01/09/10
With the state of the economy, Stock Market, Real Estate market, Mortgage industry and Financial institutions, where do you put your money now??
As our vintage racing season winds down, collector car auctions rise. Newest to join last year’s frenzy was the “inaugural annual” Barrett-Jackson auction in Nevada. Out of curiosity, I attended wondering if economics would kill a follow-up. The “2nd Annual Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Collector Car Auction” held October 7-10, 2009, firmly answered that question with increased attendance and over $23 million in sales!
The luxurious, expansive Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino is the perfect venue. The auction/sports arena has seating for all anticipating bidders, consignors, and thousands of spectators hungry to experience what they’ve seen on SPEED channel. A separate gigantic room holds over 400 collectable vehicles providing generous space to inspect what’s on the docket -- all at no reserve, everything sells. Another contains displays from contemporary foreign and domestic car manufacturers along with a hundred-plus vendors catering to your automotive needs -- and suggesting new ones.
In person, CEO Craig Jackson is exactly as seen on TV: Warm, cordial, attentive, with carefully chosen words when answering your questions. I asked if he heard of our favorite magazine, and he said, “I know Victory Lane, I attend their races, you know.” Though Barrett-Jackson is currently known for muscle machines, last year’s primary publicity car was the 1953 MG TD raced by Carroll Shelby, and this year’s was famous “Ol’ Yaller,” owned by Seattle’s Gordon Apker. I asked if the centerpiece for 2010 would be another vintage race car. His reply: “I’ve known Gordon for years, and Ol’ Yaller has been very good for us. Next year, we’ll use whatever is offered to us.” So, owners, there’s your chance!
Talking with Jackson’s mother “Nellie,” one finds a witty conversationalist who delights in sharing her involvement as husband Russ and friend Tom Barrett began their auto auction venture in 1971. She ran their first “auction office” processing paperwork, handling money, and even parking cars on occasion. Today, she serves as Executive Director and is the senior surviving Barrett-Jackson team member of an empire she helped create.
As bidder or consignor, Barrett-Jackson and Mandalay Bay staffs have everything planned for you in advance. Large and organized registration and administrative offices are away from the public and sufficiently staffed to preserve your time. Barrett-Jackson’s trained and friendly staff operates with military precision, each knowing their job with flawless results.
For spectators (there were thousands), ticket lines went quickly -- a bargain at $16.50. The complex is vast with no sense of crowding, but getting lost is easy. There is, however, ample signage and plenty of attractive young women strategically stationed in Barrett-Jackson corporate red jackets to guide you. Food and refreshments are conveniently available in a variety of settings from swank to mall-style food courts to satisfy any taste or budget. Attendees are provided a plastic-coated (drool-proof?) “Daily Car List” of offerings by consecutive lot numbers to follow the action. Best value, at $20, is a thick and glossy souvenir catalog of the entire event containing corporate history, and descriptions with photos of automobilia (auctioned first each day) and every vehicle offered.
With so many choices swelling the docket, it’s overwhelming at first. But, there’s something for everyone: Fascinating automobilia, newer and vintage sports cars for race or street, muscle cars, overstock from GM’s Heritage Collection, hot rods, restored pickups, customs, limited editions (“Iacocca 45th Anniversary Mustang”), even a mint 1950 John Deere Tractor. Most are “show ready” to be driven, displayed, or preserved in private collections. To interest buyers with less deep pockets, others cars have needs that could become wise investments with appropriate attention. Examples of both include:
Lot #673. 1962 Jaguar XKE Series I Roadster: As new, the definition of “showroom” with 860 post-restoration miles. Matching numbers, flawless (rare) white exterior with perfect chrome and wheels holding upgraded 185SR15 Vredestein BSW radials. Early flat floor model with correct welded bonnet louvers, new windshield, tan top, tan leather interior with enticing aroma. Perfect dash and instruments, jewel-like steering wheel, radio delete plate, and doors “click” shut. Engine compartment also ready for judging at any fussy venue. Perfection! Sold: $99,000.
Lot # 391.1. 1964 Jaguar XKE Series I Roadster: Placard said “Just out of professional ground-up restoration,” but much “ground” found in paint. 55,794 miles showing, chrome pitted and dull inside and out, neglected wooden wheel, carpet and vinyl scuffed, radio blanking plate covers vacancy with telltale flaccid black rubber antenna on cowl, recent tan leather seats with matching top, left door won’t latch, right sticks out finger-width at bottom, boot lettering missing, ignored chrome wire wheels, bondo in nose, undetailed engine. A driver worth a color sanding attempt and serious detailing. Sold: $55,000.
Lot #709. 1961 Jaguar “Ol’Yaller VIII: Hollywood stunt driver Max Balchowsky (Steve McQueen’s chase scene in “Bullet”) built road racing “specials” from 1956 to 1963, calling all “Ol’Yaller,” and regularly beating expensive marques at their own game. Unlike his previous tube-frame models, VIII uses a 1961 Jaguar E-type monocoque (first year of production) with Ferrari-esque bonnet, Chevy 327” engine with single Holly carb, T-10 4-speed, and two ’61 Corvette tail lamps. Period correct and tidy interior, dual red leather seats, Lamborghini tach and speedo in boat-like dash. Ironically used in movie “Las Vegas” and driven on screen by Elvis. Featured as primary publicity car for this event, appreciation for its significance, presentation, documentation, and celebrity connection was lost on bidders present. Bargain of the auction, welcome at any vintage race meeting world-wide, with significant appreciation guaranteed. Sold: $180,000.
Lot #25.1. 1950 MG TD Roadster: Right hand drive with 21,225 miles claimed original, new blue paint with minimal orange peel, new tires on freshly painted silver rims, tidy black vinyl interior and dash, smokeless exhaust on start with one protesting lifter. Rear bumper droops on right, no mention or sighting of top or side curtains. Decent driver quality with pleasing exhaust note, this example waits for light tinkering and leisurely Sunday drives. Sold: $14,850.
Lot #48. 1953 MG TD Roadster: Left hand drive with fresh 4.5-year professional restoration showing 2,362 miles. Excellent bare metal repaint in original BRG, new tan leather interior with matching top, tonneau, and side curtains. Excellent chrome, immaculate engine bay, new wiring throughout, and strong sounding engine. Dual Lucas “Flame Thrower” driving lights augment stock headlamps. Show ready after dusting undercarriage. Sold: $29,150.
Lot# 704. 1965 Shelby Cobra Roadster: Auction’s top seller, last available in 1968, originally owned by hot tub magnate Jacuzzi. “The real deal,” CSX2568 shows “0” miles since meticulous 2-year restoration of unmolested 32,831 mile original that never left San Francisco area until this event. Striking in flawless “Princess Blue” (no stripes), red leather interior, Boranni wire wheels (originals convey) encircled by Dunlop racing rubber, and presence reserved for knowing enthusiasts. Small block 289,” 4-speed, with all serial numbers verified “as delivered” including dealer-installed upgrades to 306hp. Breathtaking. Sold: $440,000.
Lot #325. 1965 Volkswagen Beetle: Pan-off restoration presented in turquoise and bright white below stainless belt line, this could be “Herbie’s” love interest. No flaws found despite thorough inspection. Perfect chrome, glass, ivory interior, rare sunroof, immaculate 40hp (1192cc) engine turning rebuilt 4-speed transmission. Verified as advertised, “…everything replaced right down to the knob on the glove box.” Sold: $22,000.
Lot 29.1. 1975 Porsche 914: 46,116 miles showing and placard stating “kept in a climate-controlled classic car facility” which must have included rain. Low quality repaint in original blue peeling from cowl, windshield pillars, and fenders. Dirty engine compartment, cracked door sills, non-original black cloth seat trim, soiled carpet, wires hanging below dash, R/F tire going flat, grubby aftermarket alloys, and rare factory-installed air conditioning. Sold: $10,725.
Note: For final buying price, add 10% buyer’s premium.
Though necessarily brief here, you can see complete descriptions and selling prices of all vehicles (modern, luxury, exotica, hot rods, customs, pickups, and more), and dates of future Barrett-Jackson auctions at user-friendly www.barrett-jackson.com.
Craig Jackson said there will be a “3rd Annual Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Collector Car Auction” at the Mandalay Bay in October 2010, so mark your calendar to attend. Las Vegas has some 26,000 rooms, so competition is high and prices are reasonable. If you drive, free parking lots are plentiful. For significant others of all ages not sharing our car passion, there’s lots to do nearby including world class shopping and entertainment described in Las Vegas’ web sites. Expect cloudless blue skies, and pool-friendly desert temperatures in mid-80s. See you there!
Published, Victory Lane magazine, p. 60, November 2009.
The luxurious, expansive Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino is the perfect venue. The auction/sports arena has seating for all anticipating bidders, consignors, and thousands of spectators hungry to experience what they’ve seen on SPEED channel. A separate gigantic room holds over 400 collectable vehicles providing generous space to inspect what’s on the docket -- all at no reserve, everything sells. Another contains displays from contemporary foreign and domestic car manufacturers along with a hundred-plus vendors catering to your automotive needs -- and suggesting new ones.
In person, CEO Craig Jackson is exactly as seen on TV: Warm, cordial, attentive, with carefully chosen words when answering your questions. I asked if he heard of our favorite magazine, and he said, “I know Victory Lane, I attend their races, you know.” Though Barrett-Jackson is currently known for muscle machines, last year’s primary publicity car was the 1953 MG TD raced by Carroll Shelby, and this year’s was famous “Ol’ Yaller,” owned by Seattle’s Gordon Apker. I asked if the centerpiece for 2010 would be another vintage race car. His reply: “I’ve known Gordon for years, and Ol’ Yaller has been very good for us. Next year, we’ll use whatever is offered to us.” So, owners, there’s your chance!
Talking with Jackson’s mother “Nellie,” one finds a witty conversationalist who delights in sharing her involvement as husband Russ and friend Tom Barrett began their auto auction venture in 1971. She ran their first “auction office” processing paperwork, handling money, and even parking cars on occasion. Today, she serves as Executive Director and is the senior surviving Barrett-Jackson team member of an empire she helped create.
As bidder or consignor, Barrett-Jackson and Mandalay Bay staffs have everything planned for you in advance. Large and organized registration and administrative offices are away from the public and sufficiently staffed to preserve your time. Barrett-Jackson’s trained and friendly staff operates with military precision, each knowing their job with flawless results.
For spectators (there were thousands), ticket lines went quickly -- a bargain at $16.50. The complex is vast with no sense of crowding, but getting lost is easy. There is, however, ample signage and plenty of attractive young women strategically stationed in Barrett-Jackson corporate red jackets to guide you. Food and refreshments are conveniently available in a variety of settings from swank to mall-style food courts to satisfy any taste or budget. Attendees are provided a plastic-coated (drool-proof?) “Daily Car List” of offerings by consecutive lot numbers to follow the action. Best value, at $20, is a thick and glossy souvenir catalog of the entire event containing corporate history, and descriptions with photos of automobilia (auctioned first each day) and every vehicle offered.
With so many choices swelling the docket, it’s overwhelming at first. But, there’s something for everyone: Fascinating automobilia, newer and vintage sports cars for race or street, muscle cars, overstock from GM’s Heritage Collection, hot rods, restored pickups, customs, limited editions (“Iacocca 45th Anniversary Mustang”), even a mint 1950 John Deere Tractor. Most are “show ready” to be driven, displayed, or preserved in private collections. To interest buyers with less deep pockets, others cars have needs that could become wise investments with appropriate attention. Examples of both include:
Lot #673. 1962 Jaguar XKE Series I Roadster: As new, the definition of “showroom” with 860 post-restoration miles. Matching numbers, flawless (rare) white exterior with perfect chrome and wheels holding upgraded 185SR15 Vredestein BSW radials. Early flat floor model with correct welded bonnet louvers, new windshield, tan top, tan leather interior with enticing aroma. Perfect dash and instruments, jewel-like steering wheel, radio delete plate, and doors “click” shut. Engine compartment also ready for judging at any fussy venue. Perfection! Sold: $99,000.
Lot # 391.1. 1964 Jaguar XKE Series I Roadster: Placard said “Just out of professional ground-up restoration,” but much “ground” found in paint. 55,794 miles showing, chrome pitted and dull inside and out, neglected wooden wheel, carpet and vinyl scuffed, radio blanking plate covers vacancy with telltale flaccid black rubber antenna on cowl, recent tan leather seats with matching top, left door won’t latch, right sticks out finger-width at bottom, boot lettering missing, ignored chrome wire wheels, bondo in nose, undetailed engine. A driver worth a color sanding attempt and serious detailing. Sold: $55,000.
Lot #709. 1961 Jaguar “Ol’Yaller VIII: Hollywood stunt driver Max Balchowsky (Steve McQueen’s chase scene in “Bullet”) built road racing “specials” from 1956 to 1963, calling all “Ol’Yaller,” and regularly beating expensive marques at their own game. Unlike his previous tube-frame models, VIII uses a 1961 Jaguar E-type monocoque (first year of production) with Ferrari-esque bonnet, Chevy 327” engine with single Holly carb, T-10 4-speed, and two ’61 Corvette tail lamps. Period correct and tidy interior, dual red leather seats, Lamborghini tach and speedo in boat-like dash. Ironically used in movie “Las Vegas” and driven on screen by Elvis. Featured as primary publicity car for this event, appreciation for its significance, presentation, documentation, and celebrity connection was lost on bidders present. Bargain of the auction, welcome at any vintage race meeting world-wide, with significant appreciation guaranteed. Sold: $180,000.
Lot #25.1. 1950 MG TD Roadster: Right hand drive with 21,225 miles claimed original, new blue paint with minimal orange peel, new tires on freshly painted silver rims, tidy black vinyl interior and dash, smokeless exhaust on start with one protesting lifter. Rear bumper droops on right, no mention or sighting of top or side curtains. Decent driver quality with pleasing exhaust note, this example waits for light tinkering and leisurely Sunday drives. Sold: $14,850.
Lot #48. 1953 MG TD Roadster: Left hand drive with fresh 4.5-year professional restoration showing 2,362 miles. Excellent bare metal repaint in original BRG, new tan leather interior with matching top, tonneau, and side curtains. Excellent chrome, immaculate engine bay, new wiring throughout, and strong sounding engine. Dual Lucas “Flame Thrower” driving lights augment stock headlamps. Show ready after dusting undercarriage. Sold: $29,150.
Lot# 704. 1965 Shelby Cobra Roadster: Auction’s top seller, last available in 1968, originally owned by hot tub magnate Jacuzzi. “The real deal,” CSX2568 shows “0” miles since meticulous 2-year restoration of unmolested 32,831 mile original that never left San Francisco area until this event. Striking in flawless “Princess Blue” (no stripes), red leather interior, Boranni wire wheels (originals convey) encircled by Dunlop racing rubber, and presence reserved for knowing enthusiasts. Small block 289,” 4-speed, with all serial numbers verified “as delivered” including dealer-installed upgrades to 306hp. Breathtaking. Sold: $440,000.
Lot #325. 1965 Volkswagen Beetle: Pan-off restoration presented in turquoise and bright white below stainless belt line, this could be “Herbie’s” love interest. No flaws found despite thorough inspection. Perfect chrome, glass, ivory interior, rare sunroof, immaculate 40hp (1192cc) engine turning rebuilt 4-speed transmission. Verified as advertised, “…everything replaced right down to the knob on the glove box.” Sold: $22,000.
Lot 29.1. 1975 Porsche 914: 46,116 miles showing and placard stating “kept in a climate-controlled classic car facility” which must have included rain. Low quality repaint in original blue peeling from cowl, windshield pillars, and fenders. Dirty engine compartment, cracked door sills, non-original black cloth seat trim, soiled carpet, wires hanging below dash, R/F tire going flat, grubby aftermarket alloys, and rare factory-installed air conditioning. Sold: $10,725.
Note: For final buying price, add 10% buyer’s premium.
Though necessarily brief here, you can see complete descriptions and selling prices of all vehicles (modern, luxury, exotica, hot rods, customs, pickups, and more), and dates of future Barrett-Jackson auctions at user-friendly www.barrett-jackson.com.
Craig Jackson said there will be a “3rd Annual Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Collector Car Auction” at the Mandalay Bay in October 2010, so mark your calendar to attend. Las Vegas has some 26,000 rooms, so competition is high and prices are reasonable. If you drive, free parking lots are plentiful. For significant others of all ages not sharing our car passion, there’s lots to do nearby including world class shopping and entertainment described in Las Vegas’ web sites. Expect cloudless blue skies, and pool-friendly desert temperatures in mid-80s. See you there!
Published, Victory Lane magazine, p. 60, November 2009.
Now on to Scottsdale which is expecting to be a very good event, with a stellar line up of collector cars in a no reserve setting it levels the playing field. Now that were down to days rather than months and weeks, the excitement level is felt by all, and with all the coverage on Speed TV its sure to electrify anyone in the hobby.
Joe Petralia
http://www.sandiegoclassicandmusclecars.com/
http://www.sandiegoclassicandmusclecars.com/
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