Barrett-Jackson Auction

If you have ever had the honor of attending a Barrett-Jackson auction in person you will second what I have to say here... New cars have NOTHING on these classics from years gone by. The vehicles that are auctioned at one of their events have been reviewed and researched, cleaned and re-cleaned, and are only allowed on stage if they are the absolute best of the best.

Some of the paint jobs of these cars cost more than a base model new car. The real money spent on these cars goes into the professional automotive trades, and most of the time are not recouped upon the sale of the car. The people who are offering these cars are true fanatics (crazy fans) who do it for the love of the genre as much as for the thrill of the car. A lot of times the car is being sold only so that cash can be freed up for their next project. Join me in saying a big "Thank You" to the people who keep the epitome of car art and culture alive by bringing these cars back to, and beyond, the beauty of showroom!

Autopartstomorrow

P.S. Just because someone has a vehicle that is the exact year, make and model as one they see on the Barrett-Jackson runway does NOT automatically mean they should be able to sell it for the same price. Take that car, add 10,000 hours of labor and love... then bring it back and we will talk.

What's Your Favorite Muscle Car?

Ask this question to a group of mixed Gearheads and you can step back and listen to the arguing for a week or so... and even though the debate can get heated at times, they will all thoroughly enjoy the "discussion".

Loosely defined, a Muscle Car is basically an American car manufactured in the late 1960's with more emphasis put into the cubic inches of the motor and horsepower output than design elements or interior comforts. The funny thing is, we have come to view those cars as some of the most beautiful ever designed.

This article from the auto editors at Consumer Guide describes some of the configurations available. Basically, which ever vehicle you chose was bound to provide a great adrenaline filled rush to every driver that eased into the vinyl covered seat behind the steering wheel. If you doubt the love some people have for these cars, just check out the Barrett-Jackson auctions on the Speed Channel this weekend.

Autopartstomorrow

See Through Car

I have to admit to an addiction I have recently adopted... watching Barrett-Jackson auctions for hours at a time. I doubt I will ever be like the guy this weekend that bought seemingly every car that came across the stage, but I will admit to envy. This weekend the cars were of the mild resto-mod form where they were fully restored, but not exactly to specs. Like the 58 Woody that was spotless, had an entirely new interior true to the original in many ways and a new fuel injected V8. It sold for less than $30K and will probably provide years of head turning drive time for it's eventual owner... all for much less than a dime a dozen used Cadillac Escalade. Don't get me wrong, I love Escalades, but you must admit that a restored Woody will absolutely get more stares than the most perfectly maintained new Caddy.

There is however a line that I would draw in the type of car I would purchase. While I absolutely see the benefit and investment potential of museum showpiece one of a kind cars, I wouldn't buy one if it couldn't be driven. Take for example this stunning plexiglass 1939 Pontiac that was created for the Worlds Fair. It is absolutely a car that would stop everyone in their tracks, but it does not need to be driven. It needs to be in the Petersen Museum in Southern California for people to see. Check out this blog for the cars specifics and if you are interested, where and when it will be auctioned off next month. Since there is only one you can bet it will go for a large figure... but I won't be bidding.

Autopartstomorrow