Revolutionary Blastolene B-702 Custom Roadster To Be Auctioned At Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – November 15, 2007 – Hailed as a “rolling sculpture” and powered by a mammoth 702cid V12 engine, the famous Blastolene B-702 custom roadster (Lot #1310) will be sold at No Reserve during the 37th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event on Jan. 12-20, 2008, in Scottsdale, Ariz. The latest creation from the “Blastolene Brothers,” Michael Leeds and Randy Grubb, measures 19.5-feet long and nearly 8-feet wide and will cross the block during SPEED’s live primetime coverage on Saturday evening.
Barrett-Jackson will feature the B-702 on the cover of the 2008 Scottsdale auction program. The program cover will be penned by celebrated automotive artist and president of the Automotive Fine Arts Society, Ken Eberts. Hailed as “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™,” the Scottsdale auction will feature 1000 of the world’s finest collector vehicles and lavish lifestyle events. As always, SPEED will broadcast live-coverage of all six auction days.
“I was speechless when I first laid eyes on the Blastolene B-702,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. “Never before had I witnessed such a massive automobile with pinpoint attention to detail and flawless design execution. The ‘Blastolene Brothers’ are justifiably renowned throughout the automotive world for their jaw-dropping creations. When the B-702 crosses the block in Scottsdale, it will be the first public offering of a new vehicle from these dynamic builders.”
The Blastolene B-702 blends America’s passion of high-powered, large displacement engines with refined European design cues, especially those of 1930s French classics. The hand-formed aluminum body flows effortlessly from end to end, accented by a dramatic separation from the pod-style fenders, glass grille bars, Woodlight headlights and hand-blown glass taillights. The sensuous body rides on a custom chassis that is entirely nickel-plated or powder-coated, giving the B-702 a glamorous touch to complement its commanding stature.
The roadster’s 702cid V12 engine, originally produced by GMC from 1960-1965 for their 2.5-ton medium duty trucks, produces 650 ft/lbs of torque at 850 rpm on regular gasoline. A modern Allison 4-speed transmission sends power to the 9-inch Ford Currie rear end, while 4-wheel power disc brakes and power steering make the 4,800-pound beast drive like a dream. The exterior is a mesmerizing midnight blue and the interior is finished in maroon leather.
“While the design is obviously European, the B-702 is uniquely American,” noted Blastolene creator Randy Grubb. “We borrowed the beautiful French curves and classic essence from the Bugattis and Delahayes of the 1930s and matched them with a gargantuan 702-cubic inch engine, resulting in the American version of these great classics.”
Famous for their oversized V12 custom cars and hot rod blends, the “Blastolene Brothers” burst onto the auto scene in 2002 with the design and construction of the “Jay Leno Tank Car.” Similar to that creation, the B-702 has been exhibited at automotive gatherings throughout the country leading up to the sale in January.
“The Blastolene B-702 is a remarkable automobile that has attracted crowds at some of America’s top automotive events,” added Steve Davis, President of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. “After stealing the show at the Quail Lodge in Monterey during the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours week, we featured the B-702 at our SEMA booth in Las Vegas and it was the star of the Barrett-Jackson announcement party at Mandalay Bay. Beginning next week, it will be displayed at the Petersen Automotive Museum, where hot rodders throughout the country can pay homage to this magnificent machine.”
“The phenomenal blend of classic beauty and outrageous mechanical components make the B-702 one of the most extraordinary cars in the world,” said Dick Messer, Director of the Petersen Automotive Museum. “Randy Grubb and the ‘Blastolene Brothers’ have proved once again that if you can dream it, they can build it. We’re thrilled that the Petersen will be the final stop for this piece of automotive history before it finds a lucky new owner at Barrett-Jackson in January.”
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 Classic Car Event” in Scottsdale, AZ, and has expanded to other venues, including Palm Beach, FL and in 2008, Las Vegas, NV. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
Media Contact: Luke DeRouen lderouen@timepiecepr.com or (214) 520-3430 (www.timepiecepr.com)