WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - March 29, 2010 - Barrett-Jackson has created a diverse docket of world class collector cars and unique experiences for the 8th Annual Auction in Palm Beach. This year's auction is already at capacity and will feature a fantastic selection of muscle cars, hot rods, sports cars, resto-mods and classic cars that will all be sold at No Reserve from April 1-3, 2010.
SPEED will provide live, high-definition TV coverage of all three auction days at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds.
"Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction Week officially kicked off last weekend in Florida and our auction this week promises to be one of the most exciting, diverse and interesting events for car collectors on the east coast," said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. "Our Palm Beach event has a distinctive character all its own with thrills and experiences that simply can't be found anywhere else in the world."
Late Model Muscle
The Palm Beach event will feature three exclusive current production cars. Barrett-Jackson will sell the concept car for the new Barrett-Jackson Edition ROUSH Mustang (Lot #649.1), the first of 500 retail 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition coupes (Lot #678) and the #350 serial number 2011 Shelby GT350 (Lot #663.1).
The Corvette Z06 Carbon is a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Corvette's first race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The first retail unit will be up for bids and the car features Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, Michelin PS2 tires, Magnetic Ride Control and enhanced cooling. Black headlamps and mirrors, a ZR1-style body color spoiler, body color door handles, carbon fiber raised hood, and black carbon fiber rockers and splitter enhance the design and reduce mass and aerodynamic lift.
The highest bidder will also be given the opportunity to travel to GM's Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich., to watch the car's engine being hand-built. They can also watch the car going down the line at the famed assembly plant in Bowling Green, Ky.
"Decades from now, people will remember the moment that someone captured one of these cars," noted Steve Davis, Barrett-Jackson president. "This is a chance to not only own a piece of history, but to be woven into that car's unique story."
ROUSH Performance(r) and Barrett-Jackson recently teamed up for a limited edition, high-performance version of the Ford Mustang. The concept vehicle will be auctioned to the highest bidder on Saturday, April 3; the car will be painted with a base of metallic "Back in Black" with "Red Hot Chili Pepper" stripes on the front using the smoking hot Planet Color Barrett-Jackson Collector Color Series paints. This car will be the model for a run of up to 25 units based on the 2010 Mustang, and an additional 25 units on the 2011 chassis.
This car represents the first time that ROUSH will completely re-paint a Mustang from front fascia to rear bumper. Customers ordering the car, or the ROUSH authorized Ford dealerships that inventory a unit, can custom order both the base coat and the side stripes in any combination from the 25 available Planet Color Barrett-Jackson Collector Color Series paints. The Barrett-Jackson Edition ROUSH Mustang will sport 540 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque under the hood and 20-inch chrome wheels with high-performance tires. ROUSH also tuned the suspension for a race inspired ride.
One of the most exclusive cars will be from Shelby American. The company will sell the serial number "350" 2011 GT350 with a host of additional items. These special bits include a one-off plaque designed by Larry Wood, the "Hot Wheels" guru who helped design the 2011 GT350, delivery of the car to the winning bidder in Las Vegas with a personal factory tour and driving lessons at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, pace car graphics from the recent "Shelby American" NASCAR race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, #350 Giclee of the NASCAR race program with the GT350 and a Carroll Shelby signed program from the race. In addition, Mr. Shelby plans to personally test drive the car, autograph the dash and take a photo with it.
"The dash plaque will truly be unique," explained Davis. "Not only with 'Mr. Hot Wheels' designing it, the badge will carry both the Shelby American and Barrett-Jackson logos, the date of the event and the name of the winning bidder, much like the optional plate offered by Ford with the Mustang in 1965. Shelby also plans to use sapphires for the Cobra eyes on the plaque to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the GT350."
The Shelby GT350 is a post title program; a customer purchases a car from a local Ford Dealer, which is turned into a GT350 by the Shelby American team. A limited number will be built in the 2011 model year and the supercharged pony car has been enhanced with razor sharp handling, incredible braking and huge horsepower.
"Because production of the 5.0L Mustang GT will begin about the same time as the auction, we're selling the rights to serial number 350," added Davis. "The GT350 will be built in Las Vegas when the base car becomes available with a host of important options. This will truly be a special, milestone collector car."
A Hobby with a Heart
Another Barrett-Jackson tradition is the company's efforts to help charities use this unique forum to raise funds. In 2009, the company helped raise $6.6 million for non-profits through its three collector car events and has already helped raise $4.5 million this year. A pair of racecars to be sold at the Palm Beach 2010 event will be of particular interest to collectors.
Over the past several years, the Darrell Gwynn Foundation has auctioned cars at Barrett-Jackson with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting its programs. This year, Lot 661.1, a replica of the 20th Anniversary Coors Extra Gold top fuel dragster driven by legendary NHRA champion Darrell Gwynn in 1990 will be sold to benefit the charity. Before the collector car auction starts, the Foundation will give a wheelchair to a deserving child.
"We originally auctioned this amazing car in Scottsdale earlier this year," noted Davis. "For the first time in history, the dragster was auctioned three different times and ultimately donated back to the Foundation. Long time supporter Ron Pratte first purchased the car, followed by Bill Gannon and lastly Joe Riley. Joe donated it back to help the Foundation reach its goal of raising one million dollars through the promotion of this car. We want to help the Darrell Gwynn Foundation continue this quest and keep the momentum going."
Lot #633 is a 1990 Ford Thunderbird built by Junior Johnson and raced by Bill Elliott. It will be sold to benefit the Stocks for Tots Foundation, which is committed to raising awareness for child abuse prevention and parenting.
The racecar was driven in several NASCAR Winston Cup events. Purchased directly from Junior Johnson after it had been completely rebuilt, the Thunderbird was prepared by Mike Beam, the crew chief for the team in 1991 and 1992, to the same standard as an original team car.
"This race car is significant for many reasons," noted Don Miller, retired president of Penske Racing South and chairman of the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame. "It's symbolic of a time when Bill Elliott was at the zenith of his career and Junior was at the height of his ownership. It's rightfully secured its place as an icon in Winston Cup history. We're grateful to Barrett-Jackson for giving us such a great venue to auction this amazing race car and help support abused and neglected children of the Carolinas."
As sold, the car had a fresh rebuilt engine, transmission, rear end, brakes, shocks and the suspension parts were inspected as race ready. It is complete with a racing ignition system, fuel cell, fire system, seat, safety belts, 650hp NASCAR race engine, dry sump oil system, oil cooler, rear end cooler and all required NASCAR race equipment. According to the consigner, this car could be raced today with normal service.
"This car has a great history," stated Jackson. "It was sponsored by Budweiser and raced by the famous Junior Johnson Race team. The T-bird competed in a number of events including Michigan, Darlington, Pocono and won at Atlanta in 1992. It was driven by one of the most popular drivers of all time, 'Million Dollar Bill' Elliott. Because this car was fully race prepared by the original Junior Johnson team, it does not require rebuild, repair, paint or any additional parts in order to compete. Having the original team engine, brakes, body and safety equipment is of great value to anyone who wants to use a car like this in club races."
The Pony Car Wars Re-ignite
Few cars become an icon the day they roll off the line. Despite being conceived as a fast answer to Ford's immensely successful Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro had every ingredient it needed to be an instant classic.
"The Camaro really turned the muscle car wars upside down when it was introduced," explained Davis. "On paper, it was just a response to the Mustang. But in reality, it was a thorough rethink of the performance coupe and convertible. It offered so much performance and swagger from the factory for the money that it's easy to see why it has become a genuine collector's item today."
When GM reintroduced the Camaro a few years ago, the company ignited a passion for the previous generation pony cars. 40 Camaros will be offered during the weekend's auction festivities. The variety stretches from great drivers with interesting histories, highly-optioned, restored examples, ready for show, all the way up to tasteful and creative customs.
Lot #647.1, a 1968 Camaro Z/28 coupe, comes with its original numbers matching 302, a close ratio Hurst four-speed, incredibly rare firewall induction system and a 12-bolt posi-traction rear end. It is documented with its original Protect-O-Plate and it has been thoroughly detailed with a recent powertrain restoration. It would make an ideal addition to any significant Camaro collection.
Lot #669, an attractive Rally Green over black '69 Z/28 coupe, recently scored 993 out of 1,000 points at the Classic Chevrolet International and Worldwide Camaro Club gathering. Numbers-matching and meticulously restored, this Camaro also comes with its original window sticker.
Another hot car is the Daytona Yellow 1969 Camaro RS/SS coupe, Lot #649. Its distinctive paint color made it a AACA First Place winner (badge included with sale). A frame off restoration, done to a competition-ready level, makes it one of the best 1969 Camaro's on the planet. It's not just a looker, though; a properly sorted 396 matched to a Muncie four-speed makes it a real driver, as well.
Lot #659.3 is a "dream come true" for a muscle car enthusiast seeking a custom muscle car. The orange coupe rides on an Air Ride suspension and features a professionally built 454 big block, a four-speed and a set of Wildwood power disc brakes.
GM's high-performance 427 found its way into a number of Camaros in the 1960s, but none looked quite like Lot #688.1, a 1968 custom coupe. Cranking out 500 horsepower, this coupe seems stock until the driver hits the gas pedal. A four-speed Muncie transmission puts the power to the ground, with 20-inch rear and 18-inch front black-painted mag wheels and power reclining bucket seats.
One of the leading resto-mod Camaros available in Palm Beach is Lot #677, a sleek silver on black 1967 Camaro Pro Touring coupe. Dubbed "Project Silverback," this Camaro is a one-off street machine that underwent a rotisserie restoration with several modern upgrades both inside and out. This Pro-Touring Camaro has the ultimate blend of classic looks and modern technology to turn heads on the auction block.
Hot Rods Rule
Hot Rods are an American institution and are well represented at this year's event. For example, Barrett-Jackson will sell five 1932 hot rods alone.
One of the most exciting is Lot #629.2, a 1932 Ford 3 window custom coupe that was professionally built with Ravon body and chassis. The car has a 383cid Chevy small block with a supercharger and two 4-barrel carburetors, Turbo 400 transmission with 2800 stall converter, Ford 4-link 9" rear end and power windows. Hued in red with flames, the Ford also features front disc brakes, Weld wheels, tilt column and Autometer gauges. It's a super street rod that would be equally at home in a car show or cruising Woodward Avenue.
Corvette Paradise
Barrett-Jackson has once again packed the Palm Beach lineup with an amazing group of America's favorite sports car, the Corvette. Every generation, from C1 to C6, are represented. A few that are sure to catch the eye of collectors include a stunning red 1959 Corvette convertible (Lot #670.1) custom convertible, a big block 1967 Corvette coupe (Lot #660.1) and a 1971 Corvette LS5 convertible (Lot #689) with its matching numbers 454/365hp LS-5 big block. A Jay Leno show, 1 of 1, 2007 coupe (Lot #353.2) with special badges and documentation will also be sold.
A stunning pair of big block Corvettes are very noteworthy. Lot #660.1 is a red 1967 with matching numbers on all mechanical components. The big block coupe had a meticulous quality frame-off restoration as well. Still wearing its original GM Trim Tag, it's a genuine 427cid/435hp coupe with side exhaust, F41 suspension, 3.70 posi-traction and M21 4-speed. A special ordered high performance classic, all information has been authenticated by an NCRS master judge.
Lot #660.2 is 1967 big block convertible Corvette. Like the coupe, it's the real deal and has also been meticulously restored. A rare factory red and black 427cid/435hp roadster, it features matching numbers on all mechanical components. It too has been authenticated by an NCRS master judge.
Euro Offerings
Seven Austin-Healeys, half a dozen Ferrari's, seven Jaguars, a pair of Alfa Romeo's, two Aston Martins, 18 Mercedes and a quintet of Porsches will be featured at the Palm Beach event. The "European sheet metal" spans the decades and runs the gamut from exotics to open air sports cars.
Lot #660 is a 1956 Austin-Healy 100 BN2 converted to Le Mans specifications by a dealership in the 1950s. The car has benefitted from a full frame-off comprehensive restoration with the dual color scheme of Gun Metal Gray over Saint James Red. The interior is finished in Red Ox Blood vinyl with matching English wool carpeting and black armachord. New black vinyl top and tonneau cover fitted to the car with original side curtains. The engine has been rebuilt.
Resto-mod Poster Child
The concept of a resto-mod is simple: take some of the best performance and comfort technology of modern cars and combine those attributes with the timeless, classic style of vintage cars. That was the idea behind Lot # 670 one of the most interesting cars scheduled to cross the block at Barrett-Jackson. Dubbed the "Mad Vette," it is a resto-mod 1957 Chevrolet Nomad equipped with the reliable, smooth performance of a 1995 Corvette.
"Barrett-Jackson has been on the forefront of the resto-mod scene and this is another great example," said Davis. "It combines a great Corvette powertrain with the eye candy of one of the world's favorite designs, the '57 Nomad."
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.