SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – May 8, 2018 – Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions®, has built incredible momentum and achieved major milestones, setting a new bar for the collector car hobby in the first quarter of 2018. Incredible dockets filled with rare and unique vehicles, including a current-generation Ford GT and a Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition, along with some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment and politics – such as former U.S. President George W. Bush, Jay Leno, Burt Reynolds and Michael Phelps – have helped drive the excitement level of the Barrett-Jackson experience.
“Our momentum has grown exponentially over the last several months,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Since the beginning of our fiscal year in July 2017, we’ve reached some incredible milestones and grown in so many ways. We’re grateful to be a part of this incredible hobby and rub shoulders with so many wonderful people. With the support of our guests, we’ve set a new bar for the collector car market in 2018. We’re excited to have the chance to continue this momentum for our guests throughout the year.”
Since its 2017 Las Vegas Auction, Barrett-Jackson has exceeded over $187 million in total sales and raised nearly $8.3 million for charities across the country. During that time, Barrett-Jackson has sold 3,000 vehicles and anticipates more than 600 vehicles will cross the block during the Northeast Auction, bringing the total vehicles sold over 17 auction days to more than 3,600. Automobilia sales have also seen remarkable growth with countless top-dollar sales, including a full-size transportation-themed carousel that sold for $557,750 in Scottsdale. Barrett-Jackson’s registered bidder numbers also continue to climb.
Among the most celebrated milestones achieved by Barrett-Jackson was surpassing the $100-million mark in total donations made to charity since the company’s inception. During last year’s Las Vegas Auction, the collector car community rallied together to help raise over $1 million for Las Vegas first responders. At the 2018 Scottsdale Auction, Barrett-Jackson kicked off its first-ever yearlong charity initiative, called “Driven Hearts,” to raise much-needed funds and awareness for the American Heart Association. In total, more than $6.2 million was raised for both local and national charities at the event with the help of former U.S. President George W. Bush and Chad McQueen, the son of Hollywood star Steve McQueen.
Thus far, 2018 also has been a stellar year for collection sales. Steve Todhunter’s prestigious collection was featured in Scottsdale, while three impressive collections – including renowned collector and philanthropist John Staluppi’s highly coveted Cars of Dreams vehicles – sold in Palm Beach this year. During the four-day Palm Beach Auction, the 145 vehicles from Staluppi’s collection sold for an impressive $13.96 million.
“This is an exciting time to be a part of the collector car community,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “Our team is especially proud to have the chance to bring our high-octane passion to life for people worldwide through our four auctions each year. We’re looking forward to building on the excitement we’ve already generated as we continue this already banner year.”
Celebrities from across the entertainment and sports realms, along with political leaders, also have played a large role in driving the excitement of the Barrett-Jackson auctions. In Scottsdale, former U.S. President George W. Bush, along with Jay Leno, Michael Phelps, David Spade, Tim Allen, Alice Cooper, Bruce Arians, Alan Williams, Archie Bradley and Arizona Governor Doug Ducey joined in the auction action. Celebrities who attended the Palm Beach auction included Jimmy De Martini, fiddler with the Zac Brown Band, as well as Hollywood icon Burt Reynolds and actor Alfie Wise, North Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera, NASCAR legend Rick Hendrick and former NFL wide receiver Reggie Wayne.
Barrett-Jackson’s Showroom has also enjoyed a 28-percent increase over last year’s sales. “Our Showroom has become a must-see attraction for gearheads visiting Scottsdale,” said Jeff Catlin, Showroom Division Manager. “Not only do we have some of the most prized collector cars available to view and purchase, but it’s also home to our state-of-the-art workshop with the latest tech and tools for restoring cars.”
Barrett-Jackson will host two more auctions in 2018, including the 3rd Annual Northeast Auction from June 20-23 and its 11th Annual Las Vegas Auction from Sept. 27-29. Follow this link to consign your vehicle or click here to register as a bidder.
About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions®, is the leader in collector car and automotive lifestyle events, which include authentic automobilia auctions and the sale of high-profile estates and private collections. The company produces auctions in Scottsdale, Arizona; Palm Beach, Florida; at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut; and Las Vegas, Nevada. With broadcast partners Velocity and Discovery Channel, Barrett-Jackson features extensive live television coverage, including broadcasts in over 150 countries internationally. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit Barrett-Jackson.com or call 480-421-6694.
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