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.

[chachee52]

Originally Posted by gravelman

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.

I didn't get to see this boat on TV but I saw one at a boat show 2 years ago. Sweet looking, I don't know how well it goes in the water though?
As for the left hand drive, that's how boats were WAY back. It has to do with the direction of the prop I heard. It's a counter balance thing, so I was explained at one time.

[jcruse64]

I watch this on occasion, and think "what recession????" I realize many/most of these cars are very rare, but it seems like the auction goes on non-stop. A LOT of money being spent there .

Originally Posted by jcruse64

I watch this on occasion, and think "what recession????" I realize many/most of these cars are very rare, but it seems like the auction goes on non-stop. A LOT of money being spent there .

Yea I have the same feeling, and it is pretty funny to see that on Sunday the place is empty and the highest cars are going under 100,000.

[captain53]

Originally Posted by gravelman

Yea I have the same feeling, and it is pretty funny to see that on Sunday the place is empty and the highest cars are going under 100,000.

Yeah and that beautiful 57 Mercury Montclair was a nice buy at $50K.

[billybarue]

Originally Posted by jcruse64

I watch this on occasion, and think "what recession????" I realize many/most of these cars are very rare, but it seems like the auction goes on non-stop. A LOT of money being spent there .

+2! there is a whole lot of cabbage being spent on cars, when we are at very high unemployment rates. Kind of scratch my head. I don't follow prices closely, but my general feeling is prices are up.

Very eye-opening to see the commissions Barrett Jackson is getting.

As far as missed opportunities, I am sure everybody has one or two at least. I wish I still had my Buick 225 (deuce n' a quarter) from high school, or my Dad's '72 Eldorado, and I let a good buddy of mine dump his 64 GTO convertible shortly after college.

Of note I thought there were a couple late 60's/early 70's getting attention I haven't seen before - specifically the Buick Grand Sport.

After seeing the commission prices, I can see why Barrett Jackson has stayed in business. Clearly they are doing OK, but I really do like the charity auctions. The 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 went for $450,000!!! Everything over the sticker price went to Children's diabetes charity I believe - great thing. I liked the look of the 302, but the guts are amzing. Looks like Ford is concentrating on performance to counter the good looks of the new camaros and challengers - IMO.