Autoblog

The List #0041: Attend A Major Car Auction

John Neff — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Auctions, Videos, The List

When you think of major car auctions, you probably think of Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. That's the one that came to mind for us, which is why we sent Jessi and Patrick to experience its sights and sounds this past January.

Not only did they come away with what it's like to be inside the big tents of Barrett-Jackson on the company's biggest day of the year, they also followed the experiences of several sellers, all of whom were counting on six- and seven-figure prices for their precious pieces of metal. Did they leave the Grand Canyon State with smiles on their faces? Scroll down and watch the latest episode of The List to find out.

Click here to watch The List #0041: Attend A Major Car Auction.

Have an RSS feed? Click here to add The List.
Have an idea for The List? Click here to tell us what would be on yours.
Click here to learn more about our hosts, Jessi and Patrick.

Continue reading The List #0041: Attend A Major Car Auction

The List #0041: Attend A Major Car Auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SMS Supercars unveils 620 Camaro, auctions first example for charity at Barrett-Jackson

Drew Phillips — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Chevrolet, Misc. Auto Shows, Specialty

When Steve Saleen launched his new company, SMS Supercars, back in 2008, he announced that he would be expanding his portfolio of vehicles to include the muscle car offerings from Chevrolet and Dodge. First up was the 570 and 570X Challenger, followed soon after by the 302 Mustang.

Now, Steve Saleen's muscle car trifecta is finally complete, as SMS officially unveiled the 620 Camaro at Barrett-Jackson this week. The car maintains the styling cues featured on both the Challenger and Mustang with an aggressive front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, butterfly hood and chrome 20-inch wheels. Inside is a custom leather interior, and under the hood, the 6.2-liter V8 has been supercharged to 620 horsepower and 570 pound-feet torque.

In addition to unveiling the car at Barrett-Jackson this week, SMS actually auctioned off the first production example last night. This particular car was also a special "Bondurant Edition" in honor of Steve Saleen's former racing teammate, Bob Bondurant, and the two decided to donate the proceeds from the sale to two charities: Cox Charities and the Make A Wish Foundation of Arizona.

So, how did the car do? Bidding for the SMS 620 Camaro eventually reached the $100,000 mark, meaning the two charities will be getting a significant donation and the lucky new owner just got a nice tax write-off. Did we mention a Bondurant three-day performance driving school is included with the car?

You can see photos of the 2012 SMS 620 Camaro in the gallery above, and check out a video of the car being auctioned off at Barrett-Jackson in the video after the jump.

Continue reading SMS Supercars unveils 620 Camaro, auctions first example for charity at Barrett-Jackson

SMS Supercars unveils 620 Camaro, auctions first example for charity at Barrett-Jackson originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Devon GTX up for auction at Barrett-Jackson

Noah Joseph — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Dodge

The demise of the Dodge Viper in 2010 was sad enough on its own. But as if to twist the knife in the wound, the end of the Viper also meant the end of the Devon GTX.

A project of independent entrepreneur Scott Devon, the GTX gave the Viper a decidedly more upscale fit-and-finish worthy of its superlative performance. It got an entirely fresh body - complete with exotic upwards-swiveling doors and two-tone chrome/matte finish - and a more polished cabin. It was also treated to a boost in output, the Viper's 8.4-liter V10 producing 650 horsepower in Devon GTX trim. The result didn't just look sleeker, it also went faster, posting lap records at Willow Springs and Laguna Seca.

Unfortunately the demise of the Viper - not to mention the half-million-dollar asking price - meant that the GTX never really got off the ground. In the end only two examples were made, and now one of them is up for auction by Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona, this week.

Still titled as a 2008 Dodge Viper, serial #1 - in black and chrome - is being offered without reserve, and would certainly take a place of pride in any collection of rare supercars.

Devon GTX up for auction at Barrett-Jackson originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lee Iacocca's Ferrari F40 up for auction

Noah Joseph — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Ferrari

Supercars play a volatile and ever-changing game of one-upmanship. With each new generation outperforming the last, it takes something truly special to endure the test of time. The Ferrari F40 is such an icon.

Built to celebrate Ferrari's fortieth anniversary, the F40 was the most extreme Ferrari ever produced to date, and the last to be ushered into production under the watchful eye of its founder Enzo Ferrari. Popular demand saw its original intended production run of 400 expand to over 1,300, but just 213 were made for the American market. This one is noteworthy.

This particular F40, you see, was built for Lee Iacocca during his tenure as chief executive at Chrysler. When the CEO of a major automaker orders a vehicle from another automaker, it says a lot. Even more so in this instance, because when this Ferrari was built, Iacocca's Chrysler also owned Lamborghini - Ferrari's longtime rival.

With fewer than 300 miles on the odometer and three owners in its twenty-one year history, this F40 is set to cross the auction block in one week at RM Auctions' event in Arizona. Follow the jump for the full listing, and check out the extensive image gallery for a closer look.

Continue reading Lee Iacocca's Ferrari F40 up for auction

Lee Iacocca's Ferrari F40 up for auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2001 Ford F-150 Lightning Rod Concept up for grabs at RM Auctions

Noah Joseph — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Performance, Truck, Auctions, Ford

We can't tell you how many times we've each been asked about concept cars, "Why can't I buy one of those?" Well you can. Not often, mind you, and not cheaply. But every once in a while, one of those glitzy concepts you see on a show stand comes up for sale. And now, it's time to grab your checkbooks.

The show car (or truck, to be precise) you see here was the centerpiece of the Ford display at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show. Dubbed the F-150 Lightning Rod, it takes the formula employed by the SVT Lightning to a more stylized extent, with a chopped roofline and raked windshield, flush-fitted neon head- and tail-lights, and a minimalist interior. The whole package is finished in metallic red with a tribal tattoo motif. A 5.4-liter SOHC V8 sat under the hood, mated to a four-speed automatic. The 21-inch aluminum wheels wear tires whose tread is cut to match the tattoo pattern.

This unique concept truck is expected to fetch around $50,000 when it crosses the block at the RM Auctions event in Arizona next week, but while it's in proper running condition, it isn't certified to drive on public streets. Check it out the listing after the jump and browse the attached photo gallery.

Continue reading 2001 Ford F-150 Lightning Rod Concept up for grabs at RM Auctions

2001 Ford F-150 Lightning Rod Concept up for grabs at RM Auctions originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

1938 Cadillac V16 convertible parades from White House to auction house

Noah Joseph — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 11:09:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Auctions, Government/Legal, Cadillac, Specialty, Luxury

The unfortunate reality of a post-JFK, post-9/11 America means that our president needs to be hidden away from public view, and the details of his high-security transportation are just as hidden. But there was a time when the leader of the free world was paraded around for all to see, and for three presidents of these United States, this was the car in which they met their constituents.

Nicknamed the Queen Mary, this 1938 Cadillac V-16 President Convertible Parade Limousine was one of only two specially made for the White House (the other dubbed Queen Elizabeth), and was used by FDR, Truman and Eisenhower during their presidencies. Delivered on special order shortly after the introduction of Cadillac's second-generation sixteen-cylinder engine (which was smaller and lighter than its predecessor but delivered the same output), the Presidential Limousine's 165-inch wheelbase made it eleven inches longer than the already gargantuan production model.

After the end of WWII, as part of its routine maintenance, Cadillac replaced the sixteen-cylinder engines with V8s that were both more economical and easier to maintain. The cars were last used by President Eisenhower during his re-election campaign, after which longtime Cadillac dealer Jack Tallman, who witnessed the pair being rebuilt several times while visiting the factory, was offered the chance to purchase both cars. Tallman selected the Queen Mary for his collection, where it stayed for four decades. In 1999, the car was sold to one Al Wiseman, who showed it at Amelia Island in 2002 where it was awarded as the best original, unrestored vehicle.

It is now being offered for auction by the estate of John O'Quinn, its last owner, at the upcoming RM Auctions event in Arizona next week, where it is expected to fetch between $300,000 and $400,000. Have a closer look in the high-res image gallery and the detailed listing after the jump.

Continue reading 1938 Cadillac V16 convertible parades from White House to auction house

1938 Cadillac V16 convertible parades from White House to auction house originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Jan 2012 11:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Super-rare Jaguar XJ220S heading to Arizona auction

Noah Joseph — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Jaguar

With only 350 cars built, the Jaguar XJ220 is a collector's item, but some examples are rarer than others.

Having relied heavily on Tom Walkinshaw Racing for the development of the XJ220 in the first place, Jaguar turned to the outfit when it came time to assess the possibility of a competition version. Three XJ220C race cars were born as a result, but in order to homologate them for competition, Jaguar and TWR built six roadgoing examples dubbed XJ220S. One of them is now going up for auction.

To create the XJ220S, TWR removed all the aluminum bodywork (except the doors) and replaced it with carbon fiber, adding a front splitter, rear wing and wider side sills in the process. That helped drive weight down to just over 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs), while the twin-turbo V6 was retuned to deliver 680 horsepower.

This particular car's owner recently had TWR install a titanium exhaust and recalibrate the engine output to nice round 700 hp. He also had it repainted the same shade of grey as the Lamborghini Reventon, fitted more modern headlights, and refurbished the magnesium wheels. As a result, RM Auctions expects it to fetch between $225,000 and $300,000 when it crosses the block in Arizona next month. Full details in the auction listing after the jump.

Continue reading Super-rare Jaguar XJ220S heading to Arizona auction

Super-rare Jaguar XJ220S heading to Arizona auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Barrett-Jackson to auction hearse that carried JFK in Dallas

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Cadillac, Specialty, Luxury

There was a touch of controversy when Barrett-Jackson auctioned what had been purported to be the 1963 Pontiac Bonneville ambulance that transported John F. Kennedy to the hospital the day he was assassinated. There is no such doubt about this (at least, not at the time of writing): the 1964 Cadillac Hearse (Lot #1293) that carried JFK's casket to the Dallas airport.

Built as a showpiece for a funeral director's convention that took place just before the assassination, it was bought by a Dallas funeral home when the convention ended. The very next month it was put to a use no one could have expected. It has has just three owners, and will be up for auction at the 41st Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, Jan. 15-22, at WestWorld of Scottsdale, Arizona. Follow the jump for a fuller history of the car.

Continue reading Barrett-Jackson to auction hearse that carried JFK in Dallas

Barrett-Jackson to auction hearse that carried JFK in Dallas originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Barrett-Jackson auctioning Pontiac ambulance that served as JFK hearse

Noah Joseph — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Wagon, Auctions, Pontiac, Police/Emergency, Military

1963 Pontiac Bonneville JFK ambulance - Click above for high-res image gallery

Few ambulances have ever been as well-known as the Pontiac that transported the remains of the late President John F. Kennedy after his assassination. And now it's going up for auction.

The 1963 Pontiac Bonneville ambulance was one of only 69 of its kind built, and only 15 commissioned for military application. This particular example was assigned to Bethesda Naval Hospital in DC, and was sent to collect the flag-draped casket of the slain commander-in-chief from Air Force One upon its arrival at Andrews Air Force Base and bring it, accompanied by grieving widow Jacqueline and brother Robert F. Kennedy, to the hospital and then on to Capitol Hill.

The ambulance was retired from service several years later and sold as surplus before landing in the collection of its current owner, who is now putting it up for auction at the 40th-anniversary Barrett-Jackson extravaganza in Scottsdale later this month. It's in apparent immaculate original condition and has been featured in magazines and at the 2010 national convention of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association, where it was lauded with the Gold Award.

Gallery: 1963 Pontiac Bonneville JFK ambulance

[Source: Speed | Images: PontiacsOnline]

Barrett-Jackson auctioning Pontiac ambulance that served as JFK hearse originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Jan 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Gooding unloads its 'time capsule' cars for its 2011 Scottsdale Auctions

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Coupe, Auctions, Racing

Gooding 2011 Scottsdale Auction offerings - Click above for high-res image gallery

Gooding will be unearthing some vintage competitors and a barely used road car to its 2011 Scottsdale Auctions next month: a barn find 1964 Shelby Cobra and 1965 Shelby GT350 R, 1964 Porsche 904, 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB, the purported lowest-mileage unrestored Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster anywhere.

Said to be the only unrestored Cobra in blue and red livery, the '64 snake spent 33 years in "storage" yet comes off as surprisingly lustworthy in spite of that. It began life as Carroll Shelby's promo car at SoCal racing venues, was dredged up from the deep to do the Postwar Preservation Class at this year's Pebble Beach, and now expects to find a good home for somewhere north of $525,000. The '65 Shelby GT350 R is a one-of-26 that was campaigned and did plenty of winning in the B-Production Championship in the sixties.

Another serious racer was the four-cam, fiberglass-bodied '64 Porsche 904. The one up for auction was used to beat Phil Hill, who was driving a Cobra, at Candlestick Park in 1965. Finally, the '62 Mercedes 300SL has so few miles that it could qualify for a barn find: 7,367 original miles in 48 years and still in the care of its original owner. The auction happens January 21-22 next year. There's more info on the cars in the presser after the jump, along with some high-res galleries below and after the break if you just want to window shop. And trust us, you do.

Gallery: 1964 Shelby Cobra 289

[Source: Gooding | Images (C) Alejandro Rodriguez/Gooding, (C) Pawel Litwinski/Gooding, (C) Scott Nidermaier/Gooding]

Continue reading Gooding unloads its 'time capsule' cars for its 2011 Scottsdale Auctions

Gooding unloads its 'time capsule' cars for its 2011 Scottsdale Auctions originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Chevrolet considering new high-end Silverado

Chris Shunk — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Chevrolet, GM

Pickup truck sales are on the rise in the U.S., and that's good news for Detroit since trucks tend to come with big price tags and hefty margins. Truck owners can be a different breed, often padding their bedded beauties with high trim levels and copious quantities of options. Ford has made this task easy with F-150 variants like the Platinum and King Ranch, while Chrysler has upped their game with the Dodge Ram Laramie Longhorn. If you want a high-end General Motors truck, right now the best bet is to opt for the GMC Sierra Denali, while Bow Tie-branded trucks top out at the LTZ model.

Pickuptrucks.com is quoting GM sources who claim that a higher end Silverado is on the way. The new model would build on the high levels of standard equipment already present and accounted for in the LTZ, and we're betting that likely additions would include upgraded interior materials and unique wheels and trim. The rumored branding for this top Silverado trim is the Scottsdale; a name that hit the scene in 1975 before it was discontinued in the 1990s.

[Source: Pickuptrucks]

Report: Chevrolet considering new high-end Silverado originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Dillinger's 1930 Ford Model A getaway car up for auction at Barrett-Jackson

Noah Joseph — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Auctions, Ford

John Dillinger's 1930 Ford Model A - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you saw Michael Mann's Public Enemies, the car above may look familiar. It isn't just the same model that the notorious John Dillinger used to escape The Law in one of the most daring shootouts in American history - it's the actual car. And the same one used in the movie.

After robbing banks across the country, Dillinger and his gang took refuge in the Little Bohemia Lodge in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin, on April 22, 1934. When the proprietors alerted law enforcement to their presence, the FBI - led by the legendary Melvin Purvis - arrived on the scene and shot the place up. Dillinger, along with two of his cronies, escaped out the windows into the woods nearby before stumbling upon Robert Johnson driving the Ford Model A coupe you see here. They commandeered the car and the driver along with it, and escaped to Minnesota as Dillinger smashed the rear window and opened fire with his tommy-gun at pursuing law enforcement.

The bullet-ridden car remained in the possession of the Dillinger family for decades until it was carefully and faithfully restored by the producers of Public Enenies for use in the scene depicting the historic chase. Now the coupe will be up for auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, by Barrett-Jackson. Follow the jump for the full story in the press release, and check out the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: John Dillinger's 1930 Ford Model A

[Source: Barrett-Jackson]

Continue reading Dillinger's 1930 Ford Model A getaway car up for auction at Barrett-Jackson

Dillinger's 1930 Ford Model A getaway car up for auction at Barrett-Jackson originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Tucker Club reiterates doubts about authenticity of auction convertible

