Although outside temperatures have cooled, there will be plenty of heat inside this year’s collector car auctions, as Barrett-Jackson, Mecum and other auction companies kick off the 2012 season. Thousands will gather in Scottsdale, AZ and Kissimmee, FL the last two weeks in January to watch their favorite cars roll onto the auction block. As the year progresses and bidding intensifies, there will be some big winners, and others that don’t quite meet expectations. Only time will tell who will come out on top, but car enthusiasts are sure to see impressive automobiles, and equally impressive price tags.
Car Highlights
So, what cars will make news at this year’s auctions? With icons like Ferrari, Duesenberg, and Cobra on the auction block, winning bids will certainly be well into the millions. However, for any of this year’s contenders to take home the coveted title of “highest amount ever paid at any car at auction,” their price tag will have to exceed $16.4 million dollars.
A diverse collection of vehicles will cross the stage during the two-week extravaganza in Arizona and Florida. Many of these automobiles showcase distinctive aspects of our American culture. For example, at Gooding and Company, Herbie the Love Bug, which appeared in the Disney film “Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo,” will be auctioned. Not to be outdone, Barrett-Jackson will auction The General Lee, a 1969 Dodge Charger Bo and Luke drove in the Dukes of Hazard television series.
For serious, muscle car buffs, Barrett-Jackson offers a color-matching pair of Boss 302 Mustangs. The highest bidder for the 1969 Boss autographed by Parnelli Jones will be taking home a 2012 Boss at no extra charge. Russo and Steel will auction the last 1970 Chevelle SS LS6 with a monster 454 engine, which is underrated at 450 HP. Bidders at Mecum’s auction get a chance to buy a piece of racing history – a 1961 Corvette Gulf SCCA National Champion.
If you are a bidder looking for a one-of-a-kind collector car, you are sure to find what you are looking for in one of the many auctions held throughout the year. As a spectator, the opportunity to see so many spectacular cars in one place will be impossible to resist, and will keep you coming back year after year.
Car Event Schedule
January Auctions
-Barrett-Jackson Auction Company – January 15 through January 22 in Scottsdale, AZ
-RM Collector Car Auctions – January 19 and January 20 in Phoenix, AZ
-Gooding & Company – January 20 and January 21 in Scottsdale, AZ
-Russo & Steele Collector Automobile Auctions – January 18 through January 22 in Scottsdale, AZ
-Mecum Auctions – January 24 through January 29 in Kissimmee, FL
February Auction
-Atlantic City Classic Car Show & Auction – February 24 through February 26 in Atlantic City, NJ
March Auction
-Mecum Auctions -March 29 through March 31 in Kansas, MO
April Auctions
-Barrett-Jackson Auction Company – April 5 through April 7 in Palm Beach, FL
-Mecum Auctions – April 13 and April 14 in Houston, TX
-Auctions America – Spring Car Show, April 25 through April 29 in Carlisle, PA
May Auction
-Mecum Auctions – May 15 through May 20 in Indianapolis, IN (during Indy time trials)
June Auction
-Barrett-Jackson Auction Company – June 22 through June 24in Orange County, CA
September Auction
-Barrett-Jackson Auction Company – September 20 through September 22 in Las Vegas, NV
October Auction
-Auctions America -Fall Car Show at Carlisle, PA, October 3 through October 7
Sources:
Barrett-Jackson
Mecum
RM
Gooding & Company
Carlisle
Russo and Steel