The Barrett-Jackson car auction, held at WestWorld in Scottsdale, Arizona, was packed with bidders and spectators Saturday night as a field of dream cars took center stage. Many of the cars, such as the Corvettes and Shelbys, sold well into the six figures. However, this was the night that the old timers would show the young upstarts of the ’60s and ’70s who’s boss.
There was an array of stellar performers, but the star of the show was the 1948 Tucker Torpedo. The Tucker successfully took on all challengers, young and old, leaving no doubt that he could compete with the best-of-the-best, and this time come out a top.
1954 Mercedes – 300SL Gullwing Coupe
This 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing held everyone’s attention as it glided on stage. The silver sports car, with its signature swing-up doors, became the first car of the auction to reach a bid of $1,000,000. However, bidding didn’t end until the gravel went down at $2,000,000.
1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow
Pierce-Arrow was one of the more stunning automobiles of the evening. Hard to forget for its impressive styling, the final price tag was equally unforgettable. It sold for $2,000,000.
1954 DeSoto – Adventurer II Coupe
This red futuristic one-of-one concept car topped out at $1,200,000. Who would have thought we’d be thinking, “it only sold for $1.2 million.” Still, it wasn’t a bad showing, particularly considering its competition.
1947 Bentley Mark VI Coachworks
When you see the 1947 Bentley Mark VI on stage, it is easy to understand why it won over 50 prestigious awards over the years. It was a big winner again tonight, bringing in an astounding $2,500,000.
1930 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Town Car
This 1930 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Town Car had the potential to break the million dollar mark. Although the price rose quickly on this stately limousine, the bidding stalled at $950,000.
The Big Winner: 1948 Tucker Torpedo
As the blue Tucker Torpedo rolled onto the auction block, there was a sense that something big was about to happen. The audience was not disappointed. This car, which was one of the 51 Tuckers ever built and the first to be sold in more than a decade, quickly passed the million dollar mark. The audience was routing for The Tucker to beat the previously high bid received by the 1947 Bentley, and it did. The final bid for the Torpedo was $2,650,000. I’m sure Preston Tucker would have felt somewhat exonerated by tonight’s showing. His vision of a better car came out on top in an undeniably elite group of cars.
Sources:
Author Attended 2012 Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale
2012 B-J Auction Event Catalog: “Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions”