Barrett-Jackson Car Auction

Originally Posted by captain53

I also agree the quality of cars is way down this year as are most of the prices despite the commentors claims. I have watched this thing continuously for several years mostly because I really like seeing the unusual and beautiful cars - that 58 Impala Convertible on Friday was some kind of nice piece of work!

But all that said I have for a long time (along with many others) been convinced the whole thing is a scam with ghost bidders all over the place and the fact that consigners are allowed to bid up their own merchandise thus overcoming the touted "no reserve auction". Also the prices are generally far above the going prices for most of the vehicles except the rarest of rare. That Ferrari of Rick Hendricks last night went for at least $20-30K above the going price for similar ones.

The thing also has an ill effect on those trying to buy older cars on the normal market because people see that show and think they can get those kind of prices for their old stuff - as much as I loved that 58 Impala and as fine as it was restored $180,000 is way out of reality.

And then there is the 10% fee charged to both buyers and sellers - what a rip! Oh well Tim the Tool Man and Jay Leno can handle it.

Either way though it is fun to watch, I have seen all but a few hours of the thing.

Wow you make a couple great points...and I did hear the announcer say at one point that a fellow was not a bidder...meaning that he was not able to bid on his own car, which is exactly why they took the reserve away, and whose to say his friend isn't sitting in the crowd bidding in case they don't get the price they are looking for. They could just take it home and try again later.

And you mentioned the price increase for all other cars who watch this...I have seen this in my area with people who think they have BJ quality cars, when really they're not even close in quality.

I did enjoy the Corvette boat however, it looked very clean, and it was kinda funny to see the driver's wheel on the left side in a boat.