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2005 Barrett Jackson Scottsdale Auction
By: Drew Phillips
Photos by the author
February 15, 2005

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Last year we touted Barrett Jackson's Scottsdale Auction as the most successful ever. A year later, we're saying the exact same thing. This year's auction was bigger, longer, and more cars were sold than ever before. Even an extra day added to the schedule could barely contain all the cars to cross the block - 878 to be exact, all of which were sold at no reserve. The sales record of $38,520,722 of the previous year was completely shattered by this year's amount: $61,687,526. Attendance was also up about 15% from last year, as an estimated 200,000 people came to watch the cars being sold. At one point, the entrance to the auctioning tent had to be closed down because there were too many people. "The success of this year’s auction sets an on-going trend clearly demonstrating that the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction is the premier event to buy and sell the finest quality cars in the world," said president Craig Jackson. "We set more world records this year than at any other auction in history."

Some of the more desired cars were the custom hot rods built by legendary designer Boyd Coddington. A few of his creations that were put up for auction included the 1936 Delayahe "Whatthehaye" Street Rod that sold for $540,000, and a 1957 Chevrolet Belair "Chezoom" Custom that sold for $372,600. Other hot rods that commanded high prices included a Viper-powered 1936 Chrysler Airflow 2-door coupe that went for an incredible $550,800 and a custom 1956 Chevrolet Nomad designed by Chip Foose that sold for $324,000.

Muscle cars have always had a strong presence at Barrett Jackson, and this year was no exception. Buyers could bid on anything from Shelby and Boss Mustangs to Hemi Cudas, Superbirds, and 454 Chevelles. Some of the more notable cars to be sold include a 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda that is the second one ever built. With a recent complete restoration, the car sold for $329,400. Other high sellers included a 1968 Shelby GT500 KR Convertible ($224,640), a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS LS6 Convertible ($324,000), a 1970 Plymouth Superbird Hemi ($307,800), and a 1969 Baldwin Motion Phase III GT Corvette ($226,800).

The main excitement of the five days came during prime time on Saturday night when a 1954 Oldsmobile F-88 Concept Car was brought up on the block. The F-88 was built as a more powerful version of the Corvette with some similar styling features, but ended up not making it to production due to slow sales of the Vette. Three were originally created, but this example is the sole survivor. The car had been previously sold for $500,000, and had even been recently offered for as low as $200,000. When the bidding started, however, the bids quickly exceeded $1 million and kept going as everyone in the main tent erupted in cheers each time the bid was raised. The high bid eventually reached $3 million, and the final selling price was $3,240,000.

Depending on your perspective, there are a variety of ways to look at this year's Barrett Jackson auction in Scottsdale. On one hand, the high bidding and insane prices offered some pretty good entertainment for those watching inside the tent or on the couch back home. On the other hand, there's the issue of the event getting too large. During peak hours, it was literally impossible to move anywhere inside the tent, and finding a seat was out of the question for those without a bidders or guest pass. With the high prices and crowds, those interested in seriously bidding on cars might consider the Russo and Steele or RM Auctions that occur during the same time in Scottsdale. But for now, Barrett Jackson will remain the king of car auctions.