From its small beginnings in the early 1960s as a car show and parade, the Barrett Jackson Car Auction has grown over the years to become one of the best events in the automotive world. Founders Russ Jackson and Tom Barrett initially held the event in order to help raise money for the Scottsdale Art Center and the local library. While the event has grown and changed throughout its history, it still remains incredibly charitable, raising over $100 million for charitable causes, mostly through the sales of donated vehicles.
As the world’s premier vehicle auction, the event draws car enthusiasts of all ages. Some of the world’s rarest cars have passed over the Barrett Jackson stage and this year is no different. The 2019 auction includes custom Chevy C10 pickups, retro Toyota Landcruisers, European supercars, classic American muscle cars and even cars built for movies. Though the auction prides itself on the rare and unique vehicles that come up for bid, don’t let that steer you away as a potential buyer. If you’re in the market for a tough-to-find vehicle, this is a great chance to find modern cars, luxury SUVs, Jeeps, and other vehicles at a great price.
For those who may not be in the market for a luxury car, the auction has plenty of chances to view some rare and unique vehicles. The auction lasts from January 12th through the 20th and cars are constantly cycling across the stage allowing for car buffs to admire them one at a time from the comfort of a seat. While the auction may be the primary focus, it is far from the only thing going on at Westworld Scottsdale. Here’s what you should know about Scottsdale’s Barrett Jackson Car Auction this year.
Other Events
The doors open up early Saturday morning, where attendees can grab food and drinks at one of the site’s many vendors. Throughout both Saturday and Sunday, attendees can wander around the facility and check out the numerous vehicles that will be up for auction. If you are in the market for something new, this is your best chance to decide what vehicles you want to bid on.
“Restoration Row” features live vehicle builds that occur during the show. Here, you can watch classic cars be restored in real time! New for this year are a number of educational opportunities in the way of science, technology, engineering and math available for younger attendees with dreams of working in the automotive industry.
The auction itself kicks off on Sunday morning, occurring from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout the rest of the week. During the day, major automotive manufacturers such as Dodge, Ford, and Chevy offer test drives of new vehicles to potential customers. If you’re looking for something a bit more exciting to break up your day, take a “thrill ride” with Dodge, where you’ll be in the passenger’s seat at the mercy of a professional driver.
One other must-see event for any car lover is the Behind the Hobby Collector Car Symposium, where you can listen to industry pros talk about cars in the auction, what’s new in the automotive world, and more!
Getting In
The event is held at the Westworld Events Center, located in the heart of Scottsdale, Arizona. Tickets for the full week start at $190 in advance or $195 at the door for adults, while children get in for $80 early or $95 at the door. There are senior discounts available too, but you’ll have to remember your valid ID.
If you’re just looking to go for the day, tickets for the day range in price from $21 to $80. Because of how the auction is structured, Friday and Saturday are the most expensive days. This is when the best cars in the auction come up for bid. Thankfully, the event offers a variety of tickets, including some that are only good for just the evening at a discounted price.
2019 is Shaping up to be the Best Year Yet!
In 2019, the Barrett Jackson Scottsdale auction will have over 1,800 cars up for auction with no bidding reserve, shattering last year’s 1,600. A quick preview of this year’s inventory is sure to light up the eye’s of any car enthusiast with everything from an off-road ready 6×6 Mercedes Benz to a Pontiac Trans-Am that was one of only 1,300 or so ever produced. In between, there are hundreds of classic muscle cars, exotic race cars, and even boats.
There are multiple cars up for auction with the proceeds going to charity, including a custom 1981 Jeep CJ7. Funds raised from this Jeep will go to the Gary Sinise Foundation, which honors U.S. defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and others in need.
Conclusion
As the home of the original Barrett Jackson Car Auction, Scottsdale is a premier destination for any car lover. The city will be bustling with rare and exotic cars, industry professionals, and fellow car enthusiasts. This is one of the best events in the automotive world and has plenty of fun offerings outside of the auction itself. A trip here is well worth it, no matter how far you need to travel.