SS Convertible has a 396ci/325 horsepower V8 along with power steering, power brakes, power windows, tilt wheel, power antenna and power top. Both sale prices include buyer premiums.
Barrett-Jackson continually reaffirms its leadership position in the collector car market by elevating consignment standards, challenging annual records and serving as the barometer for market trends. Last year, more than 275,000 attendees and millions of television viewers from around the world witnessed over 1,600 cars being auctioned off for approximately $135 million at the two 2006 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Events held in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Palm Beach, Fla.
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 Collector Car Events™” in Scottsdale and Palm Beach, Fla. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
Media Contact
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