Top 10 Cars to Watch at the 2014 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction
When it comes to American collector car auctions, none are more famous than the Barrett-Jackson franchise. For over four decades the company has been helping collectors get their hands on highly sought after and highly priced machinery.
Although auctions now occur in Las Vegas, Reno and Palm Beach, the Grand-Daddy of all them is still the original Barrett-Jackson event in Scottsdale, Arizona. Ready for its 43rd iteration, some of the most exclusive and expensive automotive history will once again cross the auction block starting this coming weekend (January 12-19). Here are the top ten vehicles we’re most excited to see at the upcoming Scottsdale auction.
It is not often the collector car community cares about muscle cars with replacement engines, but this 1972 Oldsmobile is different. Being an ultra-rare W29 442 Convertible model, the original 350 cubic inch Rocket V8 engine was pulled in 1977 and replaced.
What makes this car rare is the Hurst dashboard and gear shifter as well as the two tone interior. But what makes it something special is the fact it was once owned by the late, great actor James Gandolfini.
We think Tony Soprano would have approved.
Although this is just one of many ‘official’ pace cars being sold at this year’s auction, the 1969 Camaro stands out from the pack for several reasons. Aside from the classic white with hugger orange racing stripes, this SS Camaro is equipped with the RS package, a 4-speed Muncie transmission, a 350 hp 396 cubic inch V8 and of course a soft top.
This is the prototypical 1969 Camaro in all its glory.
Simon Cowell has a lot of money; stupidly high amounts really. So it should come as no surprise he would buy a custom Bugatti Veyron, drive it 1,300 miles and then turn around and sell it. The car comes with a brand-new set of tires which should last a week if the new owner decides to use all 1,000 hp.
Best of all, the car actually comes with a one-year warranty from Bugatti.
In the early 1960s Carroll Shelby created the King Cobra; a mid-engine race car designed to take things a step further than his current Cobras. With four wheel disc brakes, four wheel independent suspension, a five-speed manual and a high revving small displacement V8, the King Cobra came with all the right hardware.
These cars are incredibly rare and incredibly sought after. Expect a high price tag here.
On a controversial episode of the reality show Fast N’ Loud, the Gas Monkey Garage crew bought a famously written-off Ferrari F40 that they planned to rebuild. But building it back to spec wouldn’t be enough, the crew wanted to make the F40 better than the original.
Using Ferrari certified technicians, the car was put back together piece by piece while receiving minor upgrades here and there. Will the car bring in at least the $900,000 Richard Rawlings claimed he was offered on his show? We will all have to wait to find out.
Here is a chance to own two pieces of racing history. In the early 1970s Mattel began a campaign to promote the company’s Hot Wheels brand with the creation of two Funny Car dragsters; the Plymouth Barracuda ‘Snake’ and Plymouth Duster ‘Mongoose’. Racing head to head all across America, these cars were sold in toy stores nationwide.
Although the Duster is a recreation commissioned by Mattell, the Barracuda is an original car that has undergone a full restoration. Oh, and they both do come with a matching, vintage haulers.
The winning bidder of this car will get the first retail version of Chevrolet’s most insane Camaro to date. Packing a LS7 V8 engine, 305 mm wide near race tires all around and race tested suspension components, this car is serious business. It is a shame that this car will most likely never turn a wheel in anger, though as it is destined to be a garage queen.
The good news is all proceeds from this auction will go to benefit Cornerstone Schools in Detroit. Expect another astronomical price tag here.
Even at auctions the Mustang/Camaro rivalry lives on. The winner of this auction will get to custom order the first retail edition of the 2015 Mustang. Which pony car will command a higher price? We are leaning towards the Mustang as it is an all-new model and not just a new trim option.
Like the Camaro, all proceeds from this car’s sale will benefit charity; the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in this case. Sadly, this car will most likely never be driven either.
Not only is this Mitsubishi EVO the star of a widely popular movie franchise, but it was also piloted during 2 Fast 2 Furious by the late Paul Walker. Already set to pull in a decent amount of money, Walker’s recent untimely death will most likely push the number higher as fans and collectors alike will want to get their hands on this car.
Speaking of recent tragedies, whether Michael Schumacher is still in the hospital or not during the live auction later this month, his near death experience should raise the price of this historic Formula 1 race car. Aside from this unfortunate turn of events, this is a legitimate Formula 1 machine raced by Schuey all over the world. Imagine showing up to the motorsports country club while your cocky friend is showing off his brand new 458 Speciale, and then you unload this badboy?
A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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Does anyone know what station is covering this i can find it on the guide anywhere??
Apparently there were 4 of the Evo's built ...