Sales Total $68 Million at 2010 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction

The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company recorded more than $68 million in total sales during the 39th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale last week. The total is an 11 percent increase from Scottsdale 2009. Top sellers included a 1929 Hamilton Metalplane H-47 for $671,000 and a 1964 Shelby Cobra that brought $478,500. Hailed as “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions(TM),” the 2010 Scottsdale event featured nearly 1,200 collector vehicles all for sale at No Reserve and nearly 40 hours of live, high-definition TV coverage on SPEED.

The weather in Arizona had little impact on the auction, as no cars were damaged and all vehicles crossed the block as scheduled. Despite the inclement weather of significant rain and wind and the associated challenges, more than 180,000 people braved the elements to attend the automotive lifestyle event.

“Even with the worst weather the Phoenix area has seen in decades, buyers, sellers and visitors from across the country enjoyed another incredible Scottsdale event,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “With an 11 percent increase in sales, we showed that buyers have confidence in the market and are choosing Barrett-Jackson as the source to add to their collections. What a great way to start the 2010 auction season.”

The top 10 cars sold in Scottsdale include:

— 1929 HAMILTON METALPLANE H47 SERIAL #65 AIRPLANE – $671,000 (Lot #1307)
— 1964 SHELBY COBRA ROADSTER – $478,500 (Lot #1317)
— 1963 SHELBY COBRA ROADSTER – $401,500 (Lot #1303)
— 1935 CADILLAC SERIES 40 FLEETWOOD IMPERIAL CONVERTIBLE – $302,500(Lot #1265)
— 2011 FORD MUSTANG GT GLASS ROOF COUPE – $300,000 (Lot #1295.1)
— 1970 PLYMOUTH HEMI SUPERBIRD 2 DOOR HARDTOP – $286,000 (Lot #1289)
— 1952 WATSON ROADSTER CUSTOM BY BLASTOLENE – $280,500 (Lot #1292)
— 2008 FORD MUSTANG FR500S FASTBACK RACECAR – $275,000 (Lot #1027)
— 1970 FORD MUSTANG BOSS 429 FASTBACK – $275,000 (Lot #1283.1)
— 1967 FORD MUSTANG CUSTOM FASTBACK – $253,000 (Lot #1287)

“Barrett-Jackson remains the heartbeat and bellwether of car collecting,” noted Steve Davis, President of Barrett-Jackson. “From events like our downtown city of Scottsdale Road Rally and Ford Family Value Day benefiting Cox Charities to on-site ride and drives and various exhibitors, people come here to celebrate the automotive culture and the passion of the hobby. But most of all, they love Barrett-Jackson because it’s all about the cars. And with nearly 1,200 vehicles all selling at No Reserve, this year’s docket was our best ever.”

New bidders continue to make Barrett-Jackson their launching pad, with 40 percent of them first timers. The consignor pool continues to have fresh faces, as 35 percent were selling at Barrett-Jackson for the first time.

“The influx of new buyers and consignors at our events is why there is such a diverse mixture of cars at Barrett-Jackson,” explained Davis. “Our top ten list includes a blend of classics, muscle cars, customs, new model year collector cars, Cobras and even an airplane.”

Away from the auction block, the Barrett-Jackson lifestyle experience in Scottsdale was stronger than ever. Sponsors Ford and General Motors hosted their popular ride and drives, while The Garage at Barrett-Jackson(TM) sponsored by Stone Rose Lounge provided an exclusive setting with drinks and music for attendees. The evenings found The Garage at Barrett-Jackson packed with late night revelers enjoying this on-site hot spot. It was also the venue for fashion shows, which have become a popular segment of the Barrett-Jackson event. Auction goers were also treated to collector car seminars, health screenings, cooking demonstrations inside the Scottsdale Fairmont Lifestyle Pavilion and celebrity appearances by Lee Iacocca, Carroll Shelby and Jordin Sparks, among others.

On a social media front, Barrett-Jackson experienced a phenomenal 27,125,000 page views beginning one month prior to the event and including auction week. The company also added nearly 4,000 Facebook followers, 700 Twitter followers and 700 forum members during the same period.

“From ethics and transparency to social media initiatives, Barrett-Jackson will continue to fuel growth and build trust in the collector car hobby,” added Jackson. “This is a vital period in car collecting, where buyers and sellers are smart, well informed and know exactly what they want. With the market strong and the hobby more popular than ever, it certainly is an exciting time to be in the game.”

Barrett-Jackson has begun accepting consignment applications for its 8th annual Palm Beach auction. The event will be held at The Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds April 1-3, 2010.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions(TM)” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla., Las Vegas and Orange County, Calif. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance offering for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.