Around The Town
Barrett Jackson Auto Auction 2009-
This year the Barrett - Jackson Collector Car Event (auction) in Scottsdale, Arizona started January 11, 2009 and the last day was January 18, 2009.
The first event Childhelp Drive the Dream gala was held on January 10, 2009, by invitation only and brought in over 1.3 million for the national charity. The gala assembled several of the valleys well known celebrities also politicians US Senator Jon Kyle and Secretary of State Jan Brewer. Hollywood stars such as Kathie Lee Gifford, Cheryl Ladd, Jane Seymour, and Catherine Oxenberg naming only a few also attended.
2009 proved to be quite the extravaganza featuring a mile-long auction tent, music, live entertainment in The Stone Rose Lounge at the Barrett – Jackson Garage, more than 400 vendors peddling clothing, food and antique neon advertising, and of course the live coverage on Speed television network broadcasting all over the country. This is not your average dog and pony show.
The opening night gala January 12,2009 was held for bidders and their guests. The tickets included food in a buffet style catered and served by local restarants, large selection of drinks, as well as live music by Metalhead; 80’s rock cover band. The vendors were in place for shopping, the new and exotic autos on display and an opportunity to be the first to preview what the auction would offer in an intimate setting.
At the end of a day at the auction the “The Stone Rose Lounge at the Barrett-Jackson Garage” was the meeting place for entertainment including a fashion show provided by a local boutique, DJ’s spinning music, and 944 Magazine held a Release Party for the Barrett-Jackson edition of the January’s edition.
Considering most sellers were fearful of the down economy this was a very successful aution.
There were 1163 cars and over $86 million in sales. Here are some of the top dollar sales in random order: $1,210,000.00 – 1929 Ford 4-AT-E Tri motor airplane, $660,000.00 1955 T-Bird convertible, $551,100.00 1970 Plymouth Superbird Custom Tribute, $550,000.00 2006 Cherolet Monte Carlo (Nascar Jeff Gordon) and $522,500.00 1996 Buick Custom “Blackhawk”.
The star of the show came in the form of a bus, 1950 GM Tour Bus Parade of Progress which sales tag was more than 4 million.
Not only was there purpose in this event it was exciting. If you are a car enthusiast fantastic and if you aren’t it was still worth atleast one visit. The Barrett-Jackson group not only knows how to hold an auction they also have a a knack for entertaining.