While scrolling through our TV channels I found that the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auto Auction in Scottsdale is are being televised live to us in Orlando on the "Speed Channel". Have yet to see Ruth Ann and Ray buying their new fleet of collector cars but I'll keep watching as time permits.
Isn't cable great?
Steve
We were there Tuesday for opening day .... it was amazing - they start the auction off with the 'less than' cars on opening and then each day they auction off better and better cars .... but ALL of the cars to be auctioned are on the property under gigantic outdoor tents and the multi-multi-multi thousand dollar weekend auction cars are in an inside 'tent' where the auction area is attached. We walked thru all of the tents and looked at all of the cars .... not one word can describe how incredible some of those cars are. The weather in AZ is crystal, crisp, dry and the perfect setting for those amazing machines. Bonus entertainment is the tent full of vendors who sell everything from auto memorbilia to diamond jewelry to fabulous lighted garage flooring ... Walking at a pretty brisk pace we were able to cover the grounds, but definetly did not SEE everything. Next year we are going to buy the event pass, but probably go every other day ... it is way too much walking .... they do rent golfcarts, but that's pretty inconvenient to keep hopping in and out to look at the cars.
The first few cars that were auctioned off were definetly bargained priced ..... there are no reserves ... some of them went for pennies on the dollar .... this economy is not a boon for those who are selling ... but the buyers are stealing them. Buying a BJ car is strictly for those of us not on a budget. First you have to register to buy - which is a $500 nonrefundable fee .... then you have to have either a Letter of Credit, or cashiers check, or predeposited funds. BJ gets a 17% after hammer fee, plus the buyer has to pay the local sales tax ... turns out the car can cost almost another 25% after hammer. Too rich for my blood.
But it is the ultimate car show. Those of you who have been know what I'm saying ... I know that BJ is now is different cities - we have one up in Orange County coming in March and I think there's one in Las Vegas in June, but I just can't imagine there is a venue that can showcase these cars half as well as the original Scottsdale location ... as a matter of fact, even though I think it would be a fabulous carshow I just can't muster up the enthusiasim to go - I'll wait for next years in AZ again
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Here's the whole deal: Ray said there were too many of the cars to just pick one - he would like to have a stable. JetBoy said he had great appreciation for all of the cars, but couldn't find one that had his name on it. And in all honesty ...... there wasn't one there that was prettier to me than Lola.
I think I'll keep her.
BTW .... not an inexpensive car event to attend .... $25 pp admit ... $20 catalogue .... $20 valet ...... $9 hotdog .... and it just goes up from there ... I got cool in the afternoon and bought a long sleeve T-shirt - $54 .....
We're really looking forward to this little trip -