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Convertible

Allow us to clarify: the Tucker Torpedo Convertible we wrote about recently should herewith be referred to as the purported Tucker Torpedo Convertible. The droptop claiming to be a Torpedo will be up for auction in Scottsdale soon, offered by Russo and Steele. A note from the Tucker Automotive Club of America, however, states that it knows of no such car ever having been made by the Tucker Corporation. The statement says, in part:

"The Tucker Automobile Club of America, Inc. (TACA) has never been presented with-nor have been able to find-any credible evidence to prove the authenticity of this or any other vehicle as being a Tucker Corporation intended convertible and therefore we can not certify it as such."

The club does not say that the convertible in question is definitely not a genuine Torpedo. The club's position is that it has never been able to successfully prove the provenance of said car, "nor has the seller responded to [the club's] request seeking the engine serial number and data plate information." Without a single piece of documentation to support the car among the library of papers detailing Tucker's rise and fall, about the only thing to say for it is: buyer beware. Hat tip to Jeff.

[Source: Tucker Automobile Club of America]

Tucker Club reiterates doubts about authenticity of auction convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Dealer still pitching cars from the afterlife?

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Hummer, Humor

On April 8, 50-year-old Charles P. Dimmick died doing what he loved to do: watching his favorite driver, Jeff Gordon, run in the Phoenix round of NASCAR. Dimmick was also the marketing manager at Lund Cadillac Hummer Saab in Phoenix, and if you believe the person who wrote his obituary, he also loved to sell cars.

In the notice itself (after the details of his death and before the details of the wake), was this line: "We are sure he would still want all to know that 0.9% financing is still available on all New 2008 Hummer H2's." It isn't clear who wrote the obituary, but tasking someone with selling H2 inventory even after they die sounds a bit like something Dante might be involved in.

[Source: Yahoo!]

Dealer still pitching cars from the afterlife? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Jun 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Unique Pininfarina Corvette headed to Scottsdale

Noah Joseph — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Classics, Trends, Auctions, Paris Motor Show, Chevrolet

Retrofitting Corvettes with bespoke Italian sheetmetal is a cherished trade in the coachbuilding industry, revived recently by cars like the Spada Codatronca and Castagna Aznom. But these rare machines owe their lineage to customs like this one: the 1963 Pininfarina Rondine Corvette.

The one-of-a-kind coachbuilt sportscar was shown at the '63 Paris auto show, and has remained in Pininfarina's collection since, recently re-appearing at the Concorso at Villa d'Este in 2005 in celebration of the famous design house's 75th birthday. Now it's headed for the auction block, scheduled to go under the hammer at the upcoming Barret-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Calling the classic "an American in an Italian suit", the organizers at Barret-Jackson haven't disclosed the estimated value, but it's sure to fetch a pretty penny or two.

[Source: Corvette Blogger]

Unique Pininfarina Corvette headed to Scottsdale originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Oct 2007 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

General Lee goes unsold on eBay again, off to Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale

John Neff — Thu, 31 May 2007 13:52:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Auctions, Etc., Dodge

click here to view more pics of John Schneider's General Lee

Actor John Schneider's second attempt to sell the one-of-a-kind 1969 Dodge Charger "General Lee" from his Dukes of Hazzard TV show and other acting roles has failed... again. The first attempt to sell the General Lee on eBay resulted in a winning bid of nearly $10 million, which later fell through. The winning bidder, William Fisher, claimed to CNN in an email that his eBay account had been hacked and the exhoribitant bid was placed without his knowledge, though eBay claims there is no evidence his account was illegally accessed.The second auction on eBay required that bidders be heavily screened before making a bid, which resulted in only one legitimate bid of $100,000 that failed meet Schneider's reserve price.

Perhaps realizing that eBay Motors isn't the most appropriate place to sell his iconic car, CNN is reporting that Schneider will now put the car up for auction on the biggest block in the world at the 2008 Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona next January. We'll be in Scottsdale like we were this year, though we're starting to wonder if the General Lee will ever find a new home.

Thanks for the tip, Peter!

[Source: CNN]

Gallery: General Lee Charger

General Lee goes unsold on eBay again, off to Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 May 2007 13:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Barrett-Jackson rumblings: Trouble in Westworld?

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Government/Legal

It seems like the recent rumblings out of Westworld are failing to die down. A high profile ejection of a respected collector car expert, rumors of shill bidding on company-owned muscle cars, and cars not getting their fair amount of stage time have all generated headlines from this year's biggest auction event, the Barrett-Jackson auction at Scottsdale, and those don't even address the biggest gripe most people seem to have - the seemingly insane high bids. For years people have commented on the super high prices muscle cars have been bringing at the Arizona auctions every January. Some have speculated that there might be something shady behind these gavel values, while others have simply been amazed.

We've vacillated over individual vehicles that don't seem to be "worth" six (or seven!) figures, but in the end understand that "worth" is determined by the buyer. At this year's auction we had a lot of fun getting caught up in the show and seeing some of our favorite vehicles throughout history, up close and in the flesh. It was a very exciting week of muscle cars, race cars, classics and customs, with a bit of drama thrown in for good measure. You might recall the story about Keith Martin, the editor of Sports Car Market, who was allegedly ejected from the Barrett-Jackson media center and the premises for his reported sleight of the proceedings and of company President, Craig Jackson. Not one to pass judgment or take sides, we decided to stay out of it. But this story seems to have legs. Follow the jump to find out why.

[Source: The Four Wheel Drift]

Continue reading Barrett-Jackson rumblings: Trouble in Westworld?

Barrett-Jackson rumblings: Trouble in Westworld? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Feb 2007 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

2007 Russo & Steele, Scottsdale: Four funky fun Fords

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Ford

Click on the image above for a high-res gallery of photos of these fun Fords

Here's a consolidation post on four fabulous and funky Fords we found at Russo and Steele. There's a catalog description of each after the jump. The main pic above is what happens when somebody falls in love with a concept car that doesn't make it to production. It is a 1996 Ford Mustang Mach 3 Concept Recreation. Pretty well done, but never our favorite Mustang show car.

[Source: Russo and Steele]

Gallery: 2007 Russo & Steele, Scottsdale: Four funky fun Fords

Continue reading 2007 Russo & Steele, Scottsdale: Four funky fun Fords

2007 Russo & Steele, Scottsdale: Four funky fun Fords originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jan 2007 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Barrett-Jackson: Arrival and preview

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions

click above image to view high-res preview gallery from the Barrett-Jackson Auction

Wow, what a day we had yesterday. Got into town and headed straight to Westworld to check in at the Barrett-Jackson auction. We arrived kind of late and it actually worked in our favor because nobody was around to stop us from parking where we wanted or to get in our way while trying to photograph some of the featured cars. We'll be bringing you as many of these featured cars as we can each day we're here and hopefully a good gallery of high-res pics of each to keep you sated.

Have to say that my first impression is that no matter how big you expect this place to be, it's bigger. The grounds are enormous but once you enter the big top, you have to make it past the GM and Ford displays (mostly a repeat of the SEMA vehicles), past the vendor booths hawking scale models, T-shirts, gas pumps, artwork, beds... practically anything you can think of that has an automotive theme, and a lot of stuff that doesn't too. After making it through that portion of the tent, you enter the arena. Huge bleacher sections at either end, the stage to one side and skyboxes facing it. It's like walking into the Coliseum.

Once you cross that cavernous tent area, you reach the featured car section. We immediately spotted some of the cars we were most looking forward to seeing: The Firearrows, Carroll Shelby's personal Cobra, the Warrior One CNN Hummer, the Tupolev amphibious vehicle, the 12 pairs of vehicles, and a whole lot of rare and raw muscle cars. COPOs, Hemis, Bosses, ZL-1s, Shelbys and the like. Enjoy this quick teaser galley of shots from Drew Phillips of Fast-Autos.net who will be working with us this week. Today we'll be getting down to business to start getting you in-depth profiles of some of the stars of the show, along with individual galleries for each. Hope you enjoy.

Gallery: 36th Annual Barrett-Jackson Auction

Barrett-Jackson: Arrival and preview originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Jan 2007 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments