Barrett Jackson bringing a host of interesting cars to Scottsdale.

The folks at Barrett Jackson are really stepping up efforts to go back to their roots in a way by auctioning a wide array of classic cars that you typically would not expect to see. I've been browsing the catalog for the 2012 Scottsdale auction and found several unique classics that are set to be auctioned in a little more than a week's time. Here's what's caught my eye.

1948 Tucker Torpedo. What's not to love about the tucker? A truly uniquely styled car and a great story of the American Dream and free enterprise. Preston Tucker is a person I admire greatly, just imagine if things actually did work and the car flourished. This car comes from the famed private collection of Ron Pratte who is a staple at Barrett Jackson auctions.

1939 Buick Roadmaster. This one caught me because of the fact that it's the 1939 Indianapolis 500 pace car. The catalog doesn't say if it's "The" car that paced the race, but it's still really cool to think of a car this big as the pace car.

1957 Desoto Adventurer convertible. There's just something about the overall look of this one. I don't know if it's the wire wheels or the gold and black paint. A lot of folks might go for the Chrysler, Plymouth, or Dodges of this era, but there's something classy about the Desoto. And I think it looks the best out of them all.

1933 Desoto. This one stood out because it's not only a classic, but it was used in a classic film. 1967's Bonnie & Clyde. What's even more outstanding is that the car is essentially how it appeared in the film. Bullet holes and all. And it still presents itself very well. This one will make a collector very happy.

Also from 1933 comes this Pierce Arrow from the Blackhawk collection. I love the styling of this car cause it is radically different from anything else on the road at that time. This car was owned and restored at one time by the late Bill Harrah of the Harrah's Collection. This will be a significant sale at the auction without a doubt.

Also coming from the Blackhawk collection is this 1954 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gullwing coupe. If there was ever a blue chip collector car, this is it. The dark silver paint just suits the flowing lines of this SL.

This 1947 Bentley may perhaps be one of the most beautiful cars in the world. This example with Coachworks by Franay comes from the Ron Pratte collection and has over 50 awards won for it's beauty. This is a one of a kind classic that will stop them in their tracks at any concours.

Next up is this 1941 Packard 160 limosine with Body by Rollson. This caught me eye because of the unique town car body style and how the passenger compartment was styled with a traditional carriage roof. This car harks back to the era of old money, and you can just imagine the sort of events and parties this car was used for.

Lastly is a car that is no stranger to Barrett Jackson. This 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda convertible was used in the TV show Nash Bridges and was driven by Don Johnson. He liked the car so much, he purchased it when the show went off the air. In 2003 he and Cheech Marin drove the car across the auction block and sold the car, where it returned the following year to move to another collector. You may be saying, wait that's a 71 Cuda. In traditional Hollywood magic, yes the car is a 1970 Cuda that was modified to 1971 standards for the show.

Source & Photos: Barrett Jackson

By: Austin On 08:13

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The mountain or the law still haven't got those Duke Boys!

Everyone is familiar with the General Lee. The orange 69 Dodge Charger driven by Bo and Luke Duke every week from 1979 to 1985 on the hit CBS show, The Dukes of Hazzard. While there are several original General Lee's from the TV show still in existence, there is one unique one that will be up for auction at the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction January 15th through the 22nd. This particular car is known in Dukes circles as Lee 1, and was the first General Lee to ever be jumped on the series, as well as the 1st car built. Lee 1 was used extensively through the first episode before making the first iconic jump over Roscoe P. Coltrane that would later be seen in the opening credits of every episode.

