Is anybody else watching the Barrett-Jackson automobile auction? I cannot seem to stop watching, and I am a car enthusiast. There have been some real beauties this year...classics, muscle, and really odd rarities!! :-)
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I lost interest as it seems to always be on when I turn on speed. Plus they are running the auctions tonight instead of the usually live coverage of Supercross so I am not a happy camper.
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The auction kind of depresses me. It reminds of a missed opportunity I had back in 1987. A one owner 1970 Plymouth AAR Cuda with 30k original miles in perfect condition for 7000.00. I passed.:-) It was a beautiful orange too.

Larry
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Well John I can see your disappointment in that, Arenacross is coming here in a few weeks and I can't wait! Great sport for sure!

I would love to have a cuda like that, they have great lines and such a nice stance.
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Oh man, just reading this makes my stomach tie in knots--what a beauty of a car, and what a miss!
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Been watching it all day.
Pretty disappointing compared to previous years auctions :-)
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I agree! :-) The past years have been great and there have been a ton of great cars going for huge amounts. I was also a little disappointed in them having Bret Michaels up there all night. I wanted to see more action and less talking from Bret. O well :-)
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Been watching this off and on the last couple of days. I'll get a little more today now that I'm home for a bit. Try to watch it every year to see what the prices are doing. From what I saw, the custom hotrod seem to be picking up a little from the last couple of years.
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I watched portions of it and dvrd the whole thing!! I love these auctions.
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This and Mecum.
Enjoy them both.
Dream to some day attend one and walk away with a toy.
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Buyers really pay top dollar with juice added. Does B.J. charge seller comissions too?

I get sick of watching American Cars one after another...
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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.
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Im pretty sure they get 10% on every car, and it seems this year they have paused mid-sale to explain more about the car trying to drive the prices up instead of just letting it flow.
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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. :-)
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Both Buyer and Seller pay Barrett-Jackson Commissions in addition to consignment and registration fees:

To sell a vehicle at Barrett-Jackson, the Consignor is responsible for an entry fee as well as a Seller’s commission of 8% of the hammer price. The entry fee is determined by day and time of your Lot entry and includes tent space.

Buyer Registration Fee Scottsdale - $500
On-site Buyer's Premium:10%
Absentee Buyer's Premium: 12%
On-site Automobilia Buyer's Premium: 15%
Absentee Automobilia Buyer's Premium: 17%
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I drove past the auction site last nite on my way to Dinner and a Club w/ my wife. The tents were packed but security seemed awfully scant. The cars were nice though :-)
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Thanks for the clarification, and the realization that Barrett-Jackson is making far more than I previously thought. :-)
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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.
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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 :-).
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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.
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