Barrett-Jackson's Annual Auction Event

The World's Most Prestigious and Anticipated Collector Car Auction and Event

By Pragya Pradhan / Photos by Barrett-Jackson/Alstrin Photography

They may not conjure the magical powers of Dorothy's ruby slippers, but they'll surely take you back in time. Barrett-Jackson collector cars are valued not only for their rarity, but also for their nostalgic appeal. Car collectors take pride in owning a piece of history, while auction shows impress crowds with old fashioned steel on wheels.

Of the many attractions Scottsdale is known for, Barrett-Jackson's Annual Auction Event is definitely buzzworthy, having contributed approximately $96 million to the Valley's economy through a single event. "People from around the world fly in to Scottsdale for our event--staying at hotels, eating at restaurants and buying goods and services," says Craig Jackson, Barrett-Jackson's chairman and CEO.

What began in 1971 as a fundraiser for local charities has grown over the years into the world's most prestigious and anticipated collector car auction and event, according to Craig. Co-founded by the late Russ Jackson, his wife Nellie Jackson and Tom Barrett, the Barrett-Jackson partnership, now run by the Jacksons' son, Craig, is a beehive of activity attracting over 300,000 spectators including high-profile collectors such as Cindy McCain and many movie and music stars.

From auctions to entertainment and shopping, the Barrett-Jackson Annual Auction Event offers automobiles and much more. "The event has something for everyone," says Jamie Orrico, Barrett-Jackson's senior marketing manager. "We have the lifestyle pavilion and also various vendors selling jewelry, fashion products and paintings."

The lifestyle pavilion gives attendees a variety of shopping options and an upscale experience including anything from cooking to boating opportunities. The night life scene, known as The Garage, keeps viewers entertained with fashion shows and much more. The event even includes a family value day, offering children fun activities and discounted tickets.

Nellie Jackson

Executive Director Nellie Jackson and her late husband Russ Jackson began their journey into the world of collector cars by chance when they discovered a 1934 V-12 Cadillac Opera Coupe in a junkyard while on vacation. This was one of the first automobiles to spark Nellie's interest in cars.

When the couple made Scottsdale their primary residence, they joined the Classic Car Club of America, where Nellie moved up from treasurer to regional director of the club. She was the first woman elected to hold this position.

In addition to being its co-founder and executive director, Nellie is also known as the "Matriarch of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company." Nellie's passion for collector cars was made apparent by the 1937 Cadillac V-16 limousine she owned back in the '60s. In 2004, she received the Meguiar's Treasure of the Collector Car Hobby Award at the Hollywood Kodak Theatre, adding further prestige to the Barrett-Jackson name. In August 2009, Nellie celebrated her 90th birthday among friends and family. To this day, she remains an avid collector and a vital part of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company.

Nellie isn't the only woman with a special place in her heart for cars. "While more of our bidders and consigners are men, there are certainly women who appreciate the hobby and the pure love of owning a classic car," Craig says.

Edie Arrowsmith, owner of ArrowLane, a company involved with racing and car restoration in Scottsdale, is one such woman. Arrowsmith participates in vintage car races and recently placed first in her group at the Coronado Speedway. Her company also houses some Barrett-Jackson vintage cars.

In addition, the Barrett-Jackson Annual Auction Event in Scottsdale boasts its only woman auctioneer, Amy Assiter, who won the title of International Auctioneer Champion (IAC), Women's Division, in 2000.

A Lucrative Affair

The Barrett-Jackson Annual Auction Event has gained popularity for its display of classic, modern and futuristic cars as well as its designer fashion shows, automotive memorabilia auctions and sponsor exhibits. It has contributed to local charities such as the American Heart Association, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and Childhelp, which assists victims of child abuse and neglect.

Barrett-Jackson's charity scene owes much of its success to Linda Pope of Giving Hearts Foundation. "[Linda] is one great woman who has really helped drive our 'Drive the Dream' gala that benefits Childhelp each year," says Craig. Barrett-Jackson's charity galas have raised millions in the past. "In 2009, our Scottsdale auction alone raised $4.4 million for Childhelp," adds Craig.

The 38th annual Scottsdale auction in January brought $63 million in sales, which exceeded the industry's expectations. Some of the automobiles featured included a "first production" 1955 Ford Thunderbird that fetched $660,000 and a 1929 Ford 4-AT-E Tri-Motor airplane that sold for $1.21 million. This historic airplane was hit by bullets during the World War II surprise attack at Pearl Harbor and had recently been repaired and restored to its original form.

The most expensive car ever sold at Barrett-Jackson's Annual Auction Event was Carroll Shelby's Twin-Supercharged 427 Super Snake Cobra, which sold for over $5 million. Other vehicles sold in the past included what many considered one of the most famous post-war Bentleys ever built, a Pace Car driven by Jay Leno, a 1985 Live Aid concert car signed by Ozzy Osbourne, the Beach Boys and other artists, and the Batmobile from the movie "Batman Returns."

Besides its live auction scene, Barrett-Jackson also sells via the Internet to online bidders, raising millions in sales. It even provides cars sold at set prices in its Showroom Pavilion. While the company is headquartered in Scottsdale, it has expanded its horizons, offering events in Las Vegas and Palm Beach, Fla. Barrett-Jackson has a no reserve policy, which means the highest bidder buys the vehicle. Experienced auctioneers open the bid and set the scene, adding their individual style to the auction event.

From its founders to its auctioneers and bidders, Barrett-Jackson attracts a diverse presence of men and women with one thing in common--a profound passion for cars. But Craig points out that there's more to it than that: "Of course it always starts with the cars, but Barrett-Jackson is more than just an auction; we offer a true lifestyle event," he says. "It's also a fulfillment of the American dream and our love affair with automobiles."

Pragya Pradhan is a frequent contributor to Phoenix Woman magazine.

Barrett-Jackson Website