Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction

Photos by Denise Schultz

Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction opens today with family value day benefitting Cox Charities.  Last year, over $4 million money was raised at the eight day event to benefit charity.  Russ Jackson and  Tom Barrett auctioned their first cars in 1967 at the "Fiesta del Auto Elegance" and began using the Barrett-Jackson name to international car buyers in 1971.  Craig Jackson, Coronado High School graduating class of 1979, took over in 1997.  Over 250,000 spectators, including 2,500 registered bidders are expected to attend this year's auction at WestWorld in Scottsdale.  The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe pictured here will be one of the cars to cross the auction block, airing live on SPEED, with internet bidding.  Barrett-Jackson has achieved an international reputation as the premiere luxury collector car auction.  Over 1,000 cars will be sold, and the event is full of additional entertainment such as music, nightlife, fashion shows, demonstrations, and ride and drive opportunities.  Other car auctions also take place in or near Scottsdale this month, such as the Russo and Steele, Gooding and Company, RM Auction, Bonhams, and Silver Auctions.  But only the Barrett-Jackson auction will sell the original Batmobile, driven by Adam West.  "Holy jackpot, Batman!"  Barrett-Jackson