After a 16 foot high, 82 foot distance jump, the charger was extensively damaged. It was repainted shortly after to look like a wrecked stock car and used in another early episode before being retired to a junkyard near Covington, Georgia along with a few other cars from the early episodes. That's where Travis Bell comes in. A die hard Dukes and film car fan did some research on the show and made a visit to Covington. Speaking with several crew members led to the tip that a few cars from the show might still be in the junkyard and a visit was planned. Hidden in the woods was Lee 1. Still wearing it's green paint and i.d. tags for the show, and literally left to rot. A rescue mission was started and Lee 1 and several other cars were saved and preserved. Several years and owners later a full restoration was started. With attention to detail as to how the early cars were built, and in an effort to preserve as much as possible, the car was restored and painted as a stock 69 charger before the characteristic orange paint and graphics were re-applied. Unlike performing a concours restoration, all efforts were taken to restore the car to "as used' condition. That means it's not a perfect show car, but there's no denying it's heritage. And now the General Lee can be all yours. I'm sure this is one car that will ring the bell in Scottsdale. It's also one of a handful of celebrity and movie cars that are being auctioned at the various auctions in Scottsdale in the next couple weeks.

Stay tuned for more posts on the 2012 Scottsdale auctions.

Photo and info source: Barrett-Jackson. 

By: Austin On 18:01

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Barrett Jackson 08: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 #1

Following along the lines of the Corvette ZR1 and Shelby Gt500KR. Dodge decided to offer the first 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 to be sold to the public at the Barrett Jackson collector auction. And 100% of the proceeds going to charity. The winning bidder can spec out the car to their liking with options and color and get a host of added bonuses from Dodge including a weekend trip to the cars official launch. Bidding stalled at $350,000 before being bid up to $375,000 by auction CEO Craig Jackson. The final bid came in for an even $400,000 with the money going to the NotMyKid charity which helps children with a host of issues. It was definitely on the light side compaired to the other cars offered. Maybe it was because there were so many cars with proceeds going to charity. Either way NotMyKid has to be happy as $400,000 can go a long way.

By: Austin On 21:12

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Barrett Jackson 08: 1969 Dodge Charger "Bo's General Lee"

In a stunt so cool that not even George Barris could steal the thunder of. John Schneider a.k.a Bo Duke from the Dukes of Hazzard rolled his personal General Lee 1969 Dodge Charger on to the block of Barrett Jackson. With two blasts of dixie from the General's air horns Bo Climbed out(through the window) and showed the crowd he could still do a running jump back into the car. Bo then climbed up on to the roof with mike in hand asking if anyone knew the dusenberg or thunderbird songs before breaking out in "Just a good ol' boys" with ALL of the audience singing along ending with Yee Haa! Brings a tear to any car enthusiasts eye. Bo's General Lee packed with a Hemi motor making over 600hp backed by a built up torqueflight automatic, 4 wheel discs, tuned suspension, roll bar, push bar, American Racing wheels, and perfect General Lee grapics. This General also served duty in Dukes go to Hollywood, the last original cast Dukes movie, as well as some of John Schneider's produced movies. When the gavel fell, the General raised $450,000. Most going to the Cure Autism Now charity.

By: Austin On 19:54

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Barrett Jackson 08: 2009 Corvette ZR1 $1,000,000!

This just in. The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 serial #1. The First customer retailable car has just sold for $1,000,000 to Mr. David Ressler. Not only will he get the first ZR1, but his car will also be the only one sold in LeMans Blue. As part of the package he has the choice to watch the car be built and have delivery at the Bowling Green Kentucky factory, or take delivery in Jay Leno's garage in Los Angeles California. He will also receive a 3 day driving experience at Bondurant Racing School, an autographed design sketch of the car, autographed engine cover, all press materials, and all ZR1 memoribilia. Awesome package.

By: Austin On 19:20

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Own the ultimate of all the muscle cars!

What we have found here for sale may be one of the most significant muscle cars to come up for sale in a long time. This is the first 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang offered to the public. Now it isn't the first one to roll off the line. Ford still owns that one, after buying it back in the 70s. This car is the first Mustang to be offered to the public. Still a very special car in its own right.

It looks as though it has been given a cosmetic restoration. Perfect white paint, blue top and blue vinyl interior. There are a few pieces I see that don't look like they were there originally, but there's nothing really wrong with that. It also appears to be a pretty well equipped car. There's a 260 Windsor V8 under the hood with a 3speed automatic transmission. The wire wheel hubcaps and skinny white walls really set the car off. And the car comes fully documented, certifying the history.

