The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company has announced that it generated more than $92 million in gross sales of collectible vehicles, exotics, customs, classics, hot rods and resto-mods during its 41st annual Arizona auction at West World of Scottsdale, Jan 15-22, 2012. That’s a considerable jump from their 2011 number of 1,245 cars for $68 million. Contributing to the increase was the addition of high-end classics in the 5000 series and the Salon Offering Collection.
Three of the vehicles that sold on Saturday, Jan. 21 were part of the new Barrett-Jackson Salon Offering Collection included a 1948 Tucker Torpedo from the Ron Pratte Collection, one of only 51 ever made, was the top selling vehicle, garnering $2.915 million; a world record for the sale of a Tucker.
Following the Tucker in top sales was a 1947 Bentley Mark VI Coachworks by Franay with a sale price of $2.75 million. Rounding out the top three was a 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing with only 4,159 original miles—the lowest mileage model known to exist. This exceptional Mercedes also represents a world-record for the highest-selling price for a steel-bodied 300SL Gullwing model.
Additionally, a record number of attendees were counted totaling more than 270,000 which represents a 16 percent increase in attendance versus 2011. This may be good for Barrett-Jackson and Scottsdale, but the crowds and parking made a bit of a nightmare for those of us trying to get into the venue and check out the cars.
You can’t complain too much after hearing that Barrett-Jackson raised more than $5.8 million for local and national charities through the sale of 22 vehicles, including generous proceeds from sales and donations for the Barrett-Jackson sponsored ChildHelp Charity to benefit victims of child abuse and neglect.
Barrett-Jackson also reported that new registered bidders comprised more than 50 percent of total bidders and nearly half of the consigners were new. They saw a surge in pickup trucks consignments and sales; more than 150 pickups were auctioned accounting for more than 10 percent of sales. One example is a very nice 1948 Chevrolet Coe (Lot # 430.2), fresh off a two-year full restoration, which sold for a world-record breaking $97,900.
New additions to this year’s Barrett-Jackson venue was the first-ever DIY lifestyle exhibit that featured a how-to on getting your car on the auction block and a first-ever mobile social media boutique for grassroots outreach from guests of Barrett-Jackson.
Barrett-Jackson always seems to attract celebrities and this year was no different; Bret Michaels, Jay Leno, Alice Cooper, Nancy Grace, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Jordin Sparks stopped by to sell a car or two.
Bret Michaels auctioned four of his personal vehicles and also performed at the Barrett-Jackson Opening Night Gala. Michaels’ vehicles included his:
- 2004 Bentley Continental GT which sold for $128,700.00.
- 2004 Lincoln Navigator as featured on VH1’s, “Rock of Love,” which sold for $29,150.00.
- 2011 Ford Explorer featured on his hit TV show “Life as I Know it,” which sold for $49,500.00.
- 2007 American Ironhorse Custom Motorcycle 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.
Jay Leno’s auctioned his beloved “Lil Tug” Celebrity Tractor for $535,000 with the proceeds going to the Fisher House Foundation which constructs comfort homes to provide free, temporary housing to the families of service members receiving medical care at VA and military hospitals around the world. The “Lil Tug” was signed by George W. Bush and has been part of the Leno Garage in California last four years.
All the auction results from Barrett-Jackson can be found on the company’s website
Suggested Reading:
Gooding & Company's 2012 Scottsdale Auction Review
Bonhams First Scottsdale Sale Review
RM's 2012 Scottsdale Arizona Auction Review
Russo and Steele - Scottsdale 2012 Highlights
