150 MILLION MEMORIES: Cars and Stars Came Together to Mark a Milestone at Barrett-Jackson on Friday

Credit: Original article published by Barrett-Jackson.

The 2023 Scottsdale Auction has been a particularly special one for Barrett-Jackson – in more ways than one. More than 40 world records were set on Day 7 as Barrett-Jackson experienced its best Friday in history. The action kicked into high gear shortly after the doors opened with the day’s first $100,000 sale — and it didn’t stop until the last car crossed the block. The pace, the people and the enthusiasm were unprecedented, with continued record attendance.

The charity moments at any Barrett-Jackson auction are always exciting and often emotional, but it’s safe to say Friday in Scottsdale was off the charts, and undoubtedly one of the most significant in the company’s more than 50-year history. Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson and President Steve Davis drove the excitement and were joined by Danny “The Count” Koker owner of Count’s Kustoms, Shelby American President Gary Patterson, Carroll Shelby’s grandson Aaron Shelby, and the Executive Director of Camp Freedom Matt Guedes, as a 2021 Shelby Super Snake Count’s Kustoms Edition, with 100 percent of the hammer price benefiting Camp Freedom, Inc., brought in $350,000 and pushed The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions over the $150 million mark in funds raised for worthy causes since the company’s inception. As is tradition, all auction fees are waived for these important sales.

“We’re incredibly proud of this historic milestone that builds on the legacy my parents Nellie and Russ, as well as Tom Barrett, started more than five decades ago,” said Craig Jackson. “Over the years, the collector car family at Barrett-Jackson has supported more than 200 charities. Some of our most memorable auction moments have been the sale of charity vehicles, with the excitement that builds as the bids pour in. I want to thank our generous bidders and consignors for helping change countless lives over the years from the Barrett-Jackson auction block.”

Joining the Mustang for this momentous occasion was the day’s second charity car, a 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning 4×4 Super Crew Pickup. The special truck left folks cheering as the gavel fell on $275,000, with 100% of the hammer price going to the Fighter Country Foundation, which supports the men, women and families of Luke Air Force Base in Arizona.

“Raising over $150 million for charity is an amazing achievement worth celebrating,” said Carolyn Jackson, Chief Philanthropy Officer for Barrett-Jackson. “Equally important as the dollar amount, we look forward to continuing to raise funds and awareness for countless causes. I am truly astounded by the generosity of the collector car community.”

As the day progressed, exuberant bidders and auto aficionados filled the auction arena as just over 400 sought-after high-performance muscle cars, sleek supercars, powerful trucks and even a few never-before-sold-at-auction conversation-starters crossed the block. Six-figure sales kept the action in the fast lane, and the roar of the audience grew with each bang of the gavel.

Several sports, entertainment and automotive celebrities made an appearance at the auction today. DeAndre Hopkins, a wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, was in attendance to see his 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air cross the block, as was Michael Buffer, best known in the boxing world for his signature phrase, “Let’s get ready to rumble!” Buffer’s 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 went to a new home for $187,000. Other notable guests in attendance included Larry Fitzgerald, the legendary Arizona Cardinals wide receiver; Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons, both linebackers for the Arizona Cardinals; Chris Paul, the Phoenix Suns point guard; Monte Williams, the Phoenix Suns head coach; Richard Rawlings from Gas Monkey Garage, and actor and comedian David Spade.

Friday’s top sales included Lot #1070, a 1957 Ford Thunderbird convertible for a record-setting $495,000; Lot #1104.1, a 1967 Shelby GT500 “Gone In 60 Seconds” custom fastback for $440,000; Lot #4000, a 1968 Ford Bronco Custom SUV that set a new auction world record with its $434,500 sale; Lot #1044.1, a 1954 Chevrolet Corvette 235/150 convertible and Lot #1050.1, a 1977 Ford Bronco each selling for $385,000; Lot #1106.1, a 1946 Chevrolet custom Cab-Over truck for $330,000; and Lot #1041, a 1961 Chevrolet Corvette 283.270 convertible for $308,000.

The day began with the Automobilia Auction, where a large impeccable Ferrari neon dealership sign (Lot #9391.4) was the top seller, crossing the block for $95,450. Neon porcelain signs, always popular among collectors, stayed in the spotlight today, filling the other top slots with Lot #9396, a 1940s-50s Flying A Service animated neon porcelain sign that sold for $40,250 and Lot #9397, a 1950s Cadillac neon porcelain sign for $36,800. Kiddie rides were also popular, with Lot #9383, a 1960s Batmobile coin-operated kiddie ride, that sold for $33,350. The $32,200 sale of Lot #9383.1, a 1950s Chris-Craft Woody Speedboat coin-operated kiddie ride made waves as well.

Be sure to join us for what promises to be an off-the-charts Super Saturday! Some of the world’s most coveted and exclusive supercars will have their turn on the auction block, the winner of the Barrett-Jackson Cup will be announced, three more charity cars will raise funds for important causes and an impressive docket of world-class vehicles will go to new homes. You won’t want to miss a minute!