Now for the big question. How much? Well that's where it gets expensive. This 64 1/2 Mustang can be yours for only $42,064.26 a month with $1,000,000 down. Or you can make a one time payment of $5,500,000.

All in all a pretty strong investment. $5.5 million is a LOT of money for this car. There are lots of other cars you could buy with that money. But they might not have the story behind them. Maybe give it a frame off restoration to factory specs without all the added on crap on the interior. Then run it through Barrett Jackson. It'll bring $5 million then. Otherwise, we'd recommend to hold out for a Shelby.

Source: Autoblog.com

By: Austin On 20:56

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2008 Barrett Jackson will auction first Challenger, ZR & GT 500KR

Every year the Barrett Jackson classic car auction fills our heads with dream cars that we all wish to someday own. In recent years we have seen many modern day and future classics roll across the auction block. Though not just any special cars. First production cars. Usually it results as the first actual production or retailable car. The most notable was the first 06 Shelby GT 500 Mustang, and 07 Shelby GT Mustangs. Both times these cars fetched WELL over their original sticker prices. And as with just about everything Carroll Shelby does, the proceeds go to charity.
At the 2008 auction in a few weeks. We will see not one, but three first production future classics be made available. Shelby will of course off the first 2008 GT 500KR(King of the Road). But new comers Chevrolet and Dodge will auction the first production Corvette ZR1 and Challenger SRT-8s to roll off the assembly lines. Both the Vette and the Challenger will/should be fresh off their introductions at Detroit. Just before the auction begins.

The best part is that like the Shelbys of the past few years, all proceeds from all three lots will go to auction. Sales will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), The United Way, and the notMYkid charity.

We're sure that these cars will command the high dollar value as they have in the past with auctions of this type. So we expect to see at the very least 7 figure dollars amounts for these future classics. And we also expect that at least one, if not all three will end up in the collection of Arizona business tycoon Ron Pratte. See you in Scottsdale!

Source: Barrett Jackson.

By: Austin On 00:11

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2008 Barrett Jackson Shelby GT Mustang. A special edition of a sepecial edition

Amen to Ford and Shelby for offering the Shelby GT. It brought the Shelby name and performance at a price that we can afford. Though it's still not the same as the Shelby GT 500.

When the GT500 went in to production the 1st one for sale was sold at the Barrett Jackson Auction for some crazy money. And the car wasn't even built yet. Since then we have seen many first run special cars go across the blocks at B-J each year.

Thus year though we will see a different kind of Barret Jackson special car. One that you can actually buy. Well 100 people can actually buy as there will only be 100 made. If you live in Arizona or Las Vegas, Nevada. You can go down to your local Ford dealer and pick up one of the 2008 Barrett Jackson Edition Shelby GT Mustang. Offered in both coupe and convertible, each will come only in black with "Barrett Jackson Red" stripes. And special B-J signature door sill plates. Oh, and an autographed photo of Carroll Shelby, Craig Jackson, Amy Boylan and Steve Davis.

The rest of the package is made up of black 18 inch wheels, a Ford Racing tuned 319 horsepower V8, flow through exhaust with x pipe crossover, 5 speed manual trans with a Hurst short throw shifter, front strut tower brace, and Ford Racing Handling Package. That adds special dampers, larger sway bars, and a 3.55:1 ratio rear axle.

Not a bad package for only $39,000. Though I'm sure dealers will mark them up since there's only 100 to go around. Though I highly doubt that the dealers are going to match or exceede the $250 per car donation(built in) that will go to the Carroll Shelby Children Foundation. So buying one is for a good cause. Now to get my tickets to Arizona.......

http://www.shelbychildrensfoundation.org/

Source: Ford, Chelby, Barrett Jackson.

PRESS RELEASE:
Exclusive 2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT Unveiled in Arizona

• 2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT Production is Scheduled for 100 Total Units


• Black Exterior with "Barrett-Jackson" Red Stripes and Other Touches Included


• Cars Will Be Sold Through Arizona Ford Dealers


• A Portion of Proceeds from Sales to Benefit the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. --(Business Wire)-- Nov. 21, 2007 Three American automotive icons, Ford Motor Company, the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company and Shelby Automobiles, have collaborated to create collector car history with a limited edition 2008 Mustang Shelby GT. The companies today unveiled the 2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT based on the Ford Mustang at the Arizona International Auto Show.

With an MSRP beginning at US$38,980.00, a total of 100 2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GTs, in both coupe and convertible body styles, will be sold through Arizona Region Ford dealers beginning today. The purchase price of each car will include a $250 donation to the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation.

"The Arizona and Las Vegas Ford dealers have been strong supporters of mine over the years, which is why Shelby Automobiles joined with Barrett-Jackson and Ford Motor Company to create a limited edition car just for their customers," said Carroll Shelby, CEO of Shelby Automobiles. "And I'm pleased that a portion of the sales will benefit an endowment we're building at the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation. This is a rare chance for enthusiasts to enjoy a very special car and support a great cause."

Ford is a strong supporter of Barrett-Jackson and has sponsored its Family Value Day that kicks off the automotive lifestyle week in Scottsdale. Family Value Day was designed to attract a new generation of car enthusiasts by offering discounted tickets for adults and admitting children under the age of 12 for free.

"Barrett-Jackson's unrivaled lifestyle events celebrate America's love of the automobile," said Ford Motor Company Phoenix Regional Sales Manager, Tim Stoehr. "Their passion for the automobile has resulted in a unique venue to share our vehicles with the public. This limited edition car symbolizes our high octane relationship and gives a few lucky people the chance to own a piece of the Barrett-Jackson experience."

Over the past 37 years, Barrett-Jackson has evolved from an auction primarily attended by dedicated collectors and dealers into a retail automotive lifestyle event that is broadcast live worldwide. Shelby Cobras, GT350s and GT500s have been among the most popular cars to cross the auction block.

"We have a long tradition of selling the best Shelbys in the world because they are among the most desirable cars ever built," said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "Over the past several years, we've worked with Ford Motor Company to raise almost a million and a half dollars for Carroll's Foundation by offering new Shelby cars for sale. It was natural to celebrate our connection to these cars with a very limited edition Shelby."

From the black 18-inch wheels to the Shelby Cobra roadster hood scoop, the car is mean. The engine is upgraded with a Ford Racing package to pump out 319 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque through a high-flow exhaust system with X-pipe crossover. The Shelby GT comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission featuring a Hurst short-throw shifter; a five-speed automatic transmission is optional. The package includes a Ford Racing Handling Pack with special-tuned dampers, unique sway bars and a 3.55:1 ratio rear axle assembly. Overall ride height was dropped and a front strut-tower brace added.

"The Shelby GT was designed to deliver an exhilarating driving experience," said Amy Boylan, President of Shelby Automobiles. "In addition to the 'go faster goodies,' each will receive special badges and equipment, as well as a photo of one of these cars signed by Carroll."

Unique features of the Barrett-Jackson edition will include:

-- Black exterior with "Barrett-Jackson Red" LeMans Hood and Side Stripes

-- Barrett Jackson Edition Door Sill Plates

-- Black interior with the Shelby GT serial number plate

-- Special Gas Cap Insert

-- Autographed photo of Carroll Shelby, Craig Jackson, Amy Boylan and Steve Davis

"As someone who has been personally involved with Shelby cars for the past three decades, I'm very proud to be part of this limited edition car," noted Steve Davis, President of Barrett-Jackson. "Rarity and documentation are two of the keys to collectability, which is why only 100 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GTs are scheduled to be built. Each car will come with complete documentation and be included in the factory authorized registry."

The Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT will be displayed at the Arizona International Auto Show from November 22-25.

By: Austin On 11:15